Java installs silently but doesn't actually run ?

[Todd Richert]

Ok first its a WinXP SP1, all patched up base platform.

Second if i install Java 1.42.04 manually (this is with the downloaded
offline install) it installs fine, reboots me and pages with java work
great.

Now if i uninstall java, reboot. And then run "java142 /S /v/qn" i
get no errors whatsoever, java installs i can see all the files, and
windows add/remove programs sees it. So i reboot, and nope no web
pages start the JVM ??

What is happening during the silent installer that isn't integrating
with IE? I even took this a step further and reloaded the machine
with WinXPSP1 _nothing_ else on it no patches no apps whatsoever, and
then tried running the silent installer first. Same thing installs no
errors all the files are there add/remove sees it but even after boot
IE doesn't call it ??