Blackboard Browser Configuration FAQs - Faculty 

If you have a specific question regarding using Blackboard, please read through the frequently asked questions below. If you can't find an answer to your question, please contact one of the TIS technology trainers by clicking here or 24/7 Blackboard Support by clicking here.

1. What web browsers will work with our version of Blackboard?
2. How do I figure out what browser I am using?
3. How should I configure my browser to avoid problems with Blackboard?
4. I use AOL (America Online) at home and I am having problems accessing Blackboard. Why is this?
5. I have a popup blocker on my Web browser. Will that cause problems in Blackboard 6?
6. How do I configure Microsoft Internet Explorer 7 to work with Blackboard?
7. I cannot post in the Discussion Board and the text box does not appear. How do I fix this?

1. What web browsers will work with our version of Blackboard?

You must use one of the following Internet browsers: Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE) 5.5 or higher, Netscape Navigator 7.1 or higher, Firefox 1.0 or higher. For the complete guide of supported operating systems and web browsers please click here(opens a PDF in a new window).

5. I have a popup blocker on my Web browser. Will that cause problems in Blackboard 6?

Popup blockers may interfere with accessing parts of Blackboard. This includes, but is not limited to: the popup blocker built into IE6/7 with WindowsXP Service Pack 2 & Vista; the popup blocker built into Firefox; and third party software that blocks popups.

If you are having trouble logging in or using certain Blackboard features, try disabling the popup blocker for the time frame you plan to work in Blackboard or reconfigure your settings to always allow popups from the following addresses: http://class.sjcny.edu and http://class2.sjcny.edu

Detailed directions for configuring your browser can be found at at question #3 above.

6. How do I configure Microsoft Internet Explorer 7 to work with Blackboard?

Please read the related PDF file found herethat outlinesthe browser configuration changes you should make to IE 7.0 and the known issues with Blackboard and IE 7.0. You can also right click the link and choose "Save Target As" (or Save Link As) if you wish to view it offline.

The information provided in the PDF file relates specifically to use of Blackboard with IE 7. If you are not sure what version you are using, simply open Internet Explorer and click Help --> About. The version number is listed in that window.

7. I cannot post in the Discussion Board and the text box does not appear. How do I fix this?

First, make sure you know what Internet browser you are using and the version number. If you are not sure how to determine what browser you are using, see question number 2 above.

Next, make sure you have configured your browser to work properly with Blackboard.
If you are using Internet Explorer 5.5/6.x, Netscape 7.x, or Firefox 1.x please click PDF file found here. If you are using Internet Explorer 7.x or Firefox 2.x please click PDF file found here.

If you still cannot post in the Discussion Board after configuring your browser, turn off your text box editor. See the steps listed below.

NOTE: If you are using Microsoft Windows Vista with Internet Explorer 7, there is a known issue with the Discussion Board not working with Blackboard. Disabling the text box editor will fix the problem. See the steps listed below.

Turn Off the Text Box Editor
1. Log into Blackboard.
2. Click the "Personal Information" link on the left side.
3. Click the "Set Visual Text Box Editor Options".
4. Choose Unavailable and click the Submit button.
5. Click Ok twice.
6. Navigate to a discussion board in your course and see if you can post.

If, after you turn off the text box editor, you still cannot post in the discussion board, one of the TIS technology trainers by clicking here or 24/7 Blackboard Support by clicking here.