Java RE SE does not install/verify

[jlbm]

Hello,

I have Windows XP Pro SP3 with IE7

Add or Remove Programs of Control Panel lists:
Java 2 Runtime Environment, SE v1.4.2_04
Java 2 Runtime Environment, SE v1.4.2_19
Java(TM) 6 Update 12

The Java Verification Page reports:
Congratulations! You have the recommended Java installed (Version 6 Update 12).

And yet "Detecting Java on your computer"
takes forever (longer than 10-60 sec anyway)
and eventually reverts to another page where, below "Test your JVM" is a blank window with a small red cross X on its upper left hand corner. No applet to show OS and Java version info.

Of course, several applications requiring Java do not work and produce error msgs such as
"Sun Java Virtual Machine is not installed"

I've also tried to deactivate the AV and the pop-up blocker. I've set the "Trusted sites" security level to LOW.

I've tried to remove and reinstall all of Java to no avail.

Any help will be appreciated.

(See attached TXT with links)

Thanks, regards, JL

[jlbm]

In the absence of any replies, and FWIW, the problem went away after reinstalling IE7 from the standalone executable and downloading the cumulative update...

It's taken me a couple of days of trial and error, but at
least I've saved myself the USD 90 fee quoted by one of the java gurus

Good luck to all...