I know this is a long shot so please bear with me. I'm quite frustrated with Java. I use Admin Console on two computers in my home. On one of them it stopped working recently (in the last month maybe). I found that Java was no longer on the computer. I don't know when or how that got removed (I don't use this particular computer very often, so I can't tell when this started). I know sometimes Oracle sends out an update and forces JRE to be replaced, but I don't know if that broke it.

When I try to install the latest Java JRE I keep getting an error 1603 "Java install did not complete", and nothing more. I have spent over 3 hours today trying everything I can find to resolve this - YT videos, Java help articles, Googling, user suggestions, running as Admin, messing with folder permissions, rebooting, you name it. Java simply will not install no matter what. I've even observed it populating its target folder with some files and folders during the install process, but then it deletes them and throws up the 1603. I've even logged on with an Administer account but that didn't make a difference.

Has anybody heard of anything like this or have any suggestions? I'm at my wits end, and cannot get Admin Console working any more. I've been using it for many years on this computer. Now Java is messing up.

Thanks.

I have experienced the Java 1603 a couple of times over the years when updating. While this doesn't sound like it will help you, I was able to correct it by using the offline installer listed here: https://www.java.com/en/download/help/error_1603.html

I've had this too in the distant past but don't remember specific steps. Things I think it can be:

• Java is already installed – a conflicting or corrupted existing version - Try to hunt down and delete its files including the temp folder

• Not running the installer on an Administrator account - right click on the installer pick the install as admin

• Antivirus soft blocking the installation - but I would think you'd get a pop-up

@IndyUDIuser assuming you're on a Windows machine.

Open command prompt and type: where.exe java

What's the result? If you get more than one found you'll need to use the java cleaner/remover to remove old versions. (https://www.java.com/en/download/uninstalltool.jsp)

Lastly, be sure you're just using the simple java that is downloaded from the java.com site (https://www.java.com/en/download/). Don't get fancy versions or types. Admin Console always works best with the "generic" and current release. Some people have installed special versions of java and reported having a lot of issues. Usually people think there's a different version number that's higher and it will work better, but it's just different and meant for other purposes.

Thankfully the long awaited java alternative (now eisy_ui) is in development. Sadly, it's still lacking full functionality so many changes rely on the admin console to fully control IoX. But there's at least hope on the horizon.

If installing Java continues to fail...I'd just use the other computer that it works on. Honestly, how often is admin console needed that it would be a hassle to only use one computer? Sometimes I can go months without opening admin console. Most of the time I wouldn't need to open it except to try to help others here. I'm a set it and forget it type of user. I don't tinker/change things once I have them setup the way that works for our lifestyle.

On 5/13/2026 at 9:41 PM, DennisC said:

I have experienced the Java 1603 a couple of times over the years when updating. While this doesn't sound like it will help you, I was able to correct it by using the offline installer listed here: https://www.java.com/en/download/help/error_1603.html

Yeah, I've tried that. Still get 1603.

I love when the company tells you to go to the Java Control Panel to fix the problem, when there is no trace of Java on my system.

On 5/14/2026 at 7:17 AM, paulbates said:

I've had this too in the distant past but don't remember specific steps. Things I think it can be:

• Java is already installed – a conflicting or corrupted existing version - Try to hunt down and delete its files including the temp folder

• Not running the installer on an Administrator account - right click on the installer pick the install as admin

• Antivirus soft blocking the installation - but I would think you'd get a pop-up

I can find no trace of Java files on my system from previous installs. Lots of JavaScript files tied to various applications on my computer, but I know JavaScript is not related to Java.

Yes I right-clicked and ran the offline installer as admin. I even logged on to my computer's Admin account and tried running from there. No luck.

I went to my antivirus application and paused protection. No help.

Still looking...

On 5/14/2026 at 11:35 AM, Geddy said:

@IndyUDIuser assuming you're on a Windows machine.

Open command prompt and type: where.exe java

What's the result? If you get more than one found you'll need to use the java cleaner/remover to remove old versions. (https://www.java.com/en/download/uninstalltool.jsp)

Lastly, be sure you're just using the simple java that is downloaded from the java.com site (https://www.java.com/en/download/). Don't get fancy versions or types. Admin Console always works best with the "generic" and current release. Some people have installed special versions of java and reported having a lot of issues. Usually people think there's a different version number that's higher and it will work better, but it's just different and meant for other purposes.

Thankfully the long awaited java alternative (now eisy_ui) is in development. Sadly, it's still lacking full functionality so many changes rely on the admin console to fully control IoX. But there's at least hope on the horizon.

If installing Java continues to fail...I'd just use the other computer that it works on. Honestly, how often is admin console needed that it would be a hassle to only use one computer? Sometimes I can go months without opening admin console. Most of the time I wouldn't need to open it except to try to help others here. I'm a set it and forget it type of user. I don't tinker/change things once I have them setup the way that works for our lifestyle.

That command returns:

C:\Windows\System32> where.exe java

C:\ProgramData\Oracle\Java\javapath\java.exe

I didn't realize that folder was around. I deleted the Oracle folder and tried again. Still got 1603.

I have a laptop upstairs (that still works with Admin Console) and a desktop computer in my basement (next to my EISY and PLM) which is the one I'm having trouble with. I've used it for over a decade to run Admin Console with no problems until now.

I'll keep hacking at this...

On 5/14/2026 at 11:35 AM, Geddy said:

@IndyUDIuser assuming you're on a Windows machine.

Open command prompt and type: where.exe java

What's the result? If you get more than one found you'll need to use the java cleaner/remover to remove old versions. (https://www.java.com/en/download/uninstalltool.jsp)

Lastly, be sure you're just using the simple java that is downloaded from the java.com site (https://www.java.com/en/download/). Don't get fancy versions or types. Admin Console always works best with the "generic" and current release. Some people have installed special versions of java and reported having a lot of issues. Usually people think there's a different version number that's higher and it will work better, but it's just different and meant for other purposes.

Thankfully the long awaited java alternative (now eisy_ui) is in development. Sadly, it's still lacking full functionality so many changes rely on the admin console to fully control IoX. But there's at least hope on the horizon.

If installing Java continues to fail...I'd just use the other computer that it works on. Honestly, how often is admin console needed that it would be a hassle to only use one computer? Sometimes I can go months without opening admin console. Most of the time I wouldn't need to open it except to try to help others here. I'm a set it and forget it type of user. I don't tinker/change things once I have them setup the way that works for our lifestyle.

Yes it is Windows 11.

33 minutes ago, IndyUDIuser said:

That command returns:

C:\Windows\System32> where.exe java

C:\ProgramData\Oracle\Java\javapath\java.exe

I didn't realize that folder was around. I deleted the Oracle folder and tried again. Still got 1603.

I have a laptop upstairs (that still works with Admin Console) and a desktop computer in my basement (next to my EISY and PLM) which is the one I'm having trouble with. I've used it for over a decade to run Admin Console with no problems until now.

I'll keep hacking at this...

Yes it is Windows 11. I'm using the regular Java install procedure so nothing fancy. The uninstall tool says Java is not found. Oracle says 1603 is a known error they are investigating. Maybe I have to wait and see if they fix it. I may try to file a support request, but they require me to set up an Oracle account and give them a lot of personal information. Same if I try to download an older SDK to see if that might work. Not sure I want to give them my information. (Before I retired I used to work with Oracle through my company address, but no more.) Besides I highly doubt they will support a lowly end-user with JRE issues.

I'm giving up for today. More hours wasted.

8 minutes ago, IndyUDIuser said:

I didn't realize that folder was around. I deleted the Oracle folder and tried again. Still got 1603

Since you deleted that folder, have you tried rebooting, followed by using the instructions in the troubleshooting guide?

That note about "investigating" this issue has been around for several years. I wouldn't wait on them finding an issue.

8 minutes ago, DennisC said:

Since you deleted that folder, have you tried rebooting, followed by using the instructions in the troubleshooting guide?

That note about "investigating" this issue has been around for several years. I wouldn't wait on them finding an issue.

Rebooted and ran uninstaller. No Java found. Ran the offline installer. 1603.

Ugh, this is worse than when I had a real job as a developer!

1 hour ago, IndyUDIuser said:

I deleted the Oracle folder and tried again. Still got 1603.

That's an odd folder for it to be in. Have you run the cleanup tool from Java?

https://www.java.com/en/download/uninstalltool.jsp

You said you ran the uninstaller, but was it this tool or just windows uninstaller? Sounds like it could be a deeper issues since you seemed to have it installed in an odd location. You might have some registry stuff that's goofy. I never like suggesting messing with the registry.

Mine is in "C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Oracle\Java\java8path\java.exe", but I'm running windows 10 at the moment. Strange that it's installed in the "x86" location and must not be running as 64-bit. But we all know how stupid and dumb java is!

How hard would it be to reset the computer? Win11 seems to be fairly easy to reset stuff without losing files, but sometimes maybe installed apps/programs are messy to get installed again if they're old. I've reset a few Win11 computers in the past, but it's been a minute. Probably my last ditch effort if you want to keep it easy to use the computer near the eisy.

I'd look for registry edits first then consider the Win11 reset process.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/reset-your-pc-0ef73740-b927-549b-b7c9-e6f2b48d275e#id0edd=windows_11

3 hours ago, IndyUDIuser said:

Rebooted and ran uninstaller. No Java found. Ran the offline installer. 1603.

Ugh, this is worse than when I had a real job as a developer!

I have to agree with @Geddy , strange file location.

When you reboot, are you shutting down and restarting, or just restarting?

I would suggest you shutdown, restart, and then follow these instructions: https://www.java.com/en/download/help/uninstall_java.html

to run the Microsoft utility listed under troubleshooting. That will repair any corrupted files and stray registry entries. Afterwards, shutdown, reboot, and then try the offline installer.