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Need Help with Blackboard?

Click the Students or Faculty link and try "First Time Users." If you need further assistance, contact ITAC at 677-3045, or stop by Library Room 20 with your ID.

Topics

Username & Password Problems
Error Messages
Plugins Issues
Printing Problems
File-Types / Compatability
General Troubleshooting

Username & Password Problems

Error Messages

Plugins Issues

Printing Problems

File-Types / Compatability

General Troubleshooting

  • How do I get a Blackboard account?

Students will automatically have a Blackboard account created for them if they are enrolled in a course that is using Blackboard. For those who later "add" a course, their account will automatically be created after the Registrar's Office processes their add forms. If youare not able to access your courses, please contact the Blackboard Administrator.)

  • What is my username and password?

Your Blackboard username is the same as your Bradley (BUnetID) username (for example, if your email address was john@bradley.edu, your user name is "john. If you are not sure of your BUnetID, it can be accessed through the Bradley Online Directory.

You will set up your Blackboard password by clicking the "Forgot Password" link on the login page. A 'Lost Password' screen will pop-up asking you to put in your name (first and last) and username (BUnetID). Be sure to capitalize your first and last name. The system will look up your account and send a message to your Bradley email account. This message will provide a link for you to set up a new password. (The email message may be delayed if the Bradley email server is experiencing a high volume of mail.) The password you set will be your Blackboard password until you change it.

You can also see: How to Change Your Password

If you are a new student and do not have access to Bradley email yet, you will be receiving a letter with an activation code for setting up your BUnetID. This letter will have a code and instructions for setting up your Bradley accounts online. If you did not get a letter with your activation code or if you can't find it, you should go to Morgan Hall Room 205 with your student ID and request a new activation code for your BUnetID.

  • I'm taking more than one course in Blackboard. Do I have more than one Blackboard user account?

Students should have only one Blackboard user account, which is used to access all Blackboard courses in which they are enrolled.

  • How do I get to the Bradley Blackboard Course Site?
    1. Go to the site http://blackboard.bradley.edu
    2. Click on "Log In to Blackboard".
    3. Enter your Bradley username. If you want to find the Bradley username, go to the site http://logins.bradley.edu and enter the last name of the user.
    4. Press the TAB key to move to the Password field.
    5. Type the password that was mailed at the start of the start of school year or a new password that you have set..
    6. Press ENTER or click "Login".

If you don't have a Bradley account, go to Computing Services in Morgan Hall Room 205 with your student ID and request an account activation code.

  • How do I change my Blackboard password?
    1. Inside your Blackboard account (the "My Bradley" tab), look for the TOOLS menu on the left side.
    2. Click on PERSONAL INFORMATION and then CHANGE PASSWORD.
    3. Click in the Password field and type your new password.
    4. Press TAB to move to the Password Verification field and type the password again.
    5. Click on SUBMIT.
    6. To return to the course, click on any navigation button.
    7. If you see an "Authorization Failed" message, click OK.
    8. Type your user name and press TAB.
    9. Type your new password and press ENTER.
  • How do I log out of a Blackboard Course Site?

You must exit your browser to log-out or click the "Logout" button at the top of the screen.

  • What if I forget my Blackboard username or password?

Click the "Forgot Password" link on the login page. Put in your name (capitalize the first letter of each name) and your email address or username. The system will look up your account and send a message to your Bradley email account that will have you set a new password. (The email message may be delayed if the Bradley email server is experiencing a high volume of mail.) The password you set will be your Blackboard password until your change it.

  • How do I find the Blackboard Student Manual?

The Blackboard Student Manual is available online. You can access it from the inside any of your Blackboard Courses. Click on the "Tools" link from the student menu, and next click on User Manual.

  • What are Plug-ins and why do I need them?

Plug-ins are mini-applications that help your browser read certain kinds of files. If your browser needs a plug-in that it can't find on your hard drive, it will tell you. If it does find the plug-in it needs, it will open it automatically and display the file. You don't have to do anything.

  • If I need a Plug-in, where do I get it?

All recommended Blackboard Plug-ins are available for free. To download them to your hard drive, go to the Blackboard Plug-ins Download Site and follow the on-screen instructions. If you have trouble downloading a plug-in, go to the Technology Help Desk in the Cullom Davis Library.

  • What is a Viewer and why do I need one?

A viewer is a helper application for your browser. If you are unable to open a Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint document in Blackboard because you don't have the right application on your hard drive, you can download a corresponding viewer that will allow you to open and print (but not edit) the document. All Microsoft viewers are available at http://www.microsoft.com/office/000/viewers.asp for free.

  • If I need a Viewer, where do I get it?

If you need to download a Microsoft viewer, go to http://blackboard.bradley.edu/docs/winplugins.shtml (for PC) & http://blackboard.bradley.edu/docs/macplugins.shtml (for Mac). If you have trouble downloading a viewer, go to the Technology Help Desk in the Cullom Davis Library.

You can also visit Microsofts site at http://www.microsoft.com/office/000/viewers.asp to download other viewers.

  • What types of files will be stored in my Blackboard course?

You may find several different types of files in your Blackboard course. Go to the Blackboard Supported File Types page for a list of the file types supported by Blackboard. You can store any type of file in Blackboard by first zipping it and you can unzip the it whenever you want to retrieve the file.

  • Where do I go if I need help with Blackboard?

If you need help getting to Blackboard, call the Blackboard Assistance Center at 677-3045. If you need help with your Blackboard username or password, send e-mail to ITAC.  If you have questions about your Blackboard course content, contact your professor (from inside your Blackboard course, click on COMMUNICATION and choose SEND E-MAIL). The Blackboard Student Manual is available online. To view it from inside your Blackboard course, click on TOOLS, and then click on USER MANUAL.  If you have other questions about using Blackboard, go to the Bradley Blackboard home page and refer to the FAQs (which you are reading now!). You can also find information about Blackboard at ITAC, Library, Room 20.

  • How can I learn more about Blackboard?

The Bradley Blackboard home page is the place to go for updates on Blackboard and for information on how it works. Explore the links for information on Blackboard participants, news and announcements, and interesting FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions). You can also find information about Blackboard at ITAC, Library, Room 20.

  • I'm getting a Java or JavaScript error.

Your browser may not be able to handle Java properly (e.g. older AOL browser). Go to the Netscape or Internet Explorer download site to get the latest version.

  • I'm getting a "Site Unable to read" message.

Your browser may not be able to read frames. Go to the Netscape or Internet Explorer download site to get the latest version.

  • I'm getting a Network Failure.

Your browser cache may have expired. Hold down the shift key (or Apple key on Macs) and select Reload to refresh cache, then try again. The server may be busy or down. Please let us know at ITAC.

  • I typed in the correct user name and password, but I still get an Authorization Failed message.

Passwords are case sensitive. Your initial password is all lowercase. Make sure you enter your password with the correct case. If you continue to have problems logging in, contact ITAC. See also, related FAQ under ERROR MESSAGES.

  • Do I need to have a Bradley account in order to access my Blackboard course?

Yes.  Your account needs to be established through Bradley Computing Services so that there are no duplicate user IDs created.  Check the Bradley Online Directory to see if you already have an account.  If you do not, you can set up an account in Morgan Hall 205.  Be sure to take your Bradley ID.

  • What's the best way to open a linked document in my Blackboard course?

Generally, you can left-click (option-click on Macs) on most documents to view them (except .exe files, which should be downloaded). Depending on your browser and its settings, the file may open in the same browser window, a different browser window, or may launch the application associated with the file. If the document opens in the same browser window and it's difficult to view it, you can right-click the link instead (click and hold on Macs), and choose "Open in new window" to open the document in a new browser window.

  • I am unable to open a linked document in my professor's course site.

Possible reasons:

  1. You may not have the right (compatible) software program for the document.
  2. The software version you have may be too old. Find out from your professor what software and version were used to create the document (i.e., Word 2000, PowerPoint 2000, etc.) For example, earlier software versions are usually unable to open files created in later versions.

Possible solutions:

  1. If the document is Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, you can download a corresponding helper application called a viewer (free) that will let you open, print, and download the document, but not edit it. Go to the top of this page and click on Plugins Issues to download the necessary viewer.
  2. You may need to get or upgrade a plug-in (free) for your browser, especially for sound files, movie files, and Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) files. Ask your professor about this. To download plug-ins for Blackboard, go to the Blackboard Plug-in Site http://blackboard.bradley.edu/docs/winplugins.shtml (for PC) & http://blackboard.bradley.edu/docs/macplugins.shtml (for Mac).
  • I have the right plug-in, but I still can't open the document.

Check to make sure you have the most recent version of the plug-in. You may need to download an upgrade. Go to http://blackboard.bradley.edu/docs/winplugins.shtml (for PC) & http://blackboard.bradley.edu/docs/macplugins.shtml (for Mac).

  • I have downloaded the right viewer, but the document still won't open.

This may be due to your browser settings. You may need to tell your browser which program to use to open the file. If you do NOT have the full Microsoft PowerPoint application already loaded on your hard drive, you may need to register a mime type for the PowerPoint viewer.

In Netscape:

    1. Click EDIT, then click PREFERENCES
    2. Click APPLICATIONS, then click NEW TYPE
    3. Next to Description of Type, type PowerPoint
    4. Next to File Extension, type PPT
    5. Next to Mime Type, type application/vnd.ms-PowerPoint
    6. Click BROWSE to find the viewer application
    7. Navigate to the viewer location (default is c:\ProgramFiles\PowerPoint Viewer)
    8. Click on PPVIEW32.EXE, then click OPEN
    9. Click OK to close the Edit window, then click OK to close the Preferences window

If you DO have an older version of PowerPoint loaded on your hard drive, and you want to use the viewer instead, you may need to change your browser settings.

  • What's the best way to download a linked document from my Blackboard course?

Generally, to download a document to your hard drive, you can right-click on the document (click and hold on Macs) and choose SAVE LINK AS... Choose the location where you want to save the file. The filename automatically appears in the File Name box.

  • I tried to print a Blackboard screen, but only the navigation buttons printed.

Blackboard uses frames. Only one frame can be active at a time, and Blackboard prints the active frame. Click in the main document area (the right side) to activate that frame before using the PRINT command. If you are using Netscape, you can choose FILE and then PRINT PREVIEW before printing to see what it will look like. If you just want to print a linked document, another option is to right-click on the document link (click and hold on Macs) and choose OPEN IN NEW WINDOW. This opens a new browser window, which makes it easier to view and print the document. When you're done with the file, remember to close the new window to return to Blackboard.

  • Within PowerPoint, I want to print multiple PowerPoint slides on a single sheet of paper, but when I try to print that option doesn't appear.

Your printer may not have that particular capability. Try using a different printer.

  • I'm having problems using the Virtual Classroom and Chat.

The Virtual Classroom and Chat are actually separate applications written in Java. In order to see and use these tools, you must first "Temporarily Allow Pop-Ups" for the current page and you must also have Java installed on your computer. When you click to "Join" a collaboration session, you will see a page with instructions. From there, you can download the Java Plug-In, if it is not installed. Also, you can try going to Internet Explorer download site to get the latest version of IE for a Java-enabled browser.  The Collaboration tools on Windows-based machines (PCs) work in either Netscape or Explorer.

  • I can't get to the Virtual Classroom or Chat at all from my browser. Why?

You must use a Java-enabled browser to use the Virtual Classroom or Chat. Go to the Netscape or Internet Explorer download site to get the latest version. You must also "Temporarily Allow Pop-Ups" for that page.

  • I know I can send e-mail from inside Blackboard, but I don't see a way to read e-mail from inside Blackboard.

You cannot read e-mail from inside Blackboard. You will receive Blackboard e-mail in your regular Bradley e-mail account.

  • What happens when I get “Authorization failed. Retry.”?

When: Using Netscape and logging in to a Blackboard course or accessing a secured area, or after changing your Blackboard password.

Meaning: The username and/or password are not valid

Possible Reason 1: You do not have a Blackboard user account. Students should click CANCEL and contact ITAC, 677-2332, to set up an account.

Possible Reason 2: You have a Blackboard user account, but you may have typed an incorrect username and/or password for this course. Remember passwords are case sensitive. Click OK. Reenter your correct username and password.

Possible Reason 3: You are not enrolled in the course and the instructor has secured an area. If you believe you should have access, contact the Blackboard Administrator to enroll you.

Possible Reason 4: You have just changed your Blackboard password and then clicked somewhere in the screen. Blackboard basically wants you to log in again with your username and NEW password.

When: Using Microsoft Explorer and logging in to a Blackboard course, accessing a secured area, or after changing your password.

Meaning same as above.

Possible reasons: Same as above.

If you have entered an invalid username or password, click OK and reenter the information. You will continue to be prompted up to three times to enter the correct information. After the third invalid attempt, or if you click CANCEL, you'll receive an error message "Error Level 401" (see below). If you want to continue, try clicking the BACK button on your browser otherwise quit the browser then open your browser again.

Error Level 401: Access Denied. An attempt was made to access resource(s) that you do not have rights to access.

When: Clicking on a navigation button, folder or item within a course.

Meaning: You don't have the proper access privileges to access this item.

Possible Reason 1: You have a Blackboard account, but you are not enrolled in the class. If you should be enrolled, contact Blackboard Administrator to get enrolled in the class.

Possible Reason 2: The instructor has secured the button, folder or item. If you believe you should have access, contact your professor to unsecure the item. Otherwise, to leave the error screen, click a different navigation button, or click the browser Back button.

  • I can log in to my professor's Blackboard site but when I click on the Communication button or the Student Tools button; I get an "Access Denied" message. Why can't I enter these areas?

You have an account on the Blackboard system but you have not been "enrolled" into that particular site.  Contact the Blackboard Administrator about adding you to the course site.

  • My professor has posted some on-line quizzes in Blackboard. Whenever I try to take them, my scores aren't recorded. Am I doing something wrong?

If you are using an older browser, you are likely to encounter problems with quizzes and other areas in Blackboard. For best results you should be using Netscape 6.0 or Internet Explorer 5.0 or better. Current versions of both browsers can be downloaded from the site Bradley University Software Repository at http://www.bradley.edu/software or from the Internet.

  • If I change my password, has it been changed for that course only or for any course sites the student may be enrolled in?

The change will affect any courses the student may be enrolled in, i.e.; students have a single account in the system regardless of how many course sites they are enrolled in.

  • How do I know which browser version my computer is running?

To have your computer display the browser version, begin by accessing your Internet browser. Once your browser's home page appears, select Help (apple icon on Macs), which is located at the left-top menu bar of any browser. In the submenu listed under Help, click on either "About Netscape" or "About Internet Explorer". The version you are running will then display.

  • I am getting errors while trying to log in to the web site.

Make sure you allow your Internet browser (Netscape or Internet Explorer) to accept cookies.

NETSCAPE USERS:

    1. Click on the Edit Menu and select the Preferences option.
    2. Click on the Advanced option on the left.
    3. Select the Accept all cookies option.
    4. Click on OK.

INTERNET EXPLORER USERS:

    1. On the Tools menu in Internet Explorer, click Internet Options.
    2. Click the Security tab.
    3. Make sure the Security Level is set to Medium.
    4. Click on OK.
  • Why do I get the error message "Error Level 404: File not found" when I try to access the course Web site?

There are several possibilities, including:

    1. You may have typed the incorrect URL (Web site address). Remember: The URL is case sensitive and contains no spaces.
    2. You can also access your class from the Blackboard Gateway at http://blackboard.bradley.edu
    3. You may be using a 3.0 Browser. Remember: You must use a 5.0 browser or higher to access the Blackboard software. The browser can be either Netscape or Internet Explorer.
    4. If you are using AOL, you may not have the latest version of AOL installed. You must run the full version of AOL 4.0 and be a paying account holder. You cannot use the browser that is included on AOL's "100 free hours" CD-ROM. If you are not actually paying for the service, your Internet service will not enable you to access Blackboard.
  • Why do I get the message "authorization failed" after entering my user name and password?

There are several possibilities, including:

    1. You may have entered the incorrect user name and/or password.
    2. You entered your user name or password in the wrong case.
    3. The "Caps Lock" function on your keyboard is engaged.
    4. You need to access the login page by going through the Blackboard website http://blackboard.bradley.edu and click the Log In button.
  • How do I Navigate in Blackboard Courses?

Once you have entered the Blackboard course site, click on the left-hand menu bar to link to the "page" you want to display. For example, to access Communication tools, click the Communication button at left. Similarly, click the Back button adjacent to the menu bar to go back to a page previously displayed. Another way to go back is to use the Navigation Path (located in the top part of your course screen) that shows you hyperlinks of the pages you have viewed to get to the current page. Remember, when you are done with everything, LOG OUT of your Blackboard course! Close your Browser! It is possible for someone else in your class to use your information if you do not close your browser when finished with your Blackboard Course.

  • Why do I get a "401 access error" when I try to access the communication and student tools areas of the web site?

If you can access the web site, but not certain sections of it, it is because you are not enrolled in the web site.Contact the Blackboard Administrator about adding you to that particular course site.

When I try to print I only get the links displayed on the page. How do I print the rest of the screen?

Blackboard uses frames. Only one frame can be active at a time, and Blackboard prints the active frame. Click in the main document area (the right side) to activate that frame before using the PRINT command. If you are using Netscape, you can choose FILE and then PRINT PREVIEW before printing to see what it will look like. If you just want to print a linked document, another option is to right-click on the document link (click and hold on Macs) and choose OPEN IN NEW WINDOW. This opens a new browser window, which makes it easier to view and print the document. When you're done with the file, remember to close the new window to return to Blackboard.

  • Why aren't messages I post on the discussion board displayed?

To display your message and those of others click the EXPAND ALL icon on the top right of your screen.

  • Why can't my instructor access my documents I have "dropped" in the Student Drop Box?

You must choose the "Send" button not the "Add" button when you want your instructor to receive your file. Choosing "Add" only adds the file to your personal DropBox. Additionally, you must upload your documents in a format that your instructor can read. Your instructor may have specific applications your are to use. Bradley has adopted Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access) products as the standard software.

  • Why doesn't my instructor get my email?

You should send email through the "Communication" tools by clicking the "Send Email" icon. If you are using the instructor's email link under "Staff Information", you should have your browser (Netscape or Internet Explorer) mail server and identity set up. If you want to use browser mail and need help doing this, you can contact the Technology Help Desk at x2964.
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