Well I found the java in the add/remove (update 1 and update 2) so I clicked on the first one and it asked if I wanted to modify or remove. Oops I clicked "modify" instead. Anyway, it ran through its paces so I though I would try the java console again and, blow me down, it responded. I tried Limewire and that's working again too
I think I will leave it alone now. Obviously something had damaged the Java installation as you thought
I have kept your instructions in case it happens again.
Thanks, I would never have suspected the Java.
Hillneerg