i get this message:

Connecting...
Unable to connect : java.net.ConnectException : Connection refused: connect

the problem is not in my computer, since I am able to use other java applets/log into other java chats, etc.
there is no virus either, as this is a fresh copy of windows (but like I said, with Java installed)

help?

I had the same problem. Rebooting the computer solved it.

I'm assuming you've already looked on here and tried all of my suggestions already. Right now at 7:50am Central time, there are 70 people in the room, which is above average for us, so I know there isn't anything wrong with the chat software.

you may have a firewall issue, or didn't click the button to allow the java app to run.

yup..checked the firewall, and clicked the right button. not sure what's going on.

i even tried desabling the firewall, and i get the same error. is there a non-java alternative?

to everyone else that may be having this issue, it turned out to be a problem with the rules on my antivirus software (McAfee). You need to go into settings and uncheck the option that says "prevent IRC communication" which is a standard. hope this helps!

Oh wow, great tip man. I know most Dell computers come with McAfee antivirus preinstalled, so that could be a lot of people's problem. I'll add that to my list of troubleshooting ideas.

So as soon as you did that, you were able to get in?

yup