Bloody Java

[Tanthalas]

Having some problems with JRE, and the Sun forums aren't helping.  Getting really frustrating now.

Windows XP Pro x64.  Java runtime wasn't found by any of my applications, but the SDK worked just fine in my IDEs.  Windows Update was also cocked up, so I reinstalled Windows, making a new slipstream disc in the process.  Now running SP2 with updates, Windows Update works just fine (only I don't need it).  Ran the Java installers for 1.5 and 1.6 again, they run fine, but apps can't find Java, AGAIN!  The automated JVM installer through Firefox fails to install.  There's nothing on the system except drivers and Firefox.  Any ideas what the heck is going on?

TIA

[Tanthalas]

Ignore me.  Figured it out.  Realised that the Firefox installer was failing because there is no automated online installer for 64-bit.  Which got me thinking - all the apps that weren't working were 32-bit.  And my installed JREs were 64-bit, which is why they weren't working.  Installed 32-bit alongside 64-bit and that seems to work fine.