Windows Vista & AddonChat

[Chris]

Ok -

Who's got the chat running with Vista, and who doesn't?

Who's figured out the trick, if there is one?

We managed to secure some early release OEM copies of Vista, and a few development machines are on their way now to test the various editions, both in 32 bit and 64 bit.

Basically, it seems as though half of the Vista people out there have it running perfectly, and the other half the applet will halt at the Loading... stage.

Before the first development system is setup (I'm guessing Thursday evening) any pointers would be very helpful.

[Sarah]

Vista Build: 5536
Java: 1.5.0_10
Firefox: 2.0.0.1

I didn't have to work any magic to get it working.

I do know that Java 1.6 worked at one time but it doesn't now. The loading bar just runs forever.

[Greg]

Originally Posted by Sarah

I do know that Java 1.6 worked at one time but it doesn't now. The loading bar just runs forever.

Sarah,
I'm curious if "at one time" was before final release during beta testing? Some things have not functioned for us in final release like they did during beta.

[Chris]

I can tell you the latest version 1.6 runs fine under Win XP Pro using IE7... still trying to figure out if this is a Vista thing or a Sun thing, or what..

Any input is appreciated

[Sarah]

Yes it worked fine during beta testing. When it quit working I uninstalled 1.6 and went back to 1.5 and the chat applet worked again.

Maybe somebody can post the java console output to see if it shows where it's hanging up on loading.

Originally Posted by Greg

Sarah,
I'm curious if "at one time" was before final release during beta testing? Some things have not functioned for us in final release like they did during beta.

[Chris]

Unfortunately the console output isn't providing any information -- several have submitted -- it even says the applet is loaded, but the bar just keeps on going... I'm installing a Vista machine right now (64bit) -- I hope the 32/64 doesn't make a difference as most people seem to be running the 32bit versions. Hopefully we'll have an answer by late tonight and a resolution by tomorrow.

[Chris]

Ok -- we've got a Vista development box up and running -- and I think we've isolated the issue.

Anyone with this problem also experiencing extreme lag using Firefox and Thunderbird, and other non-Microsoft browsers?

P.S. Can someone explain the advantage to me of actually purchasing this upgrade?

[Chris]

Ok -- Here is the solution we're about to post, works perfectly on our side so far -- this problem will likely work itself out as future updates are made available for Vista and Java 1.6/1.7.

SYMPTOMS:
========
If, when loading the chat room, the blue loading bar appears for a very long time, and the chat room applet never comes up, the following may help you to immediately resolve the problem. This problem is also associated with very slow page loading using Firefox, and slow eMail sending/retrieval using Thunderbird.

The following solution applies to Windows Vista users only.

SOLUTION:
========
The Windows Vista TCP Stack has been re-written. The following solution appears to correct many internet-related issues with Windows Vista, and seems to resolve the problem. There should be no negative effects from performing the following; but we have provided you with instructions for undoing this should you feel it necessary.

Part I: Disable TCP Autotuning
--------------------------------------
1. Click the Start (Windows Logo) icon
2. Select 'All Programs'
3. Select 'Accessories'
4. Right-Click on 'Command Prompt'
5. Click 'Run as Administrator'
6. A dialog box will ask you to confirm. Click the 'Continue' button to proceed.
7. Type: netsh interface tcp set global autotuning=disabled
8. Press 'Enter'
9. The message 'Ok.' should appear.
10. Type: exit

Part II: Empty your Java Cache
--------------------------------------
11. Visit http://www.addonchat.com/demo.html
12. The Java icon will appear in your task icon list in the lower-right hand corner of your screen
13. Right-click the Java (coffee-cup) icon and select 'Open Control Panel'
14. Under 'Temporary Internet Files', click 'Settings'
15. Click the 'Delete Files...' button
16. A window titled 'Delete Temporary Files' will appear. Make sure all options are checked and click 'OK'
17. Click 'OK' to exit the 'Temporary File Settings' window.
18. Click 'OK' to exit the Java Control Panel

Part III: Empty your browser's cache
--------------------------------------
11. Clear your browser's cache. Visit http://support.addoninteractive.com/...n=kb&article=2 for complete instructions.
12. Shut down all instances of your web browser.

That's all. You may now try to load the chat applet. If you have any questions regarding this procedure, please let us know.

This issue is likely to work itself out in the near future as future updates of Windows Vista and Java are released to the public -- once these updates have been released, your users will not be required to go through the above procedure.

How to Un-do the above steps
============================
If, for any reason at all, you need to undo the above procedure, follow these steps:
1. Click the Start (Windows Logo) icon
2. Select 'All Programs'
3. Select 'Accessories'
4. Right-Click on 'Command Prompt'
5. Click 'Run as Administrator'
6. A dialog box will ask you to confirm. Click the 'Continue' button to proceed.
7. Type: netsh interface tcp set global autotuninglevel=normal
8. Press 'Enter'
9. The message 'Ok.' should appear.
10. Type: exit

[Sarah]

This is why I would never purchase Vista until at least SP1 is released. Even then I don't really need it. XP works just fine for me.

I stickied this thread until there's a resolution from Microsoft/Sun.

[Phil]

I'm running Vista build 5744 (RC2) and have not been able to get add-on chat to work until today. I followed your instructions Chris and everything works like a charm I am using Java build 1.6.0_b105 and IE7 build 7.0.5744.16384. For the work around will this procedure have to be repeated or am I good to go for now FYI the chat applet font looks even crisper in Vista compared to XP Professional.

Phil.