FULL PRODUCT VERSION :
java version "1.7.0_05"
Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.7.0_05-b05)
Java HotSpot(TM) Client VM (build 23.1-b03, mixed mode, sharing)

ADDITIONAL OS VERSION INFORMATION :
Windows Professional 7 32bit - Microsoft Windows [Version 6.1.7601]

The issue is reproducible on any Windows OS flavor (e.g. XP, Vista, 7 - 32/64bit)

EXTRA RELEVANT SYSTEM CONFIGURATION :
Windows Internet Explorer browser version 9 (32bit)

A DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM :
Starting with Java JRE 1.7 (00-05) also seen with latest update from Java JRE 1.6 (u33) applets fails to load on any Windows OS platform (32/64bit OS) when using Windows Internet Explorer browser (any version 7, 8,9) in case language for non-Unicode programs (system locale) are set to ASIAN format like: Korean, Japanase, Chinese, Thai.

For this bug we've used Java JRE x86 1.7.0_05 against http://www.java.com/en/download/testjava.jsp on IE9 browser on Windows 7 Professional 32bit.

STEPS TO FOLLOW TO REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM :
1. Have a clean MSDN Windows 7 32bit installation (use default settings US region/English language)
2. Install Java 1.7 u5 - successfully installed.
3. Under Control Panel->Region and Language->Administrative select "Change system locale". Select(&set) any of: Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Thai as current system locale (this will require OS restart).
4. Open IE browser and load: http://www.java.com/en/download/testjava.jsp or any of your applets.


EXPECTED VERSUS ACTUAL BEHAVIOR :
EXPECTED -
The applet should successfully load each and every time the page is refreshed.
ACTUAL -
Applet it's not starting. Java console it's not visible even a "Show console" was set in Java Control Panel.
IE browser becomes unresponsive.

REPRODUCIBILITY :
This bug can be reproduced always.

---------- BEGIN SOURCE ----------
http://www.java.com/en/download/testjava.jsp
---------- END SOURCE ----------

CUSTOMER SUBMITTED WORKAROUND :
Workarounds:
1. Instead on IE browser use Mozilla Firefox/Chrome - those browsers are working.
2. Instead of Java JRE 1.7 use Java JRE 1.6 (no later then update 32 as with 1.6 u33 this is also reproducible)
3. Change language for non-Unicode language under system locale to other language (e.g. English)

For some of our customers these workarounds are impossible to follow.