The most common cause of a failure to delete - or to properly update - is that a file is open when you try to change it.

The usual and obvious solution is a "Safe Boot" that doesn't start any of the "startup" functions, delete the file there, and then reboot back to normal Windows.

The installation of the update may have failed because you had a Java application open (or recently open and not fully released) when the update attempted to install. (?)

"Normal" places for a download-for-update file are either on the desktop or in Temporary Internet Files, which may not be included in a file search in "obvious places," so you might try looking specifically in those places to find the file.

It's possible the file has been deleted but that an "install" or "open" applet is in start/startup, or a load line is still in registry, either of which could be calling for the file and producing a misleading error message.

Sun Microsystems is the authority on this Java update, if it's the one that I got recently. There are lots of other places to get it (including Microsoft) but I've had less trouble since I started "going to the source." They may have more knowledgeable help, perhaps even in a FAQ since this update is going out recently.

John