Null.Pointer.Exception in ALL applets

I just installed JRE 1.5.0_06 on WinXP SP2. In IE6 (and Firefox 1.5) no applets will run, all throwing the null pointer exception. I have tried applets from many different sites, but none will load. Have tried a reinstall, but with the same results. Any ideas/helps? Thanks.
[281 byte] By [hablochilenoa] at [2007-10-2 9:39:29]
# 1
As a guess, check the security settings in IE Tools - both the Security and Advanced tabs.
ChuckBinga at 2007-7-16 23:45:31 > top of Java-index,Developer Tools,Debugging and Profiling Tool APIs...
# 2
All Java settings are enabled under both tabs. Have also ruled out any anti-virus/firewall interference also. Is there any possibility of an ISP caused problem? Doesn't seem very possible to me, but I've heard of stranger things under Charter.
hablochilenoa at 2007-7-16 23:45:31 > top of Java-index,Developer Tools,Debugging and Profiling Tool APIs...
# 3
You might find the debugging information in the Java Plugin Developer manual helpful:C:\Program Files\Java\docs\guide\plugin\index.html
ChuckBinga at 2007-7-16 23:45:31 > top of Java-index,Developer Tools,Debugging and Profiling Tool APIs...
# 4
That's my copy, here's the correct web page: http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.5.0/docs/guide/plugin/index.html
ChuckBinga at 2007-7-16 23:45:31 > top of Java-index,Developer Tools,Debugging and Profiling Tool APIs...
# 5
i get the same errors message in both ie and firefox even netscape 8.0 it only started with java update 5.0 and upward
xmagza at 2007-7-16 23:45:31 > top of Java-index,Developer Tools,Debugging and Profiling Tool APIs...
# 6
I uninstalled java update 5 completely, including removing and registry entries, and then installed an older 1.4 release. Now Java works fine in both IE and Firefox.
hablochilenoa at 2007-7-16 23:45:31 > top of Java-index,Developer Tools,Debugging and Profiling Tool APIs...