We apologize if you are having trouble connecting to our chat. This page identifies the most common problems that may prevent or slow connecting.

AOL is not always compatible with other chat forums. Try these steps to improve your access from an AOL account:

This breastcancer.org chat uses a Java applet. If the applet has never been installed — or if an old version is present — you will be asked if you agree to installing it. Choosing yes will start the quick installation, and allow you to connect to the chat.

Java is the language that the chat software uses to create your interface or "view" of the chat rooms. You must be using an operating system and a browser that support Java to enter the chat. Windows '95/'98 and the MacOS both support Java. Windows 3.1 does not.

Netscape or Microsoft Internet Explorer, versions 3.0 and above also support Java. However we recommend at least a 4.0 browser at this time. You also need to have at least 16 MB of RAM to use Java. That's a minimum, and the more RAM the better.

In general you always want to be using the latest version of your browser and your computer's operating system.

If your browser or system does not support Java you should still be able to use EZTalk Web — check the Firewall box on the screen where you enter your chat name.

If you are having trouble "freezing" or getting an incomplete "load" of the chat software, the first thing to check is your system resources (i.e., do you have enough available RAM and other system resources to run your browser and Java correctly?).

If you have been working on your computer and using multiple programs before logging on, make sure you quit all of your programs before launching your browser.

Also, it’s often a good idea to restart your computer before your start your Internet session, especially if your computer has been used to play games. Game designers often use "shortcuts" when coding in order to get as much performance as possible out of a game. The result could be that a game (or any program) may not release your system resources back to your computer properly even when you quit. Restarting your computer should free up these valuable resources for you.

Also check the following:

Have you enabled Java in the options menu? Do you have a minimum of 16 MB of RAM?

You might try emptying your Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape cache files. Then try again. Also, choosing "reload" on your browser will sometimes help if the program is indeed "stuck."

To empty your cache files:

In Netscape, go to the EDIT menu. Choose PREFERENCES. Click on the arrow next to ADVANCED, so that the arrow points down and you see the sub-menu choices. Click on CACHE. Click on the button that says "CLEAR DISK CACHE NOW." Click on OK to close the window.

In Microsoft Internet Explorer, go to the VIEW menu. Choose INTERNET OPTIONS. Click on the DELETE FILES button in the middle of the window to empty the TEMPORARY INTERNET FILES.

Also, note the following:

1. When loading EZTalk, do not click the mouse button, type, or perform any other functions with your computer. It can seem tedious to have to wait for the program to load, but you increase the possibility of problems when you use your computer while loading the Java chat client.

2. The screen will momentarily go blank towards the end of the loading process. Again, be patient and wait for it to redraw itself.

3. It takes a couple of minutes for the chat client to load, depending on the speed of your connection. It sounds like a short period of time, but it feels like forever when you are waiting, especially on a slower connection. Make sure you give it enough "uninterrupted" time to load.

4. When using the chat software, you are using Java. Java loves RAM; the more the better. In a low RAM/memory situation, make sure you are not running any other programs (other than your browser) when using the Java application.

Once you have confirmed the above, follow these steps to return to the chat room:

1. Open either Internet Explorer or a Netscape Browser.

2. Enter this URL: http://chat.liveworld.com/events/chat/ibreast

3. Type the nickname you want to use to chat

4. Click the "Enter Chat" button.