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I cannot see my course after logging in to eLearning Vista

By default courses in eLearning Vista are not available to any students prior to the term start.

 

I get a blank page when trying to download from eLearning Vista.

The default setting in Internet Explorer is to block downloaded files so whenever you click on a link within a course using Internet Explorer, the download blocker is activated. Often the information bar appears directly below the address bar telling you a file has been blocked. You can click on that bar to download the file but that action takes you back to the Course List page. You then have to go back to the course and again click the link for the file you want and then it will download.

To prevent this, you can set Internet Explorer to not use the information bar on downloads and to prompt instead for file downloads by following these steps:

  1. Open Internet Explorer
  2. On the Tools menu, select Internet Options
  3. On the Security tab, click Custom Level
  4. Do one or both of the following: a) In the downloads section of the list, under Automatic Prompting for File Downloads, click Enable or b) In the ActiveX controls and plug-ins section of the list, under Automatic Prompting for ActiveX controls, click Enable.

Do I need to disable Pop-up Blockers?

While it is not necessary to disable the pop-up blocker on your browser, it is absolutely necessary to add the eLearning Vista site to your exceptions list. 

In Firefox

  1. Go to Tools -> Options
  2. Select the Content tab
  3. Click exceptions button to the right of Block pop-up windows
  4. Type in http://vista.southernct.edu and then click allow

In Internet Explorer 

  1. Go to Tools -> Internet Options
  2. Select the Privacy tab
  3. Place a checkmark in the box to Block pop-ups and click the settings button
  4. Type in http://vista.southernct.edu and then click add

Why does eLearning Vista boot me out to the course list page when I try to open a document?

This occurrence happens in Internet Explorer and you will need to make a change in the browser settings.

  1. In Internet Explorer, go to Tools -> Internet Options
  2. Select the Security tab
  3. Select the Custom Level button
  4. Scroll to downloads and then to automatic prompting for file downloads and select Enable
  5. Click OK

Can I forward email from eLearning Vista to an external account?

While it is true that eLearning Vista has a built in component which allows you to forward mail to an external account, we have found that forwarding within Vista Mail is intermittent at best. The problem has been reported to Blackboard who has acknowledged the software bug and has stated the fix will be scheduled for future releases. Because we cannot guarantee mail will be forwarded nor can we state when the fix will be available from Blackboard, we do not recommend using the mail forwarding feature in Vista.

 

I see all my courses, even if they are no longer active

Courses will continue to appear in your Course List from semester to semester and are not removed. If you do not want to see them in your Course List, simply click on the Pencil to the right of the Course List Title bar and place a checkmark next to those you do not wish to see. Then click the hide button at the bottom.

 

Where can I find help in using eLearning Vista?

  • Blackboard offers a variety of tutorials and knowledge base information. www.blackboard.com
  • Links for online tutorials can also be found through the Training link on this site.
  • The Help file in eLearning Vista is very valuable. Has an index and search options and can be accessed from anywhere within your Course on eLearning Vista.

 

I keep getting a "Java has discovered application components that could indicate a security concern", how can I fix this?

This is due to an update in your Java control panel which uses what is called a mixed mode format. It allows for further security on your machine, however, it interferes with the eLearning Vista's signed and unsigned components and therefore causes issues. In order to permanently fix, please do the following:

  • Open your Java Control Panel
  • Click on the Advanced Tab
  • Expand the Security Category (click on the plus to the left of the title)
  • Expand the Mixed Mode Category
  • Select the second radio button entitled "enable-hide warnings and run with protections"
  • Click OK to save changes.

 

I am having miscellaneous issues on eLearning Vista

Most issues in eLearning Vista are specific to the version of Java and browser that the person is using . These problems include, but are not limited to: unable to upload documents, cannot see the "my computer" when trying to upload, getting "system exception" errors, video or audio not displaying properly and so forth.

The first thing you must do is a browser check on the entry page of eLearning Vista. This is the first line of defense for not being configured properly. If you pass the browser check but continue to experience problems, you can try the steps below:

1) If you are using Internet Explorer, switch to Firefox.
2) If you are using Internet Explorer 7, you need to be sure that ONLY Java 1.6 is installed. Any other version being present will cause issues.
3) If you are using Internet Explorer 6 or earlier, you need to be sure that Java 1.6 is NOT installed. If it is, you need to remove it, leaving the older versions present.

Lastly, if nothing seems to be working, you can contact the helpdesk (x25123) for support on your individual computer.

 

General Troubleshooting/Miscellaneous Errors

Setting up your computer with the correct browser and plug-in software is an essential prerequisite to working successfully in eLearning Vista. Before you do anything else, click on the "Browser Check" link on the upper right-hand side of your browser window and allow the check to complete. Scroll down the results window. If you get all green checkmarks, this indicates your computer is setup properly to use eLearning Vista.* If you see any red Xs, click the "Step-by-step instructions to properly configure your browser" link at the bottom of the window for further instructions.

*Please note: The Browser Check cannot detect multiple Java installations that often cause problems in using chat and uploading files. If you pass the browser check but are still having difficulties, check to see if your computer has multiple Java versions installed and uninstall (using the directions from below) all but the latest version.

 

Java

If you continue to experience difficulties after passing the browser check, Blackboard offers many tips and troubleshooting advice at their site: Browser Troubleshooting

Some users have reported problems using eLearning Vista with Microsoft Windows and some versions of Sun Java Runtime Environment (JRE). Possible causes including using an incompatible version of JRE or having multiple versions of JRE installed. Many users are finding their problems resolved after uninstalling all but the latest version of JRE:

  1. From the Start menu, select Settings -> Control Panel
  2. Double-click Add/Remove Programs
  3. Locate all versions of Sun Java, JRE or JVM
  4. For each version, click Change/Remove and follow the onscreen instructions to remove all but the latest one.

Clearing Java Cache

Only complete this step is you continue to have problems in eLearning Vista after the above Java removal and reinstallation.

Windows Users

  1. Close all browsers
  2. Log off and back on to your computer
  3. From the Start menu, select Control Panel -> Java
  4. At the bottom of the window, look for Temporary Internet files
  5. Click the Delete Files button
  6. Click OK
  7. Restart Browser

Macintosh Users

  1. Go to /Applications/Utilities/Java/Java XXX plug-in settings and empty the cache
  2. Go to /Applications/Utilities/Java J2SEX.0 Java Prefernces. In the top section set it to use the latest version and in the bottom section, drag J2SE to the top. Save the setting. This prevents Safari from using earlier Java versions for applets that are compatible with the later version.

 

Access Denied or 403 Forbidden

When trying to log on to eLearning Vista, some users have reported getting "403 Forbidden" or "Access Denied" error messages. This error is generated by Internet Explorer and can be resolved by changing the following setting:

  1. In Internet Explorer, from the Tools menu, select Internet Options
  2. Click the Advanced Tab
  3. Under Browsing, clear the checkbox for Show friendly http error messages.
  4. Click OK
  5. Restart Internet Explorer.