How do I completely remove Java from High Sierra

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Level 1

88 points

How do I completely remove Java from High Sierra

I don't seem to be able to completely remove Java from High Sierra in order to install the older version. The legacy version is required for Dreamweaver CS5. I've follow the directions on the Apple discussions regarding the Terminal commands, but I still get the same error.

I've run the following commands, as suggested in support articles, but I still get the error shown above.

sudo rm -fr /Library/Internet\ Plug-Ins/JavaAppletPlugin.plugin

sudo rm -fr /Library/PreferencePanes/JavaControlPanel.prefPane

sudo rm -fr ~/Library/Application\ Support/Java

The only Java files I can still find are in system\library\java but they can't be deleted, even with Admin rights. I tried logging on in Safe Mode but ran into the same error.

Does anyone know which files are causing the error and can be deleted? I'm dead in the water with Dreamweaver until I can resolve this and install the legacy version of Java.

MacBook Pro with Retina display, macOS Sierra (10.12.2), Late 2016 with Touchbar

Posted on Oct 22, 2017 12:11 PM

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Answer 1

Barney-15E

Level 10

113,578 points

Oct 22, 2017 1:55 PM in response to BocaBoy

That version will not install on High Sierra. The error has nothing to do with what you have installed already.

Apple may have finally pulled the cord on Java, or the installer needs an update to work with High Sierra.

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Answer 2

BocaBoy Author

Level 1

88 points

Oct 23, 2017 4:52 AM in response to Barney-15E

Barney, I don't believe that's correct. The legacy version was running fine under High Sierra until, like a dope, I fell for the Java update. Dreamweaver CS5 needs that legacy version to run. For whatever reason, the newer version breaks the software. Have you seen a technical bulletin from Apple that says otherwise?

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Answer 3

BocaBoy Author

Level 1

88 points

Oct 23, 2017 1:54 PM in response to BocaBoy

I wanted others to know that I resolved this problem by first disabling SIP, then using Pacifist to install the legacy version of Java. It's a shame that it's so difficult to do what should be simple, but nonetheless, this will work for High Sierra, and presumably earlier versions of OS X as well.

Google "disable SIP Mac" for instructions on how to temporarily turn off SIP. Google "Pacifist software Mac" for the download location of the software. Pacifist is shareware and the author requests $20 if you decide to keep it on your drive.

When you run Pacifist, you'll be presented with a lot of requests to overwrite files in user/bin. I answered "yes" to all of them to complete the installation, then re-enabled SIP. Dreamweaver is now working correctly.

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Answer 4

Lanny

Level 6

13,207 points

Oct 22, 2017 12:21 PM in response to BocaBoy

If you're in the Seed program (beta), seek your answer in the Seed discussions.

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Answer 5

BocaBoy Author

Level 1

88 points

Oct 23, 2017 4:50 AM in response to Lanny

Lanny, re your suggestion, I've posted the same question over on the Appleseed forum.

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Answer 6

Barney-15E

Level 10

113,578 points

Oct 23, 2017 6:50 PM in response to BocaBoy

BocaBoy wrote:

Barney, I don't believe that's correct. The legacy version was running fine under High Sierra until

I didn't mean to imply Java 6 wouldn't run, just that the installer doesn't work.

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Answer 7

Lanny

Level 6

13,207 points

Oct 23, 2017 7:01 PM in response to Barney-15E

When I last tried it, the Java 6 installer does work with 10.13.0, it just doesn't work with the 10.13.1 beta, and too many people are using the beta and are reporting their issues in ASC.

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Answer 8

BocaBoy Author

Level 1

88 points

Oct 24, 2017 4:38 AM in response to Lanny

I agree that the problem seems to have started with the 10.13.1 beta. I filed Feedback about it yesterday before I disabled SIP and ran Pacifist.

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