- Be sure to click "Tools" on the Internet Explorer menu bar and then click "Internet Options":
- Then click the "Privacy" tab on the "Internet Options" dialog box:
- Then click and move the slider to "accept cookies," but no higher than "medium." Finally, click the "OK" button:
- Be sure that you have paid your bill to your Internet Service Provider.
- Maintain the appropriate settings if you use a firewall. If you have installed a firewall on your computer, be sure that your firewall permits your Distance Learning login page as noted above.
- Disable an accelerator program. If you are using a dial-up connection that is also using an "accelerator" program, you will have to disable it. The reason you will have to do this is the "accelerator" programs do not actually speed up the dial-up connection. Instead, the "cache" the frequently used Web pages so that your browser already has a stored image of those pages. The problem inherent in this system is that Blackboard pages are dynamic; each time you connect to one you are receiving the latest version that may include updates from your professor. A discussion forum may change by the minute as teachers and students add comment.
Thus click the "Start" button at the bottom left corner of your computer screen, then click the link to all programs. Then find the name of the Internet provider, such as Earthlink Total Access. Then look for an accelerator program. You can also "right click" the link to the program on the status bar near the lower right corner of your screen and then click "disable" on the "accelerator" program. Then you will be able to access all components of Blackboard. You also have to make sure that you check the "Tools" menu item on your browser and make sure that the "Privacy" setting via the Internet Options link on the Tools menu allows "cookies" so that Blackboard can identify you each time you connect.
- Use the required programs or plug-ins. Blackboard requires the Java client program to be installed on your computer since it uses "Java Applets" in its login procedure, text editor, and certain types of online tests. If you are using Windows XP, it probably does not contain the Java program. If that is the case, Blackboard will install the program on your computer unless you have blocked the ability of another program to install programs on your computer if if you are using a computer in a network environment whose firewall does not permit Blackboard to install the Java program on your computer. If you are unable to login or access tests, you may need to install the Java program yourself. The following link will give you a connection and directions to download the "Java Runtime Environment" and other plug-ins for using sound and video files: Download Center.
- Check the settings if you use a pop-up blocker. If you are using a "pop-up" blocker," be sure to set it to permit access each page within the Blackboard site course site or within Blackboard Support. Pop-up blockers will prevent Blackboard discussion forums or quizzes from appearing in a new window. For more information, please click here.
- Check the settings if you use a spam blocker. If you are using a "spam blocker," be sure to give it access to your Blackboard course and any email received from your course. Otherwise, you will have to turn off or disable any "spam blockers" before you attempt to login. Spam blockers will prevent your instructor from sending an email message to you from the course.