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Browser Information & Preparations

This step by step process is from Blackboard's website and shows you how to modify your browser settings so that you can more easily perform the various functions in Blackboard.

Prepare Your Browser Settings for Blackboard - Internet Explorer

You will need to perform the following adjustments to optimize your browser for use with Blackboard.

1. Enable Java

You will need to have the Sun Microsystems Java Runtime Environment (JRE) software version 1.6.0 software installed in your browser in order for certain areas of Blackboard to function properly.

To install this software:

  1. Click Java - Get It Now. The Free Java Download webpage appears.
  2. Review and accept the License Agreement.
  3. Select the appropriate download and follow the online instructions.

GetJava Download Button

In addition, you will need to perform the following adjustments:

a) Enable Java in your browser

Internet Explorer
  1. Select Tools then choose Internet Options. The Internet Options screen appears.
  2. Select the Security tab.
  3. Click the Custom Level button. The Security Settings screen appears.
  4. Look for the Java Permissions section.
    • If the section does not exist, continue to the next step.
    • If the section exists, choose Low, Medium or High safety
  5. Click OK. The Internet Options screen appears.
  6. Click OK.

b) Switch to the Sun Java Runtime Environment

Internet Explorer
  1. Open the Windows Control Panel by clicking Start > Settings > Control Panel. The Control Panel appears.
  2. Locate and double-click Java or Java Plug-in. The Java Control Panel appears.
  3. Look for the Browser tab.
    • If the Browser tab does not exist, skip the rest of this section.
    • If the Browser tab exists, click the Browser tab.
  4. Under Settings, select the checkbox next to your browser.
  5. Click Apply to save your settings.
  6. Restart the browser.

2. Enable Javascript

Internet Explorer
  1. Select Tools then choose Internet Options. The Internet Options screen appears.
  2. Select the Security tab.
  3. Click the Custom Level button. The Security Settings screen appears.
  4. Scroll down to Scripting, and enable Active Scripting and Scripting of Java Applets.
  5. Click OK. The Internet Options screen appears.
  6. Click OK.

3. Set Browser Cache

Internet Explorer
  1. Select Tools then choose Internet Options. The Internet Options screen appears.
  2. Select the General tab.
  3. Under Temporary Internet Files, select Settings. The Settings screen appears.
  4. Select the Every Visit to the Page radio button.
  5. Click OK. The Internet Options screen appears.
  6. Click OK.

4. Enable Cookies
You will need to enable cookies in order to log in to Blackboard.

Internet Explorer 6.x
  1. Select Tools then choose Internet Options
  2. Select the Privacy tab
  3. Enable Cookies:
    • If using a default setting, move the slider to select any of the following privacy settings:
      • Medium High
      • Medium
      • Low
      • Accept all cookies
    • If using a custom setting:
      • Click the Advanced button
      • Select Override automatic cookie handling
      • Select Always allow session cookies
      • Click OK to return to the Privacy Tab
  4. Click Apply then OK
Internet Explorer 5.x
  1. Select Tools then choose Internet Options. The Internet Options screen appears.
  2. Select the Security tab.
  3. Click the Custom Level button. The Security Settings screen appears.
  4. Scroll down to the Cookies section
  5. Set Allow cookies that are stored on your computer to Enable
  6. Set Allow per-session cookies to Enable
  7. Click OK

 

5. Disable Pop-Up Blocking for Blackboard

While using Blackboard, if you are unable to view discussion postings, quiz windows, and download links, then you need to disable pop-up blocking for your Blackboard server.

Depending on the pop-up blocking software you are using, you may be able to set the Blackboard website as an allowed site, or you may need to disable the pop-up blocker while using Blackboard.

Pop-up blockers work in the background while you browse the internet. When they detect a pop-up window that may be an unwanted advertisement, they automatically close the window. This can prevent Blackboard from performing properly.

To disable pop-up blockers for Blackboard:

a) Search your hard drive for any software with "pop-up" in the name. Disable it or set your Blackboard server as an allowed site. Examples of popular pop-up blocking applications include:

  • Pop-Up Stopper
  • Pop-Up Defender
  • Pop-Up Zapper

b) Pop-up blocking functions are included in some anti-virus, internet security, personal firewall, and browser programs. Disable the relevant setting in the program or set your Blackboard server as an allowed site. Examples of programs that include pop-up blocking functions include the following.

Note: Click the links to read configuration information. If there is no link, refer to the Help files in the affected program.

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