University of Houston-Victoria | Blackboard

Browser / Computer Setup Problems:

Blackboard works on one computer but not another...

If you can log in to Blackboard successfully from one computer but not another, then the problem is likely a browser or Java compatibility issue. If you are able to make changes on the other computer, then go through the Computer Setup section and double-check for:

A compatible browser
Correct browser settings
A supported version of Java installed
Personal firewalls and pop-up blockers
Any spyware

I can't log in to Blackboard from work...

If you can log in to Blackboard successfully from home, but not work, then the problem is likely a firewall, browser, or Java-compatibility issue. If you are able to make changes on your office computer, then go through the Computer Setup section and double-check for 1) a compatible browser, 2) correct browser settings, 3) a current version of Java installed, and 4) any spyware.

Many companies operate behind a firewall to protect the networked computers from viruses or other types of attacks. Contact your employer's network administrator to determine the scope of the firewall and if changes can be made to make Blackboard accessible via your office computer. The main Blackboard application operates over the standard web server port 80, but also uses the SSL 440 port, and chat/whiteboard uses port 2304, so confirm with your IT Department that all three ports are open. Your office network may also have other mechanisms in place to block domains or web addresses. Our Blackboard domain is located at learn.uh.edu. If your company cannot change their firewall or network protection, then you must use another computer to access your online courses.

After I log in to Blackboard, I get redirected back to the Login or Institution page...

This is a problem seen frequently with AOL users. If you are using AOL, first, make sure you are using a compatible version. You should use AOL 9 or higher. Then, for best results in accessing Blackboard, you should use an alternate browser after you connect using AOL.

Click here for a list of Blackboard-compatible internet browsers and confirm the browser you're using is on the list
Use AOL to connect to the internet
Open a private chat session within AOL, which allows the AOL client to remain open without asking if you wish to disconnect while minimized
Minimize your AOL browser
Open an alternate supported browser, e.g., Internet Explorer 7, Internet Explorer 6, or Firefox
Log into Blackboard and access your course using the alternate browser

If you are not using AOL and experience this problem, then check the following...

Cookies - for IE go to Tools/Internet option/Privacy and move the slider to Medium or lower to allow for cookies. If you prefer a higher level, then you should add the Blackboard server to the allowed web sites. Click the Edit button in the Web sites section on the Privacy tab. Then add the domains uh.edu and uhv.edu and click Allow. Then click OK.
Accelerators - disable any accelerators used with your ISP to "load pages faster". They typically work by caching and re-using pages that you have visited before. In doing so, they may not load the most current information on the web page that you are requesting.
Firewalls - disable personal firewalls and/or pop-up blockers during your Blackboard session or set the Blackboard server as a trusted site (domain = learn.uh.edu).

When I click on a course title in My Blackboard, my browser shuts down...

First, make sure that you are using a supported browser and have followed the recommended settings in the Computer Setup section. Also, uninstall any browser toolbars, such as Yahoo!, MSN, or Google toolbars. These may cause erratic behavior in Blackboard. And finally, make sure that you have either disabled your pop-up blocker or have changed the setting in your pop-up blocker to always allow pop-ups for the Blackboard domain (learn.uh.edu).

Why do I get sent to Ask Jeeves (or some other web site) when I log in to Blackboard?

If, when you log in to Blackboard, you are being automatically redirected to another web site, then your browser is being "hijacked" by spyware. These programs are commonly installed automatically by other programs, such as file-sharing programs. It is recommended that you uninstall or temporarily disable these programs while accessing Blackboard. Please check our Spyware & Adware section for suggestions on detecting and removing this type of software.

Why does my browser close unexpectedly?

You may be encountering a security settings issue. In Internet Explorer, go to Tools/Internet options and choose the Privacy tab. Move the settings slider to Medium security or lower. If you prefer a higher level, then you should add the Blackboard server to the allowed web sites. Click the Edit button in the Web sites section on the Privacy tab. Then add the domains uh.edu and uhv.edu and click Allow. Then click OK.
Check your Java settings.
Clear your Java Cache.

You are not authorized to view this page...

In your Internet Explorer browser, go to Tools/Internet Options. Click on the Advanced tab and in the Browsing section, UNCHECK the box next to "Show friendly HTTP error messages". Click OK to save changes.

Also, we have found that uninstalling toolbars, such as Yahoo!, MSN, or Google toolbars will minimize compatibility problems while running Blackboard.

Blackboard session already running...

Also, while in Blackboard, do not choose to open a new window (File/New/Window or right-click and "Open in new window") and then return to your login page and log in again. Blackboard tracks multiple sessions by the same user, so if you would like to have a second browser open with Blackboard, you must launch a new instance of Internet Explorer and then login (either launch from your desktop, taskbar, or start/programs menu). It may be less confusing to launch a second Blackboard session using another supported browser, like Netscape 7.

Vista: My computer is running Windows Vista – will Blackboard work?

Yes. However, you will still need to go through the “Get Started with 4 Easy Steps” to make sure your computer is configured correctly.

Office 2007: My Computer has Microsoft Office 2007 - is this ok?

Yes, however computers with Office 2003 may not be able to view documents saved as an Office 2007 file. Office 2007 files have an x in the extension, for example a Word file will have .docx at the end of it. Faculty, staff and most students are still running Office 2003. To make sure that everyone can read you documents, be sure to “Save As” a “Word 97-2003 Document.”

My Computer is Running Internet Explorer 7 (IE7) will Blackboard still Work?

Yes. Blackboard should work just fine AFTER you have completed the “Get Started with 4 Easy Steps”. These steps will make sure that everything is configured correctly.

My Computer is Running Internet Explorer 8 (IE8) will Blackboard still Work?

Yes. IE8 is compatible with UHV's version of Blackboard. Click here for a complete list of Blackboard-compatible internet browsers.