It does look perhaps like your java is corrupt or something. If you still have the Java 1.4.2 installer then uninstall what's there using the Add/Remove programs control panel & re-install it. Else, update to Java 1.5
But I would strongly recommend against installing Java over the net. Instead, install from your computer. If you need the installer then downld the installer & then install it. If you need the 15 MB downld then I guess it'd take about 1 hr or less to downld on dial up.
BTW if you're still using LW 4.8.1 or earlier then try this:
http://www.gnutellaforums.com/showth...threadid=39684 change to win 2k compatibility OR
http://www.gnutellaforums.com/showth...threadid=39536 OR
Fix for opening Limewire "Fatal Error Message"