Java is one of the many programs that work beneath the surface of your computer. Like the plumbing in your house, you never notice how well it works until there is a problem. Java is a technology created by Sun Microsystems and since 1995 it has been a major component of applications including games, internet utilities and many different business programs.

When updated and working, you will likely be completely unaware of Java running on your machine. When Java hits a snag, however, you immediately notice that something is wrong. Your favorite website won’t load properly. Your game crashes and the screen goes dark or grays out. Sometimes, however, rather than Java simply stopping, you’re lucky enough to get a warning message – you’ve got a Java error.

Common Java Errors

Among the more common Java errors you’ll find:

Java Errors 1305, 1035, 1311, 1324, 1327, 1335, 1600, 1601, 1606, 1624, 1643, 1722, 1744, 1788, 2352, 2753, and 2755 …

… are all the same thing in any of the many versions of Windows. When you get a Java error with a cryptic number like these, you’re looking at an InstallShield error code. InstallShield is an independent program that unpacks installer files and then inserts a program into your computer.  An install shield error indicates that something is interfering with the communication between the InstallShield and whatever package you’re trying to unpack.  In other words, something went wrong during the installation of Java.

This happens most frequently if you’re trying to download or update Java in real time through the Internet.   The best way to counteract it then, is to cut out the Web itself, as well as any other programs that might be causing interference.

Best Steps for Getting Around an Error:

Trying through the Internet – Having the browser open

•    shut down any programs that aren’t immediately related to getting Java.  turn off music players or other browsers to make sure there are no conflicting processes

•    shut down background programs that may be running behind the scenes.  Look at the bottom right of the taskbar, beside the clock.  Find any running applications such as anti-Virus scanners, media uploaders, printer control panels, etc.  Usually you can shut these down temporarily by right-clicking on them and looking for an option to “quit” “stop” or “shut down.”
Trying without the Internet – That is, having the browser closed and shut-down

•    If problems persist, try downloading a package from Sun Microsystem’s direct download page (link below).  Having an installer for Java on hand will allow you to shut down all of your browsers.

•    If you’re still getting the InstallShield error message, it’s likely some facet of an older version of Java is interfering with installing the new one.  Access the troubleshooting link on the Java Download Page; it will likely say “Remove Older Versions.”  Additionally, you can use the instructions below to access your copy of Java in the Add/Remove programs dialog of Windows.  After uninstalling it, reboot your computer and try again – remember to temporarily turn off all of those background applications.

Trying without the Internet - Having the browser closed

Java Error 1722   shows up on Windows 7, Vista, Windows XP, 2000 and 2003, Error 1722 can appear in either Internet Explorer or in Firefox. The message you’re likely to see states,

“Error 1722 There is a problem with this Windows Installer package. A program run as part f the setup did not finish as expected. Contact your support personnel or package vendor.“

Error 1722 occurs when something goes wrong in the installation. Fortunately, there is a simple enough fix to this particular problem as well as any of the randomly numbered Java errors that indicate a faulty download. You’ll just need to uninstall the botched Java download and start again in the offline mode.

- UNINSTALL ANY OLDER VERSIONS OF JAVA -

The easiest way to access the Add/Remove programs dialog is to simply open the start menu and type in "Add or Remove" into the search field.  This works in Windows Vista and 7.  If you need to do it the old-fashioned way, then follow the instructions below to access the control panel.

1. Select Programs in Control Panel.



2. In the Programs menu, select Programs and Features.

Once you've got the Add/Remove Program menu loaded, it's time to find and remove all of the old versions of Java.

3. Click on the program you want to remove – in this case any old version of Java – and click on the Uninstall button that appears.



This will remove any old files that remained from the Java version that wasn’t working previously.

4. Once the old version of Java is uninstalled, you’ll need to install a new version of Java using the Offline installer package.

Working offline means you’re not going to be downloading in real time from the internet. Instead, you’re going to download an executable file that will then install Java even when your computer isn’t connected to the internet. The file can be copied and installed on other computers that aren't on the Internet as well.

- GET THE INSTALL FILE FROM JAVA's WEBSITE -

To install Java, start on the manual download page for Java software.  Click this sentence to access it.

5. Find the operating system you’re using and click on the link to download the software.




6. Once you select the link for your operating system, a download box will appear.




7. Select Save File and the download will start. The file will be saved on your computer where you can then run it to install the correct Java program.

- CLOSE ALL BROWSERS -

To install Java, you’ll need to close all of your browser windows. Then find the file you just downloaded in your Downloads folder or on your desktop, depending on where you save downloaded files.

8. Double click on the file to begin extracting the executable file and installing the license terms and program.



9. You’ll need to click on Install and then you’ll have the option to install other programs as well usually including toolbars and special features. Generally you don’t need these and you should not download them unless you’re sure you do. Java is a safe file, as are the third-party programs Java partners with, but you don’t need extra materials on your computer causing problems in the future.

10. Finally, you’ll see a message letting you know that you’ve installed Java correctly. You may need to restart your computer for the changes to take full effect and you’ll definitely need to restart the browser you’ve been working in. When you do you’ll likely see a message about an update or change. This should give you an idea that the new download is working well at least.

More Help with Java

-Check out these articles to get more help with Java Errors, and more info on how Java works with your computer.

• Fix Java Errors by Controlling Memory Use
• Fix a Java Runtime Error