I often get to sites that require the Java Virtual Machine. I get a
dialog that offers to download it. Then I end up at Microsoft with
"... To obtain an updated version of the Microsoft Virtual Machine,
please go to Windows Update (http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com)."
Then Windows Update says I need 27 critical updates. But last time I
updated, the update trashed my machine. Is there a way to get the JVM
without updating XP?

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Request for Question Clarification by secret901-ga on 16 Feb 2003 12:49 PST

Hi boggles,
Is it necessary that the JVM come from Microsoft?

Hi boggles,
It is most definitely possible to get a JVM for your browser without
downloading anything from Microsoft.  Sun Microsystem, the creator of
Java, had long offerred it as a download on its website.  Sun accused
Microsoft of trying to undermine the popularity of Java by
distributing its own degenerate version of Java.  In fact, Microsoft's
version of Java does not support Java written in version 1.3 or later,
thus depriving its users experiencing some of the nifty features that
had come out for Java, such as Swing.
A recent court ruling forced Microsoft to distribute Sun's version of
Java instead of its own within 120 days from February 4.  So the
version of Java you're downloading will be the same one that Microsoft
will distribute in the upcoming months.
To get Java, please go to this site: 
http://java.sun.com/getjava/index.html
The download should be breezy.  Good luck on installing Java into your
XP machine.

I hope this is the answer you're looking for.  If you need
clarification, please request for it before rating this answer.
secret901-ga

Sources:

Judge: Microsoft's Java deadline starts ticking Feb. 4
http://www.computerworld.com/governmenttopics/government/legalissues/story/0,10801,77752,00.html

The Source for JavaTM Technology
http://java.sun.com

Search strategy:

I am a Java programmer, so I'm familiar with the situation.  I also
searched for "Microsoft Java" on Google News to get the news stories.

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Clarification of Answer by secret901-ga on 16 Feb 2003 13:11 PST

I'm terribly sorry, please insert boogles whenever you see boggles. 
Sorry for getting your name wrong.

secret901-ga

Quick and did the trick - thanks!