Can't install Java? Please help!

[Knoxville]

Hello, I hope someone here can answer my question.
To the point, I recently formatted my PC which is currently running on Windows ME (old, I know). I tried to install Java, both through offline and online installations, but it keeps giving me this message:

Unexpected installation error:
The installation of package http://java.sun.com/update/1.5.0/jre-1_5_0_10-windows-i586-jc.xpi
failed with -203

At this point I have no idea what to do. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[sixerjman]

I get the same error on Win98SE, trying to install via Firefox. When trying to install via IE6, the error message is different, something about needing an Active X component to install JRE 1.5.0 update 7 first, but it pertains to WinXP. The Linux version went on just fine.

For what it's worth, from googling 'jre installation error' I see a rash of problems related to the installer from update 6 onward, but nothing official on the sun site. It may be time to file an official bug report.

[Rocean]

Do you have a firewall blocking the windows installer app from accessing the internet?

Allow it!