Java Update gets into an infinite loop attempting to reach the update
server when the client is on a network, but the update server is not
reachable.

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Hypothetical situation 1 -

Installing the JRE on a system which is on a local or secure network (not
connected to the internet), Java Update will be unable to reach the
update server and infinite loop.

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Hypothetical situation 2 -

The update server has crashed - Java Update on all clients on the
internet will go into an infinite loop.

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This situation -

A firewall is blocking Java Update's attempts to access the update
server and Java Update goes into an infinite loop.

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The system has a firewall installed (the Sun standard: Symantec Desktop
Firewall) which is configured to protect privacy.

As a reasonable and approriate measure to protect myself from
untrusted programs running on my PC, outbound connections from
unknown programs are not permitted. When such an attempt is detected,
the firewall brings up an alert dialog (see attached GIF file).

The reasonable and approriate response to an application which
has not asked for permission to access the network, is to select
'Block'. When blocked, Java Update attempt to again, bringing up
the alert dialog, again. This repeats indefinitely.

When a rule is configured in the firewall to permanently deny access,
Java Update gets into an infinite loop.


To recreate:

In Symantec Desktop Firewall:

- select the 'Security' pane.

- click the 'Custom Level' button.

- change the 'Desktop Firewall' selection to
    'High: Block everything until you allow it.'

- check the box 'Enable desktop Firewall Alerts'.

- click the 'OK' button.

If the firewall already has a rule permitting Java Update to access the
update server, that rule would have to be removed.

In Windows:

- login as administrator

- install j2sdk 1.4.2 (b18)

- logout

- login as administrator

The alert dialog appears. Click the 'Block' button to block the access.
Java Update immediately tries again, and the alert comes back up. Click
the 'Block' button again, and repeat until bored.

- Click the button 'Configure a rule for the future (Recommended.)'.

- Click the button 'Always block this network communication.'.

- Click the button 'Next'.

- Click the button 'Next' (Choosing the http or proxy port).

- Click the button 'Next' (Choosing the http or proxy address).

Java Update is now in an infinite loop. (See attached taskmgr.gif) The
is an icon in the tray with a tooltip saying "Download Java Update 0%
complete.'.