FULL PRODUCT VERSION :
Java 6 update 2 ea b02

ADDITIONAL OS VERSION INFORMATION :
Windows XP SP2

EXTRA RELEVANT SYSTEM CONFIGURATION :
Internet Explorer 6.0.2900.2180.xpsp_sp2_gdr.050301-1519

A DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM :
Reported here:
http://forums.java.net/jive/thread.jspa?threadID=26372&tstart=0
Same symptoms independently reported here:
http://forums.java.net/jive/thread.jspa?threadID=26394&tstart=0

Internet Explorer application exits after opening a link in a new window.

Only way of resolving found is to disable SSVHelper Class Add-on or uninstall Java 6 update 2.

Could this be a result of the fix for http://bugs.sun.com/bugdatabase/view_bug.do?bug_id=6501186


STEPS TO FOLLOW TO REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM :
Open any page in internet exlporer.
Shift-click on a hyperlink to open the link in a new window.


EXPECTED VERSUS ACTUAL BEHAVIOR :
EXPECTED -
A new window should open and attempt to load the supplied address.
ACTUAL -
A new window opens briefly.
The internet explorer application exits.

ERROR MESSAGES/STACK TRACES THAT OCCUR :
No errors, no logs.

REPRODUCIBILITY :
This bug can be reproduced often.

CUSTOMER SUBMITTED WORKAROUND :
Disable the SSVHelper Class internet explorer add-on.
  Tools | Internet Options | Programs | Manage Add-ons..