Java 1.3.1 and 1.4.2 Release 2 (#3): System-wide freezes when browsing; Reverting to an earlier Java release; more

System-wide freezes when browsing Users continue to report significant issues with Apple's Java 1.3.1 and 1.4.2 release 2 for Mac OS X 10.4.2. The most pernicious and widespread issue is a stability lapse occurring within Safari and other browsers that leads to a complete system freeze in most cases.

We've received dozens of reports indicating the same behavior -- a stall in Safari when accessing certain Web sites that usually leads to a complete system freeze accompanied by the unending "spinning beach ball" progress indicator.

MacFixIt reader Rob Allen writs:

"We have a 12 inch 1.33 GHz G4 iBook running Mac OS X 10.4.2. We let the software update install the Java 1.3.1 / 1.4.2 release 2 that just came out and now both Safari 2.0.1 and Firefox 1.0.5 break at certain websites. Sometimes this effect is severe, as reported to you by Michael Robertson yesterday, causing not only the browser to go non-functional, but the finder to crash as well, necessitating a power button shutdown as he described. "

Eric Straubmuller adds: "I too have been having the problems since the download of the Java update. The browser freezes while surfing the web for awhile, then it crashes the Finder completely. It's been happening to me all day and driving me nuts." I use a 17" iMac G4 800mHz 1GB RAM, and a MacMini 1.42GHz 512 MB RAM, and it happens on both machines running 10.4.2. Hopefully this will be resolved soon!"

jim Ostlund corroborates:

"Since updating to the new Java update (Java 1.3.1 and 1.4.2 Release 2), Safari will occasionally hang and it also hangs OS X. The only way to recover is to reboot. I have cleaned all the Java caches using the Java utilities. Have not done anything with the 'plist' area yet. "

Finally, Marc Giller identifies a specific site that generates the problem on his system:

"I discovered I had the same freezing problems when using Firefox--so this appears to be a cross-browser problem related to the Java update. Specifically, it seems to happen only on certain web pages. In my case, the Fox News website caused Safari and Firefox to freeze out my entire system, forcing a hard shut down by holding down the power button."

Reverting to an earlier Java release Like a number of other key Mac OS X components, an easy method for downgrading to a previous release is elusive for Java 1.3.1 and 1.4.2 Release 2. The best bet for a comprehensive uninstallation that eliminates all remnants of the release is to perform an Archive and Install procedure than apply appropriate Mac OS X and security updates, but refrain from re-installing the Java update via these steps:

1. Make a full backup of your current Mac OS X installation
2. Perform an Archive and Install, via the following steps: insert your Mac OS X CD or DVD.. Restart your machine and hold down the "C" key to boot from the newly inserted disc. Follow the on-screen instructions, and after accepting the license agreement, click "Options." Select "Archive and Install," and check the "Preserve User and Network Settings" option.
3. Bring your installation back up to the point of revision right before you started having problems. This means applying the Mac OS X 10.4.2 Combo Updater (available through Software Update) and any Security Updates released since the pressing of your Mac OS X retail disc.

For more details see our tutorial on reverting to an earlier version of Mac OS X.

Device interface issues Meanwhile, users continue to report issues with the Java-based interfaces for routers and some other devices -- yesterday we noted problems with the Cisco PIX Device Manager 3.0, now one reader reports problems with an HP ethernet switch:

"The update appears to have broken the Java-based interface to the HP ProCurve 2524 10/100 ethernet switch. So far either the page will not load past steaming coffee cups, or else Safari crashes. I used the interface for some network troubleshooting earlier this week, and this is the only change to the system since then, so I have a high degree of confidence that this is the cause. More details as I have them."

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

Previous coverage

• Java 1.3.1 and 1.4.2 Release 2 (#2): Web browser, system stability issues; Cisco PIX interface broken; more
• Apple releases Java 1.3.1 and 1.4.2 Release 2 for Mac OS X 10.4.x (Tiger)

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