Make sure you have downloaded and installed the latest JDK release from Oracle: http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/jdk8-downloads-2133151.html (file jdk-8u112-macosx-x64.dmg)
thank you for your response! but now i get this strange box on the linked page, cant click on anything thank you very much for your assistance
Sorry, never seen that before. Perhaps it's an ad? Here's the direct link though: http://download.oracle.com/otn-pub/java/jdk/8u112-b16/jdk-8u112-macosx-x64.dmg
no, its the 'accept license' question. it just shows that blank box so i cant click on accept, any ideas? thank you!
Install the legacy version of Java available at https://support.apple.com/kb/dl1572 then restart. I have seen this work on dozens of Macs.
i just used chrome to download java. the problem was with the 'accept cookies' query. thank you all for your help!