Troubleshooting Blackboard CE 6
This document will help walk you through some of the more common difficulties with using Blackboard and configuring your computer. Please don't hesitate to contact the Teaching & Learning Center or 831-479- 5030 for additional assistance.
Make sure you're logging in properly.
The address for Blackboard is http://online.cabrillo.edu
Don't use Bookmarks!
Do not bookmark the Blackboard site or you will receive errors when trying to log in. Open a new browser each time and type online.cabrillo.edu to log in without receiving errors.
How do I know if my computer is configured?
At the Log In page, select Run a Browser Check. Blackboard will check to make sure that your computer has the full functionality to run all Blackboard tools.
Please note that even when Blackboard appears to be running properly, there may be some tools (such as Chat) that place more demands on your computer. Running the Browser Check will help you configure your computer for all tools.
After you run the browser check, a report will show you if there are any trouble areas. A green check marks means everything is OK. A red x indicates that you may need to enable or update a feature. Instructions are at the bottom of the browser check list.
A green check means everything is OK. If you get a red X, use "Other Resources" to properly configure your browser.
Accept Security Certificates.
When My Blackboard first loads, your browser may require your acceptance of the java security certificate. If you press on any links or buttons in My Blackboard before the security certificate window is finished loading or before acceptance has been established, your Blackboard session will end in error and you may be required to manually end and restart your browser application.
Enabling Pop-ups.
If you receive a pop-up warning, change your computer settings to allow blocked content.
Trouble using Chat Rooms or HTML Creator in Blackboard .
If Sun Java is not enabled on your computer or you do not have a recent version of Java (1.6) certain tools will not work properly in your course. A Chat room that appears to be opening, but never quite does is usually an indication that you need to update the version of Java on your computer. Again, the best approach is to first run the Browser Check to identify any problem areas. The Browser Check will tell you if you need the Java download.
On occasion, users may have to uninstall the previous version of Java before installing the updated version. On a PC, go to Add/Remove Programs in the Control Panel to uninstall a previous version.
If your instructor has included video or audio in the course, you may need to download additional plugins.
Plugin Downloads:
Some of the more common plug-in links are listed here:
Blackboard requires an updated version of Java. Java Downloads You can get a free updated version of Sun Java by using the links at the bottom of the Browser Check page.
To view Windows video files, download Windows Media Player at: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/download/
To view Flash movies, download Flash Player at: http://www.macromedia.com/software/flashplayer/
To view Adobe Acrobat (pdf) files, download Adobe Reader at: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html
Understanding Error Messages.
You are Not Authorized to View this Page Error
If you receive this message, you may change the settings of your browser to allow access to the page.
Directions for changing settings (Internet Explorer):
- Click on Tools
- Select Internet Options
- Click Advanced Tab
- Deselect "Show Friendly HTTP errors" (remove the checkmark)
- Click OK
Difficulties using AOL Browser.
If you are using AOL as your Internet Service Provider ( ISP ), we recommend that you not use their browser for accessing Blackboard .
Directions for using Internet Explorer as your browser:
- Log on to AOL
- Open a Private Chat
- Go to People
- Start Your Own Chat
- Private Chat (enter any name for the chat)
- Go Chat (This ensures AOL will believe you are active and will not time your session out, thereby disconnecting you).
- Minimize AOL
- Open Internet Explorer
- Login to Blackboard using Internet Explorer
Problems with Spyware.
Spyware has become a tremendous problem for Internet users. If your computer seems to be running slowly and not functioning properly, it may be an indication that spyware is running on your computer. Spyware is software which is installed on your computer, generally without your knowledge, that tracks your movements on your computer. It then sends this information out to its database. Your private information is being shared without your knowledge and your computer's functionality is undermined by this additional activity. A list of Adware/Spyware detection software may be found at: http://www.spychecker.com/software/antispy.html.
Minimum Desktop Requirements for Blackboard
• URL : Verify that you are logging into http://online.cabrillo.edu
• Authentication : Cabrillo Student Computing username and password
• Supported Operating Systems (fully updated) :
• Max OS X 10.2. x
• Max OS X 10.3. x
• Max OS X 10.4. x
• Microsoft Windows 2000
• Microsoft Windows XP
• Microsoft Windows Vista
• Supported Browsers for Windows :
Microsoft IE 6.0 (2000 & XP only), 7.0 Firefox 1.5.x (2000 & XP only), 2.0.x
• Supported Browsers for Macs :
Firefox 1.0 Safari 1.3, 2.0, 3.0
Located behind the Robert E. Swenson Library, downstairs, rooms 1095/1096
Phone: 831-479-5030 • Fax: 831-479-5721
tlc@cabrillo.edu