A few members have reported trouble accessing the Chat Room in the past few weeks.
So far I think all of these members either needed to download the latest version of Java to get in, OR they have already installed the latest version of Windows, VISTA, which interacts with Java differently.
= = 1 = =
If you have NOT installed VISTA, problems getting into the chat room are probably simply caused by having old Java software.
You can download the latest Java version at:
http://java.com/en/download/index.jsp
(Follow the instructions on the above screen.)
= = 2 = =
IF YOU DO HAVE THE NEW VISTA VERSION OF WINDOWS:
I found this solution on the support forum of the company that created our Chat software
http://forums.addoninteractive.com/showthread.php?t=3275 .
Some of the following is fairly technical. Before starting to follow this, consider downloading the latest version of Java (see = = 1 = = above).
SYMPTOMS:
========
If, when loading the chat room, the blue loading bar appears for a very long time, and the chat room applet never comes up, the following may help you to immediately resolve the problem (applies to Windows Vista users only).
SOLUTION:
========
The Windows Vista TCP Stack has been re-written. The following solution appears to correct many internet-related issues with Windows Vista, and seems to resolve the problem. There should be no negative effects from performing the following; but below are instructions for undoing this should you feel it necessary.
Part I: Disable TCP Autotuning
--------------------------------------
1. Click the Start (Windows Logo) icon
2. Select 'All Programs'
3. Select 'Accessories'
4. Right-Click on 'Command Prompt'
5. Click 'Run as Administrator'
6. A dialog box will ask you to confirm. Click the 'Continue' button to proceed.
7. Type: netsh interface tcp set global autotuning=disabled
8. Press 'Enter'
9. The message 'Ok.' should appear.
10. Type: exit
Part II: Empty your Java Cache
--------------------------------------
11. Visit http://www.addonchat.com/demo.html
12. The Java icon will appear in your task icon list in the lower-right hand corner of your screen
13. Right-click the Java (coffee-cup) icon and select 'Open Control Panel'
14. Under 'Temporary Internet Files', click 'Settings'
15. Click the 'Delete Files...' button
16. A window titled 'Delete Temporary Files' will appear. Make sure all options are checked and click 'OK'
17. Click 'OK' to exit the 'Temporary File Settings' window.
18. Click 'OK' to exit the Java Control Panel
Part III: Empty your browser's cache
--------------------------------------
11. Clear your browser's cache. Visit http://support.addoninteractive.com/index.php?action=kb&article=2 for complete instructions.
12. Shut down all instances of your web browser.
That's all. You may now try to load the chat applet. If you have any questions regarding this procedure, please let us know.
This issue is likely to work itself out in the near future as future updates of Windows Vista and Java are released to the public. Once these updates have been released, users/members will not be required to go through the above procedure.
How to Un-do the above steps
============================
If, for any reason at all, you need to undo the above procedure, follow these steps:
1. Click the Start (Windows Logo) icon
2. Select 'All Programs'
3. Select 'Accessories'
4. Right-Click on 'Command Prompt'
5. Click 'Run as Administrator'
6. A dialog box will ask you to confirm. Click the 'Continue' button to proceed.
7. Type: netsh interface tcp set global autotuninglevel=normal
8. Press 'Enter'
9. The message 'Ok.' should appear.
10. Type: exit
Original Post