Problems installing Java 1.4.2 in Mac OS X 10.3.4, solution

Some readers have trouble installing Java 1.4.2 over a standard Mac OS X 10.3.4 installation.

Andy Espo writes "Over the last few days since the release of 10.3.4, I?ve updated about 8 systems from pre-10.3 from both 10.3 and 10.3.2 installation CDs. In every case where I?ve used the 10.3 installer as the starting point for the upgrade, I?ve run into errors after running the 10.3.4 Combo Updater when trying to install the Java 1.4.2 update. The error states that the 1.4.1 Update needs to be applied first, but in every case the receipts for the previous versions were present. The source of the update makes no difference ? Software Update or a standalone download makes no difference. This has occurred across many different systems ? iMacs, eMacs and PowerBooks. I?ve repaired Disk Permissions and tried deleting the receipts and reinstalling the earlier Java updates as well as the 10.3.4 combo updater with no change. Base installs from a 10.3.2 CD don?t seem to have this issue."

Apple has since posted a Knowledge Base article explaining why this problem occurs, and what can be done to resolve the issue. Document #25788 states " If you have Mac OS X v10.3.4 and Java 1.4.1 installed, you might need to move a package file before installing Java 1.4.2." The process is as follows:

1. If the Java 1.4.2 installer is open, quit it.
2. Click the Finder icon in the Dock.
3. From the Go menu, choose Go to Folder.
4. Type: /Library/Receipts and click Go.
5. Find, then move the package file "QuickTimeJavaUpdate.pkg" to the desktop
6. Install Java 1.4.2
7. After installation, move QuickTimeJavaUpdate.pkg back into /Library/Receipts

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

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