Your Java's pretty old, try updating it. Use the JRE offline installer & remove your old Java version before you install the new one.
http://java.sun.com/javase/downloads/index.jsp

Are you checking files with Bitzi before download? If other users've rated the file, you'll get some idea of content & quality (there are some shockers out there that aren't worth downloading). It's possible that you've found 2 crappy files!
How to use Bitzi

That other thread I linked to suggested a bug in the Beta versions 4.13.0 & 4.13.2. I had no trouble with the 4.12.3 as far as I can remember. If you want to try a different version, download the latest stable release or Beta basic...test it out!

hi birdy,

thanks again for the prompt reply and the Bitzi tip. honestly, i was not aware i can check the file before i download ...

actually, the 2 files that i had mentioned were not crappy at all. i managed to download the first one after 2 corruptions. the quality was pretty good. whereas for this second file, i did preview it a couple of times .. and it was good too. so, i don't think it's the file that was giving me problems.

by the way, i had downloaded the java offline installer. but .. how do i remove the old one? is it through control panel - Add/Remove program? if so, do i need to reboot my PC before I install the new version after the removal? care to advise?

thanks birdy, you've been so helpful ...

kind regards,

jason

Yep, uninstall Java thru add/remove programs.

I think the super-careful way to do your Java is to download the installer. Reboot. Install new version. Reboot. Do it that way.
I'm a bit slack...I usually just reboot the once (you'll be prompted to reboot after installing the new version)