Download Web Browsers and Plugin Issues

Web Browsers and Plugin Issues
Common Browser and Plug-in Issues
The following information may help you troubleshoot some of the more common browserrelated problems that you may encounter while working in Blackboard Learn.
Cookies, JavaScript, Pop-Up Blocker, and Java
Regardless of the browser being used, Blackboard Learn requires the use of session cookies and
JavaScript enabled in the user's browser to provide the right experience for teaching and
learning.
Cookies - Make sure that cookies from third parties are allowed on your browser
Third party cookies are allowed by default on all supported browsers. If you experience
problems staying logged in to Blackboard, please check your browser settings to make sure you
allow third party cookies.
For more information on enabling cookies, please select your current web browser:
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Mozilla Firefox
Internet Explorer
Safari
Google Chrome
JavaScript - Make sure that JavaScript is enabled on your browser
JavaScript is enabled by default in all supported browsers. JavaScript is a type of programming
language used to provide immediate feedback to users via the browser. Much of the
Blackboard system relies on JavaScript to generate interactive web pages. For more information
on enabling JavaScript on your machine, please select your current web browser:
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Mozilla Firefox
Internet Explorer
Safari
Google Chrome
Pop-Up Blocker – Make sure that you disable Pop-Up Blocking for 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.
Last Updated: May 6, 2015
Web Browsers and Plugin Issues
While using Blackboard Learn if you are unable to view Discussion postings, Quiz windows, and
Download links, then you may need to disable pop-up blocking for your Blackboard Learn
website.
Pop-up Blocker is a feature in a browser that lets you limit or block most pop-ups. Pop-up
blocking functions are included in some browser, anti-virus, internet security, and personal
firewall programs. If you have configured your browser to allow pop-ups or have them turned
off and still have issues with pop-up windows in Blackboard Learn refer to the ‘Help’
documentation in the affected program to learn how to disable pop-up blocking or allow popup windows from Blackboard Learn.
When Pop-up Blocker is turned on, the Information bar displays a message saying "Pop-up
blocked. To see this pop-up or additional options click here."
For more information about turning OFF pop-up blocker on your machine, please select your
current web browser:
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Mozilla Firefox
Internet Explorer
Safari
Google Chrome
Java
Java is a programming language and software platform, similar to Flash, that is required for
certain features of Blackboard Learn to function properly. Some of the important features of
Blackboard which use Java include:
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File uploading and downloading
Taking assessments and surveys
The visual text editor box found in Discussion, Assessments, the Assignment Dropbox, etc.
Verify if your Java Plug-in is functioning properly by visiting
http://www.java.com/en/download/help/testvm.jsp
Check to ensure that you have the recommended version of Java installed on your Windows
computer and identify any versions that are out of date and should be uninstalled here:
http://www.java.com/en/download/installed.jsp
Check what Version of Java you Have on your Computer
You can check the supported Java version on the same page that identifies Blackboard's supported
browsers.
Last Updated: May 6, 2015
Web Browsers and Plugin Issues
1. To check the version you have on your computer:
o Click on the Start Menu (lower left corner of your screen)
o Click Control Panel
o Double-click Java; then click About in the Java Control Panel
o Click Close
2. To check the version you have at Java.com. Click here to check that you have the recommended
version of Java installed on your Windows computer and identify any versions that are out of
date and should be uninstalled.
Install Java
To learn more about Java including installation instructions, verification procedures and
troubleshooting tips, please visit the Java Support page.
Note: You need an Administrative account to install software and make other changes to the computer.
1. If you are trying to install Java on a personal computer, you may grant yourself administrative
privilege by going to:
o Control Panel -> User Accounts -> Manage User Accounts
o Select your User Name -> Click Properties Button -> Select Administrator -> OK
About Java Software
The Java Runtime Environment (JRE) is what you get when you download Java software. The
JRE consists of the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), Java platform core classes, and supporting Java
platform libraries. The JRE is the runtime portion of Java software, which is all you need to run
it in your Web browser.
About Java Plug-In Software
The Java Plug-in software is a component of the Java Runtime Environment (JRE). The JRE
allows applets written in the Java programming language to run inside various browsers. The
Java Plug-in software is not a standalone program and cannot be installed separately.
Enable Java on your Browser
Please follow these links for instructions to enable Java through your web browser:
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Mozilla Firefox
Internet Explorer
Safari
Google Chrome
Last Updated: May 6, 2015
Web Browsers and Plugin Issues
Determine if the Java Plug-in Has Been Disabled in your Mozilla Firefox Browser
Mozilla Firefox sometimes disables the Java and users cannot access the Chat tool in Blackboard Learn.
To see what Plug-ins you have installed:
1. Click the Menu button
and choose Add-ons . The Add-ons Manager tab will open.
2. In the Add-ons Manager tab, select the Plugins panel.
3. To re-enable a Plug-in, select Always Activate . To disable a Plug-in, select a plug-in in the list,
then select Never Activate . Disabling a Plug-in will turn it off without uninstalling it.
More Information about Troubleshooting Issues with Plug-ins you will find here
Clear the Java Cache
Your Java cache is a temporary storage area where frequently accessed data can be stored for
rapid access. Once the data is stored in the cache, future use can be made by accessing the
cached copy rather than having to download the Blackboard content every time you enter a
session, therefore lowering your connection time.
Sometimes cached data can become corrupt or outdated. In such cases we recommend that
you delete cached content so that storage is complete and current.
Clearing the Java Plug-in cache forces the browser to load the latest versions of web pages and
programs.
Clear Java cache by deleting Temporary Files through the Java Control Panel. You will find
instructions here:
 Find the Java Control Panel in Windows
 Find the java Control Panel in Mac OS X
Clear Browser History and Cache
Your Internet browser keeps a record of all the websites you visit in its History. Sometimes
stored data can create problems for Blackboard Learn users trying to login to the system. If you
are experiencing ‘Session Already Running’ errors or are unable to view certain content or the
grade center in Blackboard Learn, try clearing your browser’s cache. Before clearing your
browser cache, be sure to log out of Blackboard and any other sites. Tip: After clearing your
browser's cache make sure that you close your browser completely and start a new browser
session before attempting to access the Blackboard Learn again.
For more information on clearing your browser history and cache, please select your current
web browser:
 Mozilla Firefox History and Cache
 Internet Explorer History and Cache
 Safari History and Cache
 Google Chrome History and Cache
Last Updated: May 6, 2015