using reg query to find installed software?

[cameramonkey]

I have a batch file login script I need to run to determine if a certain version of Java is installed during startup, and if not, install it.

I found references to using "reg query" statements, but for some reason I get get it to return true/false values based n the info I found.

the consensus I found was that a two line command such as:

reg query HKCU\Software\Winamp
if errorlevel 1 goto not_exist

when I try to put that into real world use, I dont get an errorlevel, I get a return of every entry under the key I am referencing.

for example, I input:
reg query HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\{26A24AE4-039D-4CA4-87B4-2F83216022FF}

and instead of getting the expected result code of 0 or 1, I get a list of all of the items under that key if it is installed, or a more verbose "ERROR: The system was unable to find the specified registry key or value." error. if it is not.

ideas? am I missing a switch somewhere?

 

[linney]

See if your Syntax is correct, the second link might give a few clues for an alternate plan.

Querying keys

http://www.petri.co.il/reg_command_in_windows_xp.htm

VBS Script Assistance
thread779-1206493

Can you make use of the java -version command? This is an example from my Command Prompt.

C:\Users\usernamexxxx>java -version
java version "1.6.0_20"
Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.6.0_20-b02)
Java HotSpot(TM) 64-Bit Server VM (build 16.3-b01, mixed mode)