Prevent Java updates from installing sponsor apps and toolbars like Ask and McAfee

Updated for new sponsors: See option 3,4 & 5 for newer versions of Java that bundle Amazon assist.

If you are like me and sick of uninstalling foist-ware like IAC Ask toolbar or McAfee Antivirus scanner, then here's a little trick to prevent future Java updates re-installing that pesky sponsored/bundled software.

Previously the only option was install the offline edition of the Java installer.

Note: These registry settings also block other foist-ware, such as Google Toolbar / Chrome etc.

Option 1

Open Notepad and paste in the following text. Then save the file with a .reg extension. Exit Notepad and then double click the .reg file you just created. When prompted by the Registry Editor to Continue. Click "Yes".

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\JavaSoft]
"SPONSORS"="DISABLE"
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\JavaSoft]
"SPONSORS"="DISABLE"

Option 2

Press the [Windows Key] + R or select the start menu type and select the "run" shortcut. Then copy/paste the below lines into the "Run" window and select OK. Repeat the process for both lines.

reg ADD HKLM\SOFTWARE\JavaSoft /v SPONSORS /t REG_SZ /d DISABLE /f
reg ADD HKLM\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\JavaSoft /v SPONSORS /t REG_SZ /d DISABLE /f

Option 3

Edit the "C:\ProgramData\Oracle\Java\java.settings.cfg" file and add the line below.

SPONSORS=0

Option 4

If a previous version is installed, Use the Configure Java GUI.

Option 5

Execute ssvagent.exe (with local admin rights) with the -disablesponsorofferings switch.

"C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\<version>\bin\ssvagent.exe" -disablesponsorofferings

Ricoh Card Reader drivers

Looking for the Ricoh card reader drivers? So was I. After a long winded search to locate these drivers, I thought post these here. These drivers are for Windows XP

rmedia.zip contains

• RMEDIA.CAT
• RMedia.inf ( 12/18/2002,1.03.00.02)
• RMedia.sys

Ricoh RL5C476 CardBus Controller
Ricoh MediaCard Controller
Ricoh MediaCard DriverInstDisk
Ricoh MediaCard Controller
Ricoh SmartMedia Controller
Ricoh Memorystick Controller
Ricoh SD/MMC Controller

Driver supports the following hardware ID's

PCMCIA\RICOH-Bay_Controller-2AD9
PCMCIA\RICOH-Bay_Controller-3447
PCMCIA\RICOH-Bay_Controller-2EA3
PCMCIA\RICOH-Bay_Controller-1632
PCMCIA\RICOH-Bay_Controller-70E4
PCMCIA\RICOH-Bay_Controller-8360
PCMCIA\RICOH-Bay_Controller-6363
PCMCIA\RICOH-Bay_Controller-A962
PCMCIA\RICOH-Bay_Controller-ECD8
PCMCIA\RICOH-Bay_Controller-1E26
PCMCIA\RICOH-Bay_Controller-03CB
PCMCIA\RICOH-Bay1Controller-F03E
PCMCIA\RICOH-Bay2Controller-F960
PCMCIA\RICOH-Bay4Controller-CE3E 

How to uninstall Bigpond Security without the password

If you're unfortunate enough to have purchased this terrible product, only to find you cannot uninstall it as either your bigpond account no longer exists or you've forgotten the password, below is an easy way remove the password so, you can uninstall easily.

Note: if you are not familiar with using regedit, I suggest you seek advice from a professional. I take no responsibility for and damage or loss as a result of using the below guide.

These instruction apply to v1.5. Newer versions may differ.

1. Open regedit (Start menu -> run) or shortcut Windows Key + R
2. type in regedit and click okay
3. Navigate through the registry tree and find the key below 
   
   [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Authentium\Curtains\v1.5]
   
4. Find the values starting with LLC and rename them.
   ie.
   LLC_me@bigpond.com -> disabledLLC_me@bigpond.com
   LLCID -> disabledLLCID
5.  Restart and then proceed with the uninstall without being prompted for the password.