Java SE (Java Platform, Standard Edition)

I'm having a very serious problem. I am a user of a pc at home, not a business. I cannot enable Java. The download package installed and the Java Console settings are as recommended in the Help section. I have tried every suggestion and procedure without success. All the appropriate check boxes have been marked and security settings adjusted as required. No applets will run. Disabling my Norton antivirus and personal firewall doesn't help. Not even Norton's website locator will work. Has Microsoft done something to completely disable Java? I did find the Microsoft tech bulletin explaining their dispute with Sun and that they are removing Java from their products. However, shouldn't the Sun Java software still work?

Is it necessary to format my hard drive and do a complete clean install of Windows Xp Home to get this working again. Java used to work without a problem. However, after some automatic updates were installed about a month ago from Microsoft over the web, Java would not work anymore.

I enjoy the Java games and functionality. I'm totally frustrated and I don't know what to do. Your kind assistence would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You,
Jay Carsman