Java Check
We're checking your browser. Result:
If you don't see your version of Java above within 10 seconds or so, you don't have a working version installed. Some computers come with this free software already installed (all versions of Apple OS X, and many Windows computers), but not all of them. You also might be working on a public or school computer where Java has been disabled.
Make sure Java is enabled in your browser
- If you've never changed your security settings, this isn't your problem — Java will be enabled unless you turned it off. Skip down to "Download the Java Software".
- Otherwise: here are instructions to enable Java in your browser.
Download the Java™ Software
(New: Try a partly-automated installation which should bring you back here when it's complete.)
Download the latest Java software from http://www.java.com/.
Click where it says "Free Java Download". You will either see a screen saying "Java Software Installed" if you already have it, or you will be able to begin the installation.
Use the online install option if you can: then it's a smaller download.
Clearing Java's cache
We've seen some problems caused by corrupted versions of our drills cached by Java on your computer. You can clear that cache to force Java to download a fresh copy of the drill from us.
- Clear Java's cache (Windows)
- Mac OS X: Open "Macintosh HD" on the desktop, browse to "/Applications/Utilities/Java/" and open "Java Preferences". Then follow the instructions here to clear the cache.
- Linux: Open the Java Control Panel (as shown here, then follow the instructions here to clear the cache.
- Solaris: Open the Java Control Panel (as shown here, then follow the instructions here to clear the cache.
Reinstalling Java (on Windows)
Still having problems or seeing weird behavior? Reinstalling Java can fix many problems if you are running Windows.
- Close all web browser windows.
- Open the Windows Control Panel
- Open "Add or Remove Programs"
- Uninstall Java runtimes from the list. There may be a lot; they will have names starting with "J2SE" or "Java (TM)".
- Visit http://www.java.com to download and install the latest version.
Checking the Java Console for errors
If Java is working (and you see your version number in green at the top of this page BUT the drills still don't work, there may be an error message in the Java Console that can help us figure out what's going wrong.
First, check the Tools menu of your browser. Click "Java Console" or "Sun Java Console".
If you don't have that option, you'll need to enable it:
- Enable the Java Console (Windows)
- Enable the Java Console (Mac OS X): Open "Macintosh HD" on the desktop, browse to "/Applications/Utilities/Java/" and open "Java Preferences". On the "Advanced" page, select "Show Console".
- Enable the Java Console (Linux)
- Enable the Java Console (Solaris)
Close all browser windows before trying the drill again.
When you have tried to run the drill again, check the console window (it will pop up on its own, or select from the Tools menu of your browser), and use the "Copy" button on the console, then paste that into your email to us.
Feedback
Did you find some other solution to your problem? Are there mistakes on this page? Contact us so we can make this page better. Thanks!
