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Java SE 6 on Yosemite?

I just updated my mac to Yosemite and the following message keeps popping up "To open 'this Java application' you need to install the legacy Java SE 6 runtime." No matter if I click "ok" or "More Info..." (the only two options) it keeps coming up. Is there some way I can find out what app is triggering the message or fix the issue?

Posted on Oct 16, 2014 6:11 PM

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Posted on Oct 16, 2014 6:33 PM

Java 8 is the recommended version for Yosemite: http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/jre8-downloads-2133155.h tml



Choose this one:


User uploaded file

204 replies

Jan 22, 2015 8:25 AM in response to Joaquin Gravel

Yes, this fixed my issue as well, but what a bunch of crap to get there! First this page-link was blank. The page shows up in some browsers, not others. If you do download and install there are warnings about security. It would have been considerate if Apple had set a simple, working link or at least a pre-Yosemite install warning to fix a problem affecting so many users. Maybe they were running short on dough😕

Jan 22, 2015 8:30 AM in response to shrinktofit

It would have been considerate if Apple had set a simple, working link or at least a pre-Yosemite install warning to fix a problem affecting so many users.

There's no reason to do that since just about every vendor is trying to eliminate the need for Java at all. Both for apps or for use in a web browser. Apple stopped installed any type of Java runtime with the OS back in Mountain Lion.


Adobe has eliminated it for the CC apps, with the possible exception yet of Dreamweaver. The CC version still needs Java 6 installed. I haven't tested to see if the CC 2014 version still requires it. All the rest of their apps have been rewritten to eliminate the need for Java.

Jan 22, 2015 11:14 AM in response to Phannatic

YES! Phannatic's method totally worked for me, running Illustrator CS6 on Yosemite and getting the "java se 6 runtime" message when trying to open AI. Thank you!! Thank you!! Got it to run using Java 8 (vers 1.8.0_31) and DID NOT have to install Java 6!! Just make sure you download the JDK (developer's kit) and not just JRE.


Thread Summary:


Basically a lot of people are getting a "You need to install legacy Java SE 6 runtime" when opening applications in Yosemite like Photoshop or Eclipse. I can't speak to other apps, but it seems Adobe products work with this method. Some other solutions I found were way too technical and did not work for some people. I wasn't too excited about installing an older version of Java alongside 8 given the known security issues. This solution allowed me to download Java 8 and use it instead of Java 6.

Jan 27, 2015 9:48 AM in response to Chris Endo

I absolutely agree, installing an old and less secure version of Java isn't the best solution. The fix that Phannatic shared was one that I also found here: http://stackoverflow.com/a/19594116/2652785 But unfortunately for me, the /Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines/ folder is empty!


Thankfully, there’s an even easier workaround posted here by commenter ‘eric3k’: http://oliverdowling.com.au/2014/03/28/java-se-8-on-mac-os-x/comment-page-1/#com ment-4


Create empty folders at “/System/Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines/1.6.0.jdk” and “/System/Library/Java/Support/Deploy.bundle”. Don’t ask me why it works, but it does! Illustrator CS6 finally launching for me on Yosemite.


I’ve sent feedback to Apple asking them to fix the issue properly, and encourage others to do the same: https://www.apple.com/feedback/macosx.html

Jan 27, 2015 9:47 AM in response to Kalsta

I absolutely agree, installing an old and less secure version of Java isn't the best solution.

It makes no difference. The flaws would only matter in your web browser, and Java 6 creates no connection whatsoever to them. It's only used where needed on the system for the older Adobe apps, X-Rite's ColorPort, or other third party apps that require Java 6.

Jan 27, 2015 9:54 AM in response to Kurt Lang

Kurt, you rebuked another commenter for repeatedly posting the same thing. We get it, you think installing Java 6 is the way to go, end of discussion. Some of us are looking for a solution that doesn't feel quite so dirty. The one I linked to worked for me. It's quick, simple, requires no downloads, and ensures Illustrator is using the latest version of Java. I can't see a problem.

Jan 27, 2015 10:13 AM in response to Kalsta

I'm not rebuking your response, I'm just noting it isn't necessary. Installing Java 6 from Apple is simply the easier solution. But if you'd rather use the other method, it makes no difference to me.


The previous "rebuke" didn't have anything to do with Java 6, which is the only reason I posted the response to Joaquin. That link was just a note on Apple's site to get the latest version of Java from Oracle. Hence, it's no help to those who need the older version.

Feb 4, 2015 3:23 AM in response to Kalsta

Kalsta wrote:


Thankfully, there’s an even easier workaround posted here by commenter ‘eric3k’: http://oliverdowling.com.au/2014/03/28/java-se-8-on-mac-os-x/comment-page-1/#com ment-4



Thanks for pointing it to one of the easiest workaround ever!! Didn't need to install Java 6 SE or Apple's own Java pack.


Just do the commands (copy and paste each line at a time):


sudo mkdir -p /System/Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines/1.6.0.jdk


sudo mkdir -p /System/Library/Java/Support/Deploy.bundle


My Adobe Fireworks CS3 started up fine! 🙂

Feb 4, 2015 9:31 AM in response to Bill H.

None, actually. The only real security threat with Java on the Mac is having Java enabled in your web browser. While Java 7 and 8 from Oracle will automatically turn Java for your browsers on when installed, Java 6 will not connect to your browsers in Mavericks or Yosemite. Its use is limited to apps which need it.


You can test that here. Note that the site shows no active Java software for my system:


User uploaded file


I have Java 8 installed, but disabled for any web browsers in the System Preferences. And despite no visual control for Java 6, which I also have installed, the site doesn't even know it's installed. So as far as the testing site is concerned, Java is completely disabled for my browsers.


But the Terminal trick above appears to be just as good as installing Java 6. It makes the older apps happy that need 6 (or can at least be fooled into thinking it's installed), and is then one less piece of software to add to your system.

Feb 5, 2015 6:15 AM in response to Pico2006

(Translation for Italian portion)


Repair failed


To complete the process you need to install Java SE 6 on your computer.


The message is noting that it recognizes that Java 8, version 25 is installed, but is not finding Java 6, which the app requires. However, you note that you've already installed the Java 6 package from Apple's site. There is no other version 6 to get, so that would be the correct one.


Sony's site does indeed state Java 6 is required phone software updates. You could try reinstalling Java 6. Also try uninstalling the Sony software and reinstalling it. If neither of those works, it's possible the software needs to be updated to work properly in Yosemite. Contact Sony and see what they say.

Java SE 6 on Yosemite?

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