"The java jar file could not be launched." check the console for possible error messages

I try to open a zip file, and I get a pop up saying, " The java jar file could not be launched. check the console for possible error messages." I have read that the solution is by accessing Java Preferences, but the last update took that away. Does anybody know what to do? Does anybody know any alternative Openers I can use for zip files? Anything other than Java? Java is really bugging me I can't stand it. But if there is a solution, I will use it. Thanks in advance everyone.