hi KiwiLad, your question isn't really related to firefox since the java message refers to the general windows internet settings: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/change-internet-explorer-proxy-server-settings#1TC=windows-7

if you cannot solve it this way, please contact oracle's support instead about getting their auto-updater to work properly...

Yes, the Java error message is not specific to FF.

However, as I quoted above, the Oracle/Java FAQ on this particular error message does clearly and simply state there is an incompatibility between the Java installer and FF:

"The [Java] installer doesn't understand the proxy settings specified in Netscape/Mozilla."

(I hope my repeating the relevant quote makes it clear now, or perhaps you prefer to read the original: www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/windows-faq-140694.html )

As I use the FF "auto-detect proxy settings" option, I wonder if there is an issue not only in the Java installer but also the proxy settings auto-detected by FF -- the settings the "installer doesn't understand"?

Having said that, I have no other internet connection issues with FF, so clearly the FF proxy settings compatibility question is specific to the Java installer.

So I am still interested if there is a solution for a hassle-free Java update installation without having to resort to the offline installation procedure?

i think you're misinterpreting the error message: what it basically says is that java cannot connect to the internet & to resolve it, either look into your windows proxy settings or make sure that a firewall isn't blocking java from connecting. and to emphasize that it says then, you shouldn't bother with any firefox proxy settings (since they are obviously specific to this browser and other programs don't make use of it)...

Thanks. Now I understand what Oracle's poorly written FAQ is trying to say.

All I have to do is figure out what's happening in the Windows automatically set LAN proxy settings!