FULL PRODUCT VERSION :
java version "1.6.0_26"
Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.6.0_26-b03)
Java HotSpot(TM) Client VM (build 20.1-b02, mixed mode, sharing)

ADDITIONAL OS VERSION INFORMATION :
Windows 7 Ultimate, Service Pack 1

EXTRA RELEVANT SYSTEM CONFIGURATION :
None running at time of problem
Firefox 5.0.1, IE 9.0.8112.16421

A DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM :
After making changes to settings in the control panel applet, none of the changes are recorded. Relaunching the applet shows all the settings have been rolled back to the default.

STEPS TO FOLLOW TO REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM :
1. Shut down all browsers.
2. Either:
a. Go to Control Panel > Java (32-bit); or
b. If the JRE icon is visible in the system tray, right click on it and open the control panel.
3. Make changes. Eg. Uncheck the "Place Java Icon in System Tray". Or check for updates weekly, instead of monthly.
4. Click on "Apply" or "OK" button, but make sure to exit the applet afterwards.
5. Repeat Step 2 to open Java CP again.

EXPECTED VERSUS ACTUAL BEHAVIOR :
EXPECTED -
"Place Java icon" option should be unchecked, or updates should be set to be checked weekly.
ACTUAL -
All the setting changes will have been discarded.

REPRODUCIBILITY :
This bug can be reproduced always.

CUSTOMER SUBMITTED WORKAROUND :
None known.