FULL PRODUCT VERSION :
java version "1.6.0_11"
Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.6.0_11-b03)
Java HotSpot(TM) Client VM (build 11.0-b16, mixed mode, sharing)

ADDITIONAL OS VERSION INFORMATION :
Microsoft Windows XP [Version 5.1.2600]

EXTRA RELEVANT SYSTEM CONFIGURATION :
Windows XP SP3

A DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM :
When Java 6 Update 10 is deployed via Active Directory Software Installation and subsequently upgraded, removed or redeployed by the same method, Active Directory Software Installation hangs with the message 'Removing managed software Java 6 Update 10...'.

Having found other people with the same issue (see http://forums.sun.com/thread.jspa?threadID=5341011), I have attempted to troubleshoot why this is taking place and have found out that it is a problem when attempting to uninstall silently in the context of the LOCAL SYSTEM account, in that the following dialog appears, saying that the JavaQuickStarterService executable (jqs.exe) is still in use and needs to be closed before the uninstallation can take place:

--

Java Setup - Close Applications

The applications listed are currently running and must be closed to allow the install to proceed.

jqs.exe

[ ] Quit the applications listed (save your work before clicking Retry)

Retry Cancel

--

This dialog does not appear when attempting to uninstall using a 'normal' user account - only when the installer is running in the context of LOCAL SYSTEM, as is the case when Active Directory Software Installation is being used. (See repro steps below for how to reproduce uninstalling via LOCAL SYSTEM under a 'normal' environment).

Because this dialog is not visible when Active Directory Software Installation is running, it is impossible for the user to respond to this request, and so the uninstallation process hangs.

This is an issue under Java 6 Update 10 and Jave 6 Update 11. It was not an issue in any previous versions of Java.

STEPS TO FOLLOW TO REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM :
Deploy Java 6 Update 10 or 11 via Group Policy Software Installation in Active Directory, and then attempt to remove the software.

-OR-

If you would like to see the error in a 'normal' environment:

Install Java 6 Update 11 onto a Windows XP computer (via any method).

Once it is installed, run the following command on the command line:

at 17:18 /interactive cmd
(where 17:18 is the current time plus one minute - i.e. if the current time is 10:10, set this to 10:11).

Wait until the clock 'turns over' to the next minute.

At this point a command prompt should appear, titled 'C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe'. This command prompt is running in the context of LOCAL SYSTEM. (See http://tinyurl.com/5hgyob for more information on this 'trick').

Run one of the following commands to attempt to 'silently' uninstall Java 6 Update 11 (NB the code at the end is specific to this version):

msiexec /x {26A24AE4-039D-4CA4-87B4-2F83216011FF} /qn
msiexec /x {26A24AE4-039D-4CA4-87B4-2F83216011FF} /qb
msiexec /x {26A24AE4-039D-4CA4-87B4-2F83216011FF} /qb!

EXPECTED VERSUS ACTUAL BEHAVIOR :
EXPECTED -
Windows Installer should silently uninstall Java.
ACTUAL -
A dialog box appears stating that 'jqs.exe' is in use and must be closed.

ERROR MESSAGES/STACK TRACES THAT OCCUR :
See bug description.

REPRODUCIBILITY :
This bug can be reproduced always.

CUSTOMER SUBMITTED WORKAROUND :
If the JavaQuickStarterService is stopped or disabled before attempting to uninstall, then the dialog does not appear and the uninstallation proceeds successfully.

Release Regression From : 6
The above release value was the last known release where this 
bug was not reproducible. Since then there has been a regression.