Knowledge Base » [466616] How do I change the loading order for Java on a Macintosh?

Operating System: Mac OS X v10.6 (Snow Leopard), Max OS X v10.7 (Lion)
Product or Service: StudyPlace, GatherPlace
Client Software: Java
On occasion it may be necessary to change the loading order for Java versions in a web browser when using a Macintosh computer.
For example, if you want to use the computer for audio in a meeting and are connecting through a web browser rather than using the native GP4/5 client, it is necessary for the 32-bit version to load first in order for the integrated audio to function correctly in the meeting.
Unfortunately, some recent Apple updates have removed the Java Preferences (see step 4 below). In these cases it will be necessary to download and install the free guest version of the GP4/5 software to join the meeting in order to use the integrated audio feature.

The instructions below show how to change the order so the 32-bit version loads before the 64-bit version.
Changing the Loading Order for Java

  1. Double-click on the hard drive icon on the desktop.

    Macintosh Hard Drive


  2. Select the hard drive from the list of devices on the left side of the finder window and then double-click the Applications folder in the list on the right.

    Mac hard drive finder window with applications circled


  3. Find the Utilities folder in the list on the right side of the Applications folder and double-click on it.

    Mac applications with utilities circled


  4. Find the Java Preferences in the list on the right side of the Utilities folder and double-click on it.
    Note: If the Java Preferences are not in the Utilities folder as shown below, you will need to download and install the free guest version of the GP4/5 software.

    Mac Java preferences circled in the Utilities folder


  5. The Java Preferences window will appear as shown below.

    Mac Java preferences with 64-bit version first



  6. To change the load order of the different versions of Java, simply click on the version that should load first and drag it to the top of the list.
    The image below shows the result of dragging the 32-bit version (CPU Type column) to the top of the list so it loads first.

    Mac Java preferences with 32-bit first in the list

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