Java Not Showing In Programs

[JazzPurr]

Hello!

I used to have Java on my computer. Or I thought I did. My mom plays the Pogo games and they require Java, and she plays them without problem (usually). I would also get occasional notifications of updates -- or read about critical updates at Corrine's blog -- and download/install them without trouble.

Well, recently I noticed the critical Java update mentioned at Corrine's Security Garden site. So I went to do what I normally do in such cases: I click on the (Windows 7) start button, go to Control Panel, then Programs (as I recall -- it's been a while) and would see Java listed there somewhere. I would open that and have it check for updates and proceed from there.

But this time I couldn't find Java listed. Nor is it listed in the Programs list. Nor is it listed in my RevoUninstaller program.

Also, when I go to Start > All Programs > Java (folder) I see About Java, Check for Updates, Configure Java, Get Help, Visit Java.com. I click on Check for Updates and get the ol' "the item javacpl.exe shortcut that this refers to has been changed or move and won't work properly" box. ???

I don't recall ever uninstalling Java, since, as I say, my mother uses it (as far as I know) on her Pogo games. But why can't I find it anywhere in the programs list? How to I update it to keep from having a vulnerable version? How do I uninstall it -- if so desired -- in order to reinstall the most recent Windows 7 friendly version?

Any assistance would be most appreciated.  :-)

Scott

[Corrine]

Hi, Scott.

You could start by searching your computer for javacpl.exe to see if it was accidentally moved from the folder.  If that doesn't help, download the appropriate offline version from here:  https://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/jre8-downloads-2133155.html.  You still need to watch for prechecked options when installing the offline version.

Let us know how you make out.

[JazzPurr]

Whew! Mission complete!  :)

The file wasn't only moved. It was missing entirely. I downloaded Java (using the Java SE Runtime Environment 8u202 option instead of the 8u201; I hope that was right). Everything went off without a hitch.

Thanks for the help!

[Corrine]

As long as 8u202 works for your Mom 's game, it is fine.  Thanks for letting us know the problem is solved (and thank you for following my SecurityGarden blog!)