Whenever I try to open LimeWire a message comes up that says "LimeWire needs the Java Runtime Environment 5.0 or above. Click OK to go to java.com: Java + You, where you can install java."

When I try to install JRE it says that I already have it and asks me if I would like to replace it. When I click yes it takes a couple seconds then comes up again. If I click yes again it just goes away and nothing happens. When I try to uninstall Java in Add or Remove Programs it says fatal error during installation. I've uninstalled LimeWire and installed it again and I have the same problem.

It's been like this for about two months now and I've been searching for a soulution ever since.

PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!

Have you run a full virus scan of your computer lately?
Make sure your antivirus program has the latest virus definitions and let it do a full scan of your system.

Yes I have Virus Protector, firewall, Spyware software all the stuff you need. I can 3 times a week and constantly have the programs running.

What brand of AV software are you running?
Sorry to be persistant but just to be sure why don't you downoad the free version of AVG antivirus from here: AVG Free - Download antivirus and antispyware software for Windows XP and Vista let it update its virus definitions and let it loose on your system and see what it comes up with. It may find nothing but it's worth checking just in case a virus has managed to slip past your current system.

I downloaded AVG updated and scanned and I still have the problem.

I tried uninstalling my old virus protection because I'm going to use AVG from now on but when I was uninstalling it my power went out and it didn't uninstall and it's not in Add or Remove Programs anymore. Do you know how I could uninstall it?

Did you have a power outage to you whole house?
Or did the job you were trying to do just shut your computer down and prevent you from checking that the job had been completed?
First see if your old AV program has an uninstall option in it's start menu folder. While you are at it un-install Limewire if you still have it installed.
If the AV program doesn't have an uninstall option in your start menu look in your Program Files directory and see if your old Antivirus software still has it's installation folder in there. If there are any signs of your old AV program manually delete it from there and AVG should work fine as your new antivirus system. Same thing if there is any bits of Limewire left in your Program Files directory delete them too.
As far as your main problem is concerned I'm at a bit of a loss to explain what could be going on. Have you tried booting into safe mode and then try to uninstall your java installation while it is in safe mode? (usually this is achieved by holding down the F8 button while your computer is booting up). if you manage to uninstall your old java RTE go to the java download site and download the offline RTE installer and see how you go at installing it. The webpage you need is: http://javadl.sun.com/webapps/downlo...BundleId=20287 that should give you a version that can be manually installed by you. While you are in your Program Files directory clean-up (delete) any left over bits of your previous Limewire install as well (if there is anything left of it) If you have success re-installing your new RTE then try to install the latest version of Limewire from here: Lime Wire » Download LimeWire going for the free version first of course. Let us know how you go at these first instructions and then maybe things will be looking up a bit.
Another thing worth considering is reading as many of the "Sticky" posts at the beginnings of each of these forums in the hope that there may be some mention of another way to deal with your dilemna.
Just out of interest what brand was your old antivirus software?
This has got me a bit baffled and to be honest and I'm hoping that one of the moderators jump in at some stage with some other suggestions for you to try.
But that's all in the future, for now you've got enough to keep you going until next time we exchange posts probably tommorrow.
Good Luck!

Yes it was a power outage to the whole house (there was a storm).

Yes I totally forgot about the start menu uninstaller and I have got my old AV software off. I had Trend Micro Internet Security Pro which was actually about to expire in a few weeks and I wasn't super happy with it. Limewire is now off my computer and I am searching for any bits of LW left and will delete them. I will start my computer in safe mode and do as you said. Once I do this I will update my post and let you know how I made out.

When I tried uninstalling in Safe Mode it said:

"The windows Installer Service could not be accessed. This can occur if you are running in safe mode, or if Windows installer is not correctly installed. Contact your support personnel for assistance."

Thank you so much for your time trying to help me solve this problem.

The best way to install Java is to use the OFFLINE Java installer. Too many people have problems installing using the online installer because any small interference can result in an incomplete or corrupted installation. That includes interference from security software on the computer, not only along the internet.

My advice is:
1. Using your add/remove control panel, remove all java versions. Control-alt-del to make sure there is no Java running at the time, if yes, force quit it. That includes LW. Close down any browsers before installing Java too.

2. Use this utility to clean up your registry: Crap Cleaner ... you may need to use this first since you had a problem with step 1 earlier.

3. Install Java using the OFFLINE version listed here: Download Java software from Sun Microsystems (filesize: 15.18 MB) & reboot computer after installing. AFAIK you should reboot your computer to be safe after installing Java.

4. If still problems, set up a new administrator account & do these steps from there.

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I got in touch with Lord of the Rings and asked him to come to our assistance and fortunately he was good enough to do as I requested. He has vastly more experience than me at solving these problems so I am really thankful that he came to your assistance when I asked. There is not much more i can think of to help you so hopefully the steps LOR has outlined will help you to get your problems sorted. I note that he has also recommended that you use the offline installer version for your java RTE. So if you have already downloaded it you can use that to carry out one of the steps he advised.
Good luck in the future.

I cannot uninstall my old JRE because when I try it says fatal error during installation. When I try to install the new Java it says its already installed and asks me if I would like to reinstall. I click yes and after a few seconds the message pops up again. If I click yes a second time it just goes away.