Internet Explorer 6 Browser Settings

Updated 2/5/09

Overview

There are five (5) sections to this document that will provide you the information you need to insure that your Internet Explorer browser is set properly to work with Blackboard.

It is STRONGLY suggested that you print this document, follow the directions, and make sure your Internet Explorer settings match with what is outlined below. Click here for a printer-friendly version (2 pages).

Internet Explorer Settings

Function

How To Set


Favorites/
Bookmarks/
Tags


You must always start your Blackboard session at the main page, not the page where you type in your username and password. Use http://bboard.mcckc.edu as the URL for Blackboard.

Always use the Logout link at the top of the Blackboard window (next to the Home and Help links) to exit Blackboard. Don't exit by closing out the window!

 

Cache Settings
  • At the top of your Internet Explorer window select the Tools menu
  • Select Internet Options
  • In the Internet Options window select the General tab
  • In the Temporary Internet Files section select the Settings button
    • On Settings check Every Visit to the Page
    • Select the OK
  • You can also select the Delete Cookies and Delete Files buttons
  • In the History section set the Days to keep pages in history to zero (0)
    • Click OK
    • Click OK again to exit

 

Session Cookies

Blackboard must set a session cookie each time you login.

  • Go to the top of your Internet Explorer window and select the Tools menu
  • At the bottom of that menu select Internet Options
  • Select the Privacy tab
    • Use the Sites or Web Sites link to allow cookies to always be set at http://bboard.mcckc.edu.
  • Medium is a good setting for the overall Privacy settings
  • Select OK

User Authentication

Some people end up having to login twice to Blackboard, this is because the User Authentication is not set properly. To set it, do the following:

  • Go to the top of your Internet Explorer window and select the Tools menu
  • Select Internet Options
  • Select the Security tab
  • Select the Custom Level button. Find the User Authentication section
  • Check the Automatic logon only in the Intranet zone
  • Select OK

Active Scripting

You need to make sure that Active Scripting is enabled. To set it, do the following:

  • Go to the top of your Internet Explorer window and select the Tools menu
  • Select Internet Options
  • Select the Security tab
  • Select the Custom Level button. Find the Scripting section, near the bottom of the list.
  • Find the Active Script section of Scripting and make sure you enable Active Scripting
  • Select OK

Pop-Up Blockers

If you are unable to view Discussion postings, Quiz windows, and download links, then you MUST disable pop-up killers and/or ad-blockers on your system.

Pop-up killer and Ad Blocker applications work in the background while you browse the Internet. When they detect a pop-up window that may be an unwanted advertisement or unwanted content of any kind, they automatically close the window. This can prevent Blackboard from performing certain functions properly.

If you have installed any ad blocking software like Pop-Up Stopper, AdsGone PopUp Killer, Stopzilla, EndPopups, etc. that disables pop-up windows, you will need to disable it. Some applications may allow you to temporarily disable them and others programs require that you remove them.

In addition, internet security software and firewalls like ZoneAlarm Pro and Norton Internet Security also include ad blocking software and those must be configured to allow pop-up windows.

With Internet Explorer, Version 6:

  • Go to the top of your Internet Explorer window and select the Tools menu
  • Find the Pop-up Blocker item and turn off Pop-up Blockers

To disable other pop-up killers or ad-blockers:

  • Search your hard drive for any software with "pop-up" in the name and disable it. Examples of popular pop-up killer applications include:
    • Pop-Up Stopper
    • Pop-Up Defender
    • Pop-Up Zapper
  • Pop-up killing or ad-blocking functions are included in some anti-virus, internet security, personal firewall, and browser programs. Disable the relevant setting in the program. Examples include:
    • Norton Internet Security
    • AOL 9.0

Applications which block pop-ups must be disabled while using Blackboard or you will not be able to access many important Blackboard functions.

AOL

If you are having any problems using AOL with Blackboard follow these steps:

  1. Connect to the Internet using AOL BUT do not go to any websites using AOL
  2. Minimize the AOL window
  3. Launch Internet Explorer
  4. Click on the address bar and type the web address for Blackboard (http://blackboard.mcckc.edu) and press the Enter key. Also, once you have accessed Blackboard you can use the Favorites function in Internet Explorer to bookmark the Blackboard login page.
  5. Make sure that you have correctly set your browser settings using the links from the Browser Settings page for Internet Explorer.

Caution: When AOL is not in use while you are working on your class using Internet Explorer, AOL will consider the user inactive and will disconnect the user after a period of time. To remain active and avoid being disconnected, return to the main page of AOL every half hour or so and click on a link, check email, or check the weather (just do something in AOL). Following one or all of these tips will reset the AOL “inactivity timer”. Then continue working on your online course using Blackboard and Internet Explorer. Warning: If you are taking an exam and return to the AOL main page you will be locked out of your test and unable to continue.

Java Plug-In

The latest Java plugin MUST be installed to insure all the features in Blackboard work well. Download the latest free Java plug-in here:

  1. Go to http://www.java.com/en/
  2. Click Free Java Download and follow the prompts

    Note 1: The latest Java plug-in as of January 2009 is Version 6. Update 11
    Note 2: Mac users can use the Software Update feature (available on the Apple menu) to check that you have the most up-to-date version of Java for your Mac
    -The above links can also be found under “Student Services” Tab, in the section called “Free Software links”

Discussion Board

When you first respond to a post in the discussion board using IE or Firefox, you will get a pop up window asking you to accept the applet.  Be sure to click Yes or Always.