As I go along in my CCNA Security studies using SDM to configure routers, I encountered a problem. Using GNS3, I setup a Cisco 2691 router running IOS version 12.3(26) with the advanced security package. To get hands on experience using SDM, it was installed on the router. So far so good..
The problem occurred when I tried to click on “Additional Tasks” under the “Configure” tab and nothing happened. I had a feeling this was related to the version of Java installed on the PC running SDM. I’m using SDM version 2.5 and while it is the latest version, it hasn’t been updated since January 2008. I’ve run into this problem when administering a Cisco ASA using ASDM. It all works really well until a new version of Java is installed and the management interface starts acting funny. So searching Cisco.com I found that SDM 2.5 is compatible with the following versions of Java:
JRE 1.5_09
JRE1.4.2_08
JRE 1.5.0_06
JRE 1.5.0_07
JRE 1.6.0_02
JRE 1.6.0_03
I was running JRE 1.6.0_16 so it was time for a downgrade. The website OldApps.com has the older version of Java readily available for download (http://www.oldapps.com/java.php). I downloaded and installed JRE 1.6.0_03, rebooted and SDM worked flawlessly afterward. So for anyone that runs into this strange behavior on SDM, here is the solution. This is what makes studying for certifications so effective in the real world. I ran into a problem, did some research and resolved the issue. I also know that if the certification exam has any questions on SDM and Java version compatability, I can answer the questions quickly.
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