Java for Mac OS X 10.6 Update 3 broke SPSS - it cant find JVM anywhere

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http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2621077

Seems to indicate others have had to make some workarounds with the Java update for other reasons. If that doesn't help, restore your backup, and report to SPSS the difficulty.

Welcome to Apple Discussions,

hminkfox wrote:
Has anyone any idea why this update has made it impossible for SPSS to locate Java Virtual Machine and what I can do to fix it? SPSS 18 for Mac (AKA PASW) no longer works!

My guess would be they don't have the Mac OS version up to the new specs yet.

I tried installing 1.5.0 and changing Java preferences to make it the top of the list and nothing.

Ouch! You can't install a previous Java over the top of the old one. Java installs files deep in the bowels of the OS.
Best thing to do at this point is to use your backup. If you don't have one make one now. Then erase your hard disk and re-install. When you startup in Setup Assistant migrate back as little as possible. Your own documents should be fine.



-mj

See this user tip if it is necessary to remove the update:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1308817&tstart=10

Edited to correct tip link.

Message was edited by: a brody

What type of backup is it and is it 10.6?



-mj

Well, SuperDuper makes bootable backup clones and highly regarded and recommended.

Not to have all your eggs on one hard drive, having two backup sets is preferable as well. In a pinch, a large drive with basic OS system volume and another (350% your internal drive capacity) for TimeMachine.

If this was Windows, you'd have a checkpoint and be able to restore to earlier system config; uninstall; even rollback a driver. Being this is Mac OS, a bootable clone is next best, and you can boot Mac OS from multiple drives with same installer.

Making or updating a backup then takes 15 minutes and you are set to go and have a safety net.

hminkfox wrote:
It's a mybook and WD anywhere?

No, I meant how you made the backup. Is it a clone, as The Hatter mentioned or is it a Time Machine backup or is software that came with the drive?



-mj

Message was edited by: macjack

MyBook's automatic backup software frequently has version issues with the Mac operating system and needs to get updated. You can remove the built-in backup software on the Mybook and use another software in the future. In the meantime, I'd find out from Western Digital if there is a way to workaround their backup software to mount the drive and see if the backup is visible. You can use some restore software titles* like Data Rescue to see if they can see the MyBook. Regardless, having a good drive from http://www.macsales.com/ that has no backup software on it is a better deal than the MyBook.

- * Links to my pages may give me compensation.

Message was edited by: a brody

Additionally, some WD ext HDs can't boot Macs. Also, WD doesn't support those that can. Details at http://wdc.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/wdc.cfg/php/enduser/stdadp.php?pfaqid=1059

I have the same problem exactly. I have no idea what has gone wrong. I installed the PASW 18 software on my iMac and it works fine. I'm not sure what to do next. Maybe go back to an older version of SPSS.

You're not alone in the problem with SPSS - I've an assignment due in today and after the Java update yesterday, I can't draw graphs either.

I don't think this is an issue that can easily be resolved with Apple/IBM resolve the issue - there was a previous compatibility issue with SPSS (PASW) 17 and Snow Leopard.

I've also tried going back to Java 1.5, but no success; I've also tried to get back to previous 1.5 via my TImeMachine, but it appears the version of Java and the preference panel are incompatible. HELP!

See http://hints.macworld.com/article.php?story=20100123192950640