Overview

We use the world's leading chat software from Volano. It has been tested on all major operating systems and in all major browsers including: FireFox (versions 2 and 3), Internet Explorer (version 6 and 7), and Opera.

If you're having trouble getting chat to work, it may be a simple matter to fix. Please check the list below to make sure everything is set up and working properly on your system.

Troubleshooting

Below are some steps that will help you get Java working on your system.

After attempting the steps below, if the chat system continues not to work, please let us know. Please provide us with specific information regarding what happens when you try to use the chat system.

Do You Have Java Installed?

This chat system requires that you have Java installed. You can check to see if Java is installed on your computer by visiting the Java verification page:

Click here to visit the Sun Java verification page

To install Java, visit the official Java website and then click the button that says "Free Java Download"

Click the logo to get Java now

Try Firefox

The world is switching to Firefox. Why don't you?

Firefox is fast becoming the new standard browser for browsing the internet. It's fast, secure, easy to use, and has features that are unmatched by any other browser. It does exactly what Internet Explorer does, just better.

When you install Firefox, you can still use Internet Explorer any time you want. In fact, nothing regarding Internet Explorer will change. You'll just have the option of using Firefox instead... If you want to. We do everyday on all our computers.

Installing Firefox may also enable you to use our chat system. Of course, when you get Firefox, you'll still have to install Java (see the step above).

Click the logo to get Firefox now

Activate Java

When you use Internet Explorer 7, when you browse to our chat system, you may see a message that says:

Press "Enter" or "Spacebar" to activate this applet.

If you see this message, just press enter (on your keyboard) or the spacebar and the chat system should begin to work normally.

Enable Java In Windows and Internet Explorer

In Windows, if you set your internet security options to "high", Java becomes disabled. To enable it:

Click Tools then Internet Options, select the "Security" tab. Select Custom Level. This allows you to override the default settings.

Now, scroll down to Microsoft VM. Below Java Permission, if disable java is selected, select Medium Safety instead.

Now, click OK on all the windows and then restart Internet Explorer (important) and try the chat system again.

Enable Java In Firefox

If you're using Firefox and are unable to use Java, make sure it's enabled.

To enable Jave in Firefox:

Click Tools then Options, then click the Content button, then make sure there is a checkmark next to Java.

Now, restart Firefox and try the chat system again.

Do You Have Port 8000 and 8080 Open in Your Firewall?

This chat system communicates with the server using ports 8000 and 8080.

Check your firewall settings and make sure your browser (Internet Explorer, or FireFox, etc.) is allowed to talk on the Internet on ports 8000 and 8080.

If you need help with this, just write to the forum administrator and ask for instructions, or search the internet.

Contact Us

If you are unable to get the chat system to work with your computer, we'd like to know so we can find the problem and then post instructions to fix the problem.

Feedback

We hope you enjoy and benefit from this chat system.

If you would like to see new features added or have comments or suggestions, please feel free to send a message to the forum administrator.

Thank you and enjoy!