Troubleshooting

Note to AOL Members 
Getting a Java-capable Web Browser 
Enabling Java 
Connecting Through a Proxy or Firewal

Return to chess.net for Java

 

If you're having trouble starting chess.net for Java, try following the instructions on this page.  We'll attempt to identify the problem and fix it as quickly as possible.  If this doesn't help, email support@chess.net or call 1-888-CHESSNET toll free for technical support.



 

Note to AOL Members

In order to access chess.net for Java, you must be using version 3.0 or higher of America Online.  If you're using an older version, go to the keyword 'UPGRADE'.  Follow the instructions to download and install the new version.  Once the new version is installed, you can use AOL's built-in web browser to access chess.net for Java.

By default, Java is turned off in AOL's browser.  To turn it on, jump to Enabling Java.
 

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Getting a Java-capable Web Browser

There are several Java-capable web browsers available online, and any one of them should work with chess.net for Java.  First, check to see what browser you're currently using by selecting 'Help' from the menu bar at the top and then 'About' from the Help menu.  If you're already using Netscape Navigator 3.0, Netscape Communicator, Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0, or another browser that you're sure supports Java,, jump to Enabling Java.

If you're using a different browser or an older version of one of these browsers, you'll need to upgrade.  For best results, chess.net recommends using Netscape Communicator or Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0.
Download Netscape Communicator 
Available for Windows 95 and NT, MacOS, and Unix operating systems.
Download Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0 
Available for Windows 95 and NT, Windows 3.1, and MacOS.
 

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Enabling Java

If you're using a Java-capable web browser but receiving the message 'chess.net for Java requires a Java-enabled web browser' then your browser's Java support may not be enabled.  Find your browser on the list below and follow the instructions to enable Java support.

AOL Members

  1. Find the button bar at the top of the browser window (says 'Back', 'Forward', etc.)
  2. Click on the button that says 'Prefs'
  3. A dialog box with several tabs at the top will appear
  4. Click on the tab that says 'Security'
  5. At the bottom of the dialog box there is a checkbox that says 'Enable Java programs'
  6. If the checkbox is not filled in, click on it to check it
  7. Click the 'OK' button
  8. When you return to the chess.net for Java page, you may need to click the 'Reload' button on the button bar at the top

Internet Explorer 3.0

  1. Select 'View' from the menu bar at the top
  2. Select 'Options' from the View menu
  3. A dialog box with several tabs at the top will appear
  4. Click on the tab that says 'Security'
  5. At the bottom of the dialog box there is a checkbox that says 'Enable Java programs'
  6. If the checkbox is not checked, click on it to check it
  7. Click the 'OK' button
  8. When you return to the chess.net for Java page, you may need to click the 'Refresh' button on the button bar at the top.

Netscape Navigator 3.0

  1. Select 'Options' from the menu bar at the top
  2. Select 'Network Preferences' from the Options menu
  3. A dialog box with several tabs at the top will appear
  4. Click on the tab that says 'Languages'
  5. If the checkbox that says 'Enable Java' is not checked, click on it to check it
  6. Click the 'OK' button
  7. When you return to the chess.net for Java page, you may need to click the 'Reload' button on the button bar at the top

Netscape Communicator

  1. Select 'Edit' from the menu bar at the top
  2. Select 'Preferences' from the Edit menu
  3. A dialog box will appear
  4. Click on the word 'Advanced' on the lower left side of the dialog box
  5. Find the checkbox on the right that says 'Enable Java'
  6. If the checkbox is not checked, click on it to check it
  7. Click the 'OK' button
  8. When you return to the chess.net for Java page, you may need to click the 'Reload' button on the button bar at the top
 
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Connecting through a Proxy or Firewall

A proxy is a computer that is connected to the internet and allows other computers to access the internet through it.  A firewall is similar, but its purpose is to establish a security barrier between a local network and the internet.  If you are connecting from a corporate LAN, chances are you're going through a proxy or firewall.

Unfortunately, as of yet there is no automatic way to make chess.net for Java work through proxies or firewalls.  If you have another means of connecting (dialup to an Internet Service Provider, for example), then that is your best alternative.  Barring that, you can still access a text-based version of chess.net by telnetting to chess.net.
 

For Advanced Users Only

If you're familiar with your system and don't mind making modifications, there is a way to make chess.net for Java (as well as all other internet software) work through your proxy or firewall.  You'll need to download and install a new Winsock.dll made by Hummingbird Communications Ltd. and you'll need the address of a SOCKS server through which you can connect to the internet.  If you're interested, jump to the download page and follow the instructions.  Please understand that we didn't develop this software, the installation procedure is complex, and we don't recommend it for novice users.
 
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