Java SE (Java Platform, Standard Edition)

After downloading the Java runtime environment SE v 1.4.2_04, it fails to complete the install
and has the following error message:-

"Error 1772. There is a problem with this windows installer package.
A program run as part of the setup did not finish as expected.
Contact your local support or package vendor".

W2K-SP4

For the better part of a week I have done every suggestion that I can find in this forum and others to get this JRE installed. Including re-installing the windows installed, cleaning the registry, offline install, online install,etc.

I can get 1.4 installed, but none of the subsequent updates.

Any ideas.