Java error

I'm having a few issues but I'll start with this one first

On start up I get an error that reads: JAVA Virtual Machine Launcer: Could not find main class. Program will exit.

I downloaded Sun Java Runtime Environment 6 Update 2, but in looking at my programs that's the only Java I have. In reading threads in your forum I found a message that says (regarding downloading the Update 2): "Before installing the current version, you should uninstall all previous versions first," which is what I did.

The result is I'm still getting that same error (above) and to top it off nothing is loading properly, i.e. my internet home page, etc. I honestly don't know what java does, but I know it has something to do with the appearance of things, and loading chat rooms, stuff like that.

So my question is first off, did I screw up? lol Since this download is an update, should I have something else downloaded too? And why am I getting this error message?

FYI, I was receiving the error message before messing with java, and am still getting it now, only now I can't view anything properly.

Thanks for your help, and thanks in advance because I have a few more things I need to address, but I'll do one thing at a time.

~~Shelley

PS: I might add I have XP. That might be info you'll need.

 

Thank you so much for your help. The Ad-Aware didn't fix it so I'm off to do the other steps. I hope this works!!

Thanks again.

~~Shelley