Java Issues Continued:

 

Soooo--you've uninstalled and reinstalled Java, and tried different browsers, and you still can't run games at Pogo?  You'll need to REALLY clean off every trace of your old versions of Java because somewhere you've got a NASTY corrupted file messing things up!  So what do you do?  You use the free utility I mentioned in the blog yesterday, but had a question about due to Antivirus issues.  Okay, I contacted Symantec, the Software company that makes Norton Antivirus Products, and they give a clean bill of health to the program I use to completely remove Java from your computer, it is from Singular Labs, and is called JavaRa, you can download it here--by all means download the "stable version" unless you meet the criteria listed next to the "legacy version" which is highly unlikely--you'd either be running a dinosaur in which case you'll probably need more help, or you're running Vista/Win7 with your User Account Control turned OFF, in which case you're probably a power user and you don't need my help in the first place HeHeHe...Don't worry if your Antivirus has a fit--this program does some serious changing to your files and registry to remove some stubborn issues that Java has caused deep in your operating system, so it may freak out your AV.  If you are really worried, by all means, quarantine the file, and submit it to your AV Software company in an email as an attachment--they will respond in a day or so letting you know if it's safe to use (they should say it's a false-positive).  You can use the "help" in your AV software or search the "support" section of the AV company's website to find out how to submit possible false-positives for analysis.

 

Anyways, the JavaRa comes as a zipfile.  All major operating systems can handle these, when you click the download button  tell your computer to "save as" the file, and put it on your desktop or somewhere else you can FIND it easily.  Then double click it and unzip it, your computer should ask you "where", make a "new folder" call it JavaRa and have it be on the desktop. (If you don't know how to do even this, you REALLY need to contact me, I can walk you through it via Instant messenger if you're not comfortable using TeamViewer.).. then RIGHT click JavaRa.exe and click "Run as Administrator";  if any windows pop up and ask you if it's ok to run it say "yes".    At any rate, you'll get a cute little window that has four icons.  One of them will say update Java definitions--Oracle constantly updates Java so these need to be updated obsessively by Singular Labs.  Click that first.  (not the one that says update Java Runtime) 

 

Once that one is done, then click on "Remove Java Runtime".  It will as you to run the windows Uninstaller go ahead and do that.  If it doesn't quite go correctly you'll have to use "control panel" in windows, go to "add/remove programs"  in programs and features in Win7, (just go to view by complete list for heaven's sake that category view thing is obnoxious) and Remove Java using the windows uninstaller.  Then use the "next" button on the JavaRa program and "Perform Removal Routine" button.  This should do the trick, your computer should be clean of Java.  I recomment restarting the computer TWICE.  This will ensure a complete removal of any residuals that were awaiting reboot for removal.  You can even run JavaRa a second time, but it probably won't find anything.

 

Now Go back to the Java website (Link is in the last blog entry) and download Java again in your preferred browser.  Try playing those games again.  Hopefully your problem is solved, this will solve about 99.5% of Java issues at this point.  If you STILL are having Java issues, there are a couple more things to try but NOW we are getting to the point where you might need to call in a geek.  We'll get to what you can try or get someone to help you try in the next blog entry.  Happy Gaming :)

OK-Today we talk about Java.

 

I play a LOT of pogo.  I am a "host" for tournaments, both at Rankmonster and Eliters.  The games there are run with "plug-ins", accessory programs that run in your internet browser--Most likely Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, or Safari--and make the games work.  Pogo uses Adobe's "Flash" and Oracle's "Java".  These programs both have many issues, especially Java.  A few really paranoid security-conscious people won't even USE Java due to its security issues (I've never had problems with it, but that's not to say it's not just dumb luck that I've not been affected).  But almost every time there's an update of Java, I get many cries for Help from my friends and players--My Games Won't Play--Help!!!

 

One thing to find out--is this a Java game or a Flash game?  Go here and find your game on one of the lists to see which plug-in it uses.  If it is Java, this blog entry should help you get back up and running.  If it is a flash game, I will make another blog entry about that and you can go there (this will become a link when the blog entry is completed) to try to fix it.

 

The first thing to try is to go to the Java website and update.  Then try to play the game again.  Be in the browser you want to use for Pogo when you go to the update link.  It should automatically send you to the right version for your browser.  If it doesn't work in that browser, try another.  HINT:  Internet Explorer and Firefox use the same version plug-in, Chrome uses another, so if you're using IE or Firefox switch to Chrome, if you're using Chrome, switch to IE or Firefox.  If you need Firefox go here, if you need Chrome, go here.  Firefox has Java automatically disabled, but if you are using it on a trusted website, it is usually quite safe (and yes, Pogo is safe)--you can enable it for a specific website by following the instructions on this page.  This will solve many people's Java problem.  If it does NOT, don't despair, there are more things to try, such as an uninstall, clean reinstall, which I will cover in the next blog entry--I am checking and re-checking the safety of the uninstall program I have been using due to a possible false-positive trojan reading.  Please stand by....

 

A word about computer use and safety:

If you are going to let someone fix your computer by remote, FIRST make SURE it is someone you trust completely.  A family member who doesn't steal (LOL I realize the two for some people go together but it can't always be assumed); A longtime friend you'd trust with your house while you're away, that sort of thing.  Even so, by all means, put all sensitive files behind passwords, clear all your caches, and don't give them carte blanche on your computer.  If they are fixing your computer remotely this is safer than just handing it over, because TeamViewer can be used in such a way as they will only be able to access your computer WHILE YOU WATCH THEM,  with a random password that is only good for as long as the software is open for that set of times--once you close team viewer, that password is no longer any good.  Read the security information at the site for details on the encryption, etc. for more details on safety of the software.  I suppose that if I was fast and really sneaky I could slip some malware by you, but the fact of the matter is, that if you will see WHERE i get any files I put onto your computer from, if you will see any changes I make, and if you can ask as many questions as you like and if I don't mind answering them at all, if in fact the more you know, the better I like it--this is probably a computer geek you can trust...

I get all the software and registry changes I use from reputable sites on the web, and I will get the links and put them here, please hover over them and check that they read as what they say they are--i.e. if it's JavaRa, that it says SingularLabs.com, etc and not a distortion of the real site's name.  .  In fact if it looks wonky, search on google and find the legitimate link--you'll probably know it when you see it.  I am not sure if people can hack blogs, but I am guessing it's possible--so if someone changes my links and I haven't noticed it yet, Please by all means let me know.  This advice goes for ANY site you click links on--HOVER on the link text and read the http address and make sure it is legitimate BEFORE you click--if it's not FOR SURE a trusted site, and the link is gibberish or misspelled do NOT click on it.  This is a major source of Malware, Trojans, and Viruses, as well as a way to get you to Phishing sites where they get you to enter your personal info and steal it.  I double- triple- and quadruple- check the software I suggest to make sure it is ordinarily Malware-Free.  But there is NO substitute for good Malware/Antivirus Software and your own good sense.  If it seems to good to be true, it probably is.   You'll find I ask you to think and reason and do things for yourself--this is because there isn't any such thing as a free Lunch....

Well, i guess the other thing to warn you about is phony Malware/Antivirus removal/protection schemes and downloading pirated software/music/films.  These two things are the OTHER major source of horrible malware/trojans/viruses on the Web.  before you accept the help of any program or company saying they'll speed up/clean up your computer, search on the name of their company and their software with the word "scam" and then the word "malware" and see if you get hits and read the reviews.  If it's legitimate you'll see places like "PC World" and CNet and so forth recommending it and no complaints that it completely wrecked someone's computer.  If you see those--BEWARE.  And the latter?  The "free" software/music/films that you should have paid for?  Besides the obvious ethics issues--i'll not judge at this moment--I have heard from hackers/crackers that companies hire them to put malware, etc into some of those files on purpose to stick it to the cheaters who can't be bothered to listen to the law, let alone their conscience.  This is borne out by how many people I've heard who have horrible infestations who also download media they aren't entitled to.  Just don't do it--it's incredibly cheap to rent or buy, or get Netflix/ Amazon Prime, whatever (like 6-7 bux a month for either one) and your computer and your inner self will both probably thank you.

 

If you search on your computer issue and find a registry "hack" or free software or company who says they'll fix it, do a little research before you go ahead and do it.  A few minutes on Google checking can save you hours of heartache if the person you found the info from is malicious--and if you get a call or someone on the phone EVER offers to fix your computer--NONONONO.  This is a well known scam, as are the emails saying they'll do the same things...in fact any unsolicited email should just be deleted without opening, any email with attachments even if it's from your bank or a business, should be viewed with a great deal of suspicion.  If it asks for any personal info, skip it altogether, and call or go directly to the company's website (not the link in the email) and go from there.  Your bank will NEVER ask for any info in an email, nor will it send you an attachment. PERIOD.  Nor will it "close your account" if you don't update.PERIOD.

 

I think i've covered the major security issues that can lead to your computer being messed up or your info being stolen due to something YOU do.  It can still get messed up or your info stolen anyway, just by virtue of being a computer on the web, but that can't be helped.  We just monitor our accounts and cross our fingers on that one. :)

One of my friends suggested I put a "donate" button...I couldn't in good conscience use a paypal "donate button as it is specified you have to be a bona fide nonprofit, but I've made a buy me button from paypal that says Yes,  I'll help that you can use that is linked to me if you want to contribute a small amount, I'm on a miniscule fixed income...but you don't have to give me anything for me to help :) that's not why I'm doing this blog...

I'm hoping to start posting some help articles based on what I'm seeing when helping people with their computers, a sort of FAQ...if there are questions you have you'd like to see me explore send them to me...I'll try to help or direct you to resources that can help you...

Hi,

 

I'm frannie and I'm a "techie geek" *if you will*...I help people who know and trust me with their

computer with a remote host, "TeamViewer".

I've helped many of my friends over the years, and I enjoy helping others, I am

a retiree and like feeling useful.I have good days and bad days--I can't always work--that's why I'm retired, but within a few days of learning there is a problem, I can take a look at the computer and probably determine if there's a

software or hardware problem from right here, and if it's something I can fix,

or if there is a need to seek in-person help, rescue disks, parts, etc.

 

I am developing this blog to cover the most common problems I am asked to fix. I am giving a special dedicated email address for folks to use if they have a specific problem so they can ask me questions and I can address them either in the blog if it's of general interest, or by email if it's too rare or specific an issue. I don't know how big of a response I will get with my

little blog, so bear with me if it takes a bit to get back to you...please

if you just want to spam or bother me, don't, because I'd have to end up

shutting this experiment down if I get too much junk...contact me with a

detailed description of your problem at this address