Java Troubleshooting

Topics in this Article

Overview
Uninstall all but the newest Java version
Enable Java

Overview

Seeing Security Alert Certificate Errors when using Blackboard? Getting Generic Exception Errors when opening a document? Experiencing problems with the Blackboard HTML Editor or Chat/Whiteboard tool? You may have a problem with your installation of the Java browser plug-in. It is very important to have the current version of Java installed and enabled for your browser as it is required for Blackboard. Even if you have the current version installed, any older versions that still exist on your machine may cause problems with the Java functionality until they are uninstalled. Also, the version of Java that comes with the Vista operating system is problematic for Blackboard. If you are using Vista, we recommend that you uninstall all versions of Java and then reinstall the latest version of Java available from the Web.

Troubleshooting tips given below describe how to:

Uninstall all versions of Java that exist on your computer and then reinstall the latest version of Java if you are running a Windows machine.
1. Windows Platform: Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs > Remove Java ver ##
  Repeat this setup for each version of Java installed on your machine.
2. Reboot your computer
3. Install the latest version of Java
NOTE: All Microsoft Windows Vista users must Uninstall and Reinstall Java.
Enable Java, if it has been disabled on your machine.

Uninstall all but the newest Java version

TOP

If you are getting Security Alert Certificate Errors or Generic Exception Errors when opening a document in Blackboard or if you are experiencing problems with the Java based chat/whiteboard or HTML editing tools in Blackboard, try uninstalling all previous versions of Java and then reinstall the latest version. Even if you have the current version installed, any older versions that exist on your machine may cause problems with the Java functionality until they are uninstalled.

Windows XP
Sometimes having multiple versions of Java installed on a machine causes problems. Thus, if you are having problems, we recommend that you uninstall ALL versions of Java and then reinstall the latest version of Java available from the Web. [more...]
Windows VISTA
The version of Java that comes with the Vista operating system is problematic for Blackboard. Thus, if you are using Vista, we recommend that you uninstall ALL versions of Java and then reinstall the latest version of Java available from the Web. [more...]
Macintosh
You should not experience Java problems on the Mac. The Macintosh operating system has Java built into it as part of its Operating System. If you are experiencing Java issues, try refreshing your operating system to download the latest version.

Uninstall all—then reinstall the newest Java for Windows XP

Open My Computer
On the left, click on Control Panel
Select the Add or Remove Programs option

Scroll down to the Java installations, press the Remove button on all Java applications and updates

Reboot your Computer
To Reinstall Java, go to http://www.java.com/en/
Click on the FREE JAVA DOWNLOAD option
Follow the Java instructions for installation

Uninstall—then reinstall the newest Java version for Windows Vista

Open Computer
On the left, click on Control Panel
Select the Uninstall a program option

Scroll down to the Java installations
Click on each Java Update, press the Uninstall button at the top for all Java applications and updates

Reboot your Computer
To Reinstall Java, go to http://www.java.com/en/
Click on the FREE JAVA DOWNLOAD option
Follow the Java instructions for installation

Enable Java

TOP

If you are getting generic exception errors when opening a document in Blackboard or if you're not able to load Blackboard tools such as the HTML editor or the Chat/Whiteboard, it is possible that Java has been disabled on your machine. Java is required for Blackboard and must be enabled. Below are instructions on how to enable Java in Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Safari.