I am running basic version 4.18 on XP, AVG Anti Virus, Windows Firewall. First I had a problem connecting. It took ages (like this for quite a while) and then finally it took so many ages I was in the next century so I gave up trying for a few weeks. I decided to try again yesterday and today and now the graphics on the interface are scrambled and I can’t see anything but ‘pretty’ patterns. I have uninstalled and reinstalled and it’s still the same. This is so weird – or am I missing something obvious. Not a graphics card problem as everything else is fine.
ISP is Orange and using Orange broadband router

Try updating your Java. Go to the site below, choose the JRE (Java Runtime Environment), choose your platform, tick the license agreement... then you'll see a few different versions available. Download the JRE offline version.
Java SE Downloads

Remove any other Java versions installed on your computer (via Add/Remove programs) before you install the update

Thanks for that. My Java is set to auto update, but I will try it anyway. Thank you.

Birdy - I have downloaded it - the graphics are scrambled on that too so I can't see it to install.

Same problem here, but I reinstalled Java fresh and still same problem. I have it on LimeWire and FrostWire. Plus, World of Warcraft has to be forced to use OpenGL or I get a black screen, but I can hear the sounds. I just reinstalled Windows AND my video drivers. Any ideas?

I downloaded Frostwire to try it and I have the same probs as vampire365 with that too. I haven't tried to install the java update (after uninstalling all java versions) - as I can't see the installation window because it is scrambled. I am worried that I will end up with no java at all!

I have uninstalled all previous versions of java. Re-installed the latest version from the website and tested it on the java website. Message says congratulations you have the correct version but the graphics on the java 'test' mini window are scrambled! I have downloaded the latest drivers for my graphics card. Nothing has changed. What to try next???????????????????

Same here

See The way to fix the Blank screen on startup.

Different solutions to different cards. But one that might fix your problem is with your graphic card settings.

Quote: "Set D3D settings to default. Might be a AA or AF problem."
For Nvidia cards ... turn the advanced options off.
The Nvidia advanced option has problems ... it has affected gamers also.

In any case, check what options your video card has. You will most likely find them in your control panels. Most likely one of those settings is the cause.

Something else to try is via your computer settings to change the resolution of your monitor temporarily to see if it has any effect.

Still didn't help