Java JRE causes IE to crash if Java is upgraded using silent install method
I work in an enterprise environment and need to keep the Java JRE up to date when new versions are released. We currently use JRE 6 and the version we currently have installed is 6u29.
I use the silent install method to upgrade Java and had been doing this successfully for some time.
Since about JRE 6u25 - when I now attempt to silently upgrade Java JRE to the latest version, the JRE appears to update correctly - the new files are installed - and Add/Remove Programs shows the new version, my software delivery system (Altiris) even reports Success for the installation, but when the user goes to a web site that contains a Java applet - Internet Explorer instantly crashes without warning.
This always happens when I use the silent upgrade method.
In order to resolve this problem I have to manually uninstall Java and then reinstall it using the normal GUI install method (non silent). If I perform the upgrade manually - and the user then visits a Java web site - everything works fine.
This problem now occurs on all computers that I attempt to silently upgrade and has been happening since about JRE 6u25. I have about 500 computers to keep up to date, so updating manually is not an option.
The command line I am using to perform the silent upgrade is -
jre-6u29-windows-i586-s.exe /s IEXPLORER=1 /L c:\jre.log REBOOT=Suppress JAVAUPDATE=0
I do not uninstall the old version first, I just do an over the top installation - which is what I have always done. I also ensure that the browser isn't open when the upgrade occurs - since I know it can't be open.
Despite all of these measures - I'm still unable to upgrade successfully with the silent installation method and without Internet Explorer crashing afterwards.
Has anyone else come across this problem? I have searched for answers but don't see anyone reporting a similar issue.
I thought it might have something to do with the DEP (Data Execution Prevention) feature - as Internet Explorer just closes with no error message and nothing in the event log.
Any assistance would be appreciated.