I had to uninstall a previous update of Java 8 because the plug-in container was constantly hanging and crashing and slowing my PC. But then I found I couldn't access an online learning platform I need for work without it. So, after removing all traces of Java with Revo Uninstaller (Java Uninstaller gave me an error message), I downloaded Update 101. It took several tries, but I finally managed to install it. I saw the clouds moving on Java's website, so I thought it was working. But then the online platform wouldn't let me log in, saying I needed to have Java installed and enabled in order to access the site. So, thinking something had gone wrong with the installation, I removed it from my PC. Since then I haven't been able to reinstall it. I've tried three different installers, all downloaded from Java's website. When I click on each of them, I get a popup reading, "Java 8 requires a newer version of Windows. You may continue with the installation, but for Java to work as specified, we recommend upgrading your operating system". It asks me to click OK, and I do. After that nothing happens. When I try clicking again on the installer, I get a second popup: "Another Java installation is in progress. You must complete that installation before you can run this installer." The problem is that nothing's in progress. Yet when I installed Java 8u101 just two days ago, it gave me the first message, but when I clicked "OK", it did finish the installation.
I'm running Windows XP with SP3 on a PC. My browser is Mozilla Firefox 48.0. Java was enabled in the browser.
Susan