java computer doesn't work

That's a great work around, I should have tried that, Thanks!!

Once I lowered the security level to medium, it worked again.

Oh, STAFF???????

Would you like to weigh in here, please?

Lowering the java security to medium works ( although pretty dumb to change each time you want to play chess), however now i can't play a game.  I just did a flash update to 12 and cannot play a game.  I can't move a piece.  Seems like my money is going down the drain.

How to make everything Java related work for windows users :)  If this doesn't work, there's something wrong with the program.

Disclaimer:  If you're a developer, sometimes having an sdk in your java folder will cause java applications to malfunction.  Not sure why.  Also, messing with the system variables can seriously mess up your computer if you don't know what you're doing.  Please follow these instructions and ONLY change the variable stated and add the new information in the correct way.  I'm not responsible if you accidently delete your entire variable and approve the changes.

Step 1:  make sure you have the latest version(s) of java installed.  The current most up-to-date recommended version is Version 7 Update 51.  Remove any outdated versions.  If you have a 64-bit browser, it's best to install 64 bit AND 32 bit java versions.  (Note, the recommended version is not always the NEWEST version.  Sometimes the newer versions have security holes.)

Step 2:  Open the folder location of your installed java, open the bin folder, and copy the location in the nav bar.  For example, mine is: C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre7\bin

Step 3:  Right click My Computer and go into Properties

Step 4:  Click on Advanced system settings

Step 5:  Click on Environment Variables near the bottom of the window

WARNING!!!  CHANGING ANYTHING IN THIS WINDOW BESIDES WHAT I TELL YOU TO MAY PERMENANTLY DAMAGE YOUR COMPUTER OR STOP IT FROM WORKING NORMALLY.  PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK

Step 6:  Scroll down the System variables until you see a Variable called "Path".  Click on this and press the Edit... button.

Step 7:  MAKE SURE THE TEXT IS UN-HILIGHTED.  If you mess up or think you've messed up, hit the Cancel button and start over.  Go to the very end of the Variable value: text box.  In this box, different variables are separated by semi-colons (;).  You want to put the location of your java bin folder at the end of this text file.  At the very end of the text, put a ; and then the path to the java bin folder.  For example, mine looks like this:

(other system variables);C:\Program Files\Java\jre7\bin;C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre7\bin

note: I have two java files because I have 64-bit AND 32 bit versions of java, so I included the paths for each one separated by a ;  If you only have one version of java (32-bit, let's say) then your variable might look like this:

(other system variables);C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre7\bin 

Step 8: once you're sure you've done everything right, click ok on all the windows and voila!  Your computer and other programs now know where your Java is.

Note this is not neccessary for everything, nor will it fix every problem.  But it's a handy thing to know how to do!  For me this has fixed some issues like running a minecraft server, running Eclipse (a code development tool), and some other applications.

. . . O.o

Have you heard of TARGET?

Linux has higher security requirements than Windows or Mac and NOW won't run at all with the java jre 7u51 because of the unsigned security certificate.  Complaints are all over the Internet for Linux and I have not found that anyone has found a work-around yet.  Why can't Chess.com sign their security certificate and become a secure website that Linux Users can use?  Just because it was unsigned in the past and worked, that does not mean it should remain unsecure and vulnerable now and in the future.

Trusted sites are not immune to watering hole attacks (i.e., drive-by download attacks).

I really don't think malicious hackers will stop with the low-hanging fruit. They'll use all attack vectors available to them.

The bottom line is that even by simply having Java activated in your browser, you could be hit. Lowering the security level just increases your chances of being hit.

I just sent in a Ticket for this issue and staff replied as follows:-

<<Thanks for writing in. I'm really sorry for the inconvenience. We are currently working on resolving the situation. Unfortunately I don't have a for sure answer as to when the issue will be resolved, but hopefully soon!>>

Signing the certificate would make everything go away, but as that would eat into Chess.com's gobs of money, they don't want to do that. =P

larry Ellison who owns Java needs all the money he can get.After all, he only own the fourth largest island in Hawii and a yacht the size of an aircraft carrier, and he has to make sure he retains the Americans Cup for the Oracle sailing team.I may down load my old chess program,Fritz,it's a really good program, if this issue isn't resolved

We do not now that this would solve the issue completely, that's just a conjecture.

After all, it should also work to use the list of exception sites, but we tried that and ran into different issues. Maybe it's just the same with a signed applet.

I've been playing Chess.com's  "Chess against the computer" for some years.

A few times over the past couple of years there has been a 'security alert' refusal issue, but I was always able to eventually convince (??Java??) that Chess.com could be trusted ..... until today!  

I have Update 51 and now way is "The Oracle" going to let me play today! I think it's just embarassed at my abysmal inability to win at anything much more than "Beginner" level. (Bad associations spoil good habits' seems to be The Oracle's credo)

Can't decide whether I should invest a few centimes in Chess.com or Oracle to get some clout. Guess I'll see what other free online chess is available and come back in a few days to see if the portcullis is open or closed.

Hope there is a speedy resolution for all.

ParisPete

Would someone be kind enough to explain what "signing the certificate" means?  Does chess.com have to certify their site is safe?  There must be more to this than we know, or they would have done it already.  And now for a really dumb question:  How does java make their money?  Do sites that use java have to pay for it? 

Also, I submitted a ticket a while ago and never even got a "we are working on it" reply.  Thanks everyone.

Please find an explanation at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_key_certificate. Chess.com needs to sign the archive that contains their Java code with a certificate (to make sure that the archive can't be compromised) and this certificate needs to be signed by a trusted authority to let the browser know that they don't just pretend to be chess.com.

Thank you Sred.

Just to let you know... I too cannot play vs computer..