I attempted to remove the IE version that was preinstalled on my laptop
(using Windows XP).

This IE version did not come (as far as I know w/ the Java Virtual Machine).

Instead of the current version, I wanted to go back to IE 5.5 which I have
used in the past.    Unfortunately, I was not able to located any IE 5.5 so
I attempted to install IE 6.0.

Here's the problem now:
1. Although I utilized the REMOVE PROGRAMS feature, the "Internet Explorer"
folder still resides in the "Programs Files" folder.   Under this one, I
only have one subfolder left (Connection Wizard).   I cannot remove the
"Internet Explorer" folder entirely... a dialog box indicates that other
programs still use some of the files.
In Task Manager, I shut down all programs.   I also checked the Regedit and
no "Internet Explorer" files are listed in "Software" under the appropriate
HK_Keys (at least I believe so).

2.  Based on the problem listed in bullet #1, I cannot reinstall an older
version of IE.   A dialog box comes up indicating that a "newer version" is
installed on the machine (even though I tried to delete all files).

3. In another attempt w/ a different IE6 executable, I did not see the
"newer version exist" window, but the installation stopped once it was
trying to download additional files from the internet.   Now, the error
message indicates that I don't have a working connection any longer.

At this time, I am more than happy to simply undo the deletion of the IE
version that came w/ the laptop.   Not sure how I can restore the old
configuration (if that's even possible after I manually delete some IE
folder in the Program Files).

Still, my preference would be to simply install IE 5.5 or even older so that
I can utilize the Java Virtual Machine.

Ok, does anyone have an idea how to fix this????

Thanks so much in advance,
Tom