Bumping this thread, as I have information to add, plus I would like to have this actually answered. I have tried re-downloading Java, restarting my computer, and restarting the browser, and none have worked. Plugin Checker still says I need an update...

Firefox is still looking for Version 9 to be installed... if you only have Version 10, it will disable it and say you need to install Java and go get Version 9.

FF will also show you're out of date unless you have Version 10.

I don't know if the fault is with FF for not checking for the right thing.... or Oracle for not showing 10 on the right page.... in some way, it's seriously hosed.

What I stumbled into is: If you have both 9 AND 10 installed, FF is happy.

See Java Platform > Java SE 7U10 or Java 6U38 (Download JRE)

• http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/index.html

There may be problems with Java 7 Update 10 since a number of Windows users have reported that Firefox is not detecting the plugin and they have had to reinstall Java 7 Update 9. I would hold off on updating to the latest Java 7 u10 for a while. Related threads:

• https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/944191
• http://forums.mozillazine.org/viewtopic.php?f=38&t=2628935

Java 6 Update 38, on the other hand, is working fine with Firefox on my Windows 7 system.

So....what should I do here, download it, or not? Because I would like everything to be up to date and working properly...

Plus, the link given shows a TON of versions. I run off of Windows Vista, so which download link do I pick?

Also, Alice, I read that link to Mozilla Support you posted, and it's still incredibly confusing for me. Yes, I am a bit 'slow', so I'm not really getting a clear answer as to what I should do. I kinda need a step-by-step on what I should be doing, if I should be doing anything right now.

(Last post before I wait for others to answer) I guess in short, what I'm saying is that everything sounds like a load of techno-babble, meanwhile I just want to know if I should do anything right now, and if so, STEP-BY-STEP instructions on how to do it.

Like I said, I'm not all that quick on the draw, nor am I good with computers and their terminology.

@Ponyparty, I'm right there with you (utterly lost). When I checked for plug-in updates yesterday, I had no idea that it would turn into such an ordeal. But everyone on the forum has been incredibly helpful. I'm sure we'll get this figured out eventually. :)

ponyparty, Here's what I would do:

If you want to stay secure and you need Java, download the full, Offline installer for Java 7 Update 10 and make sure you close Firefox and other browsers before running the installer.

If you then have problems with Firefox not detecting the Java plugin I would uninstall Java 7 and install Java 6 Update 38 which is included on the link cor-el posted:

See Java Platform > Java SE 7U10 or Java 6U38 (Download JRE)

• http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/index.html

However, this isn't a permanent solution since Java 6 updates will end at the end of February 2013. Ref: http://kb.mozillazine.org/Java#Java_downloads

If you don't need Java, you should simply disable the Java plugin in the Firefox Add-ons Manager plugins list, for now, and try updating Java the next time to need it.

AliceWyman, which is the full offline installer for Vista? Is it in the box labelled " Java SE Development Kit 7u10" or another box? And is it the x86 version, or x64?

Bumping this topic...

Hello?

which is the full offline installer for Vista? Is it in the box labelled " Java SE Development Kit 7u10" or another box? And is it the x86 version, or x64?

I'm with you folks...same thing here. :( First thing I do everyday is check my plugins, I also like to install when it is convienient for me. 2 days ago it was Shockwave Flash....tried, and tried numerous times...finally gave up. By the end of the day when I checked it-it was fine: everything was up-to-date. I log on yesterday, and spent the entire day messing with Java; deleting and then trying to login in here. That is most of 2 days shot, just because of some glitch? geesh I've been around computers now long enough to figure most things out...never had a decent computer class, much less any programming skills....I'm self-taught, by trial and error....for almost 25 years now. Is it possible to just check it out? Otherwise, I'm just going on my way...and leave it...Please look into this?

Same here Bunnygal, especially since I seem to be getting mixed answers on if I should download it or not.

But seriously, that's what I'm trying to find out. Guys, DO NOT give me technobabble or a "yes, but..." or "no, but..." answer. SHOULD I DOWNLOAD THIS UPDATE, OR SHOULD I NOT DOWNLOAD IT? If so, which is the full offline installer for Vista? Is it in the box labelled " Java SE Development Kit 7u10" or another box? And is it the x86 version, or x64?

I am honestly getting frustrated that nobody is giving actual instructions or a straight yes or no answer..

ponyparty,

When you go to http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/index.html click on the JRE download button:

• For Java SE 7u10 the JRE download button goes to http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/jre7-downloads-1880261.html -> click on Windows x86 Offline 29.99 MB jre-7u10-windows-i586.exe

• For Java SE 6 Update 38 the JRE download button goes to: http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/jre6u38-downloads-1877409.html -> click on Windows x86 Offline 16.2 MB jre-6u38-windows-i586.exe

ponyparty,

The x86 package is for 32-bit Windows - WinXP, Vista, and Win7.
The x64 is for 64-bit versions of Windows - XP, Vista, and Win7.

_{EDIT: You need the x86 package (32-bit version of Java) on both 32-bit and 64-bit Windows to use the Java plugin for Firefox, which is a 32-bit browser. The X64 64-bit Java is only needed for 64-bit browsers, if you use one. Ref: http://kb.mozillazine.org/Java#Java_downloads aw}

The JDK version is for Developers, you want the JRE version. The Development Toolkit plugin comes with both versions, but that plugin is really only needed by people developing for Java.

As far as if you should update right now, my answer is NO. From what I am reading the U10 version is messed up and is not installing the Firefox required U10 plugin. Not sure if Oracle didn't update it for Firefox, or if some users are missing the registry key needed for Firefox to locate the new plugin.

the-edmeister is right about needing the JRE but he is mistaken on which Java to install ( x86 or X64). You need the x86 package (32-bit version of Java) on both 32-bit and 64-bit Windows to use the Java plugin for Firefox, which is a 32-bit browser. The X64 64-bit Java is only needed for 64-bit browsers. Ref:

• http://www.java.com/en/download/faq/java_win64bit.xml
• http://kb.mozillazine.org/Java#Java_downloads

Quote from MozillaZine's Java article :

You can also download an offline installer using the "JRE" download link on Oracle's Java SE Downloads. Important! Even if you have a 64-bit OS, make sure you select the 32-bit JRE since 64-bit Java won't work with 32-bit applications and, at time of writing, all released versions of Firefox and SeaMonkey are 32-bit. The 64-bit JRE can be installed in addition to the 32-bit JRE but it is only needed if you use a 64-bit browser; for example, 64-bit Windows 7 includes both 64-bit and 32-bit versions of Internet Explorer (32-bit is the default).

For more information, read:

• http://kb.mozillazine.org/Java#On_Windows

Solved for now.

@ponyparty, What did you do? (I'm using both versions for now.)