The only stupid question is the one you don't ask.

Yes, added and removed directories several times, hit apply every time (or most of the time anyhow).

I'll try wiping it and reinstalling, but since I'm having the same exact problem on two different XP installations, I'm thinking it's more likely has to do with running Java 1.4.2_01 (build b06). I recall seeing something about being stable on 1.3 but 1.4 not entirely tested.

Can I make 1.3 available to Phex but leave 1.4 as the JRE for other apps? If so, what would I need to do to accomplish that?

-Bob