How can I patch both x86 and x64 versions of Java on an x64bit machine?
Our machines need both the x64 version of Java and the x86 version so Java can be used in both versions of the browser on our Win 7 x64 machines.
Trouble is, that kace detects a java install in the following way.
Java(TM) 6 Update 30 (6.0.300)
Java(TM) 6 Update 31 (64-bit) (6.0.310)
which is OK, but we don't want our install labels checking on version number, we only want to check if Java is installed for x86 or x64.
So we use custom inventory to check if 64bit reg key is there and c:\program files\Java\jre\bin\java.exe exists.
For 32bit we do the same but checking on c:\program files(x86)\java\jre\bin\java.exe.
This works great and our new imaged machines deploy both java versions and everything runs flawlessly. However a patch task on Java seems to upgrade the 64bit version, remove the 32bit version and not delete the 32bit files.
The net result is that 64 gets upgraded and the machine is left with no 32bit install. However it also leaves the files behind. So our custom inventory item still thinks 32bit is installed and no new install of 32bit is performed.
In short, patching Java removes the 32bit version from the system, which is bad.
How are other people addressing this?
Answers (2)
Hi Dogfish,
This is easily possible with 1 Patch Label. You do not need a custom inventory to check for x64. The KACE detects for both x86 and x64, natively.
I have the same requirement as I have Windows 7x64 computers where Users need to be able to use both x86 and x64 versions of Java. This is how I have mine setup and it updates both versions, doesn't delete anything.
Simply create 1 patch schedule that includes the Java full installers (Full/Upgrade) for both versions and then just the Updates (Update) for both versions.
When your Detect and Deploy Patch Schedule rus, it will detect whatever version you have and deploy an update or use the Full part of the installers to install the full version. You need to configure your KACE to download "software installers" for this work, not just updates.
Hope that helps,
-MayorBloomberg
You need to make 2 separate patch labels one that targets the 32bit version and another one for the 64bit version. If you treat java 32bit and java 64bit as 2 independent installs then the patching schedule will work. Make sure the patch labels target the updated patches and not the full upgrade ones as well. Got this working on Win7 64bit.
