Windows Users:
The Blackboard Collaboration tools (Virtual Classroom, Lightweight Chat) now require the newest Java Plug-in (JRE 1.4.1) in order to function properly.
Note: Any prior version of the Java Plugin must be removed prior to installing JRE 1.4.1 in order for the Collaboration tools to function properly. Please read the following instructions carefully and complete the appropriate procedures as they apply to your computer.

Uninstall the current Java Plug-in by doing the following:
Note: The "Uninstall" procedure is primarily for those who have used the Collaboration tools in Blackboard prior to the update to Blackboard 6. If you have never used the Collaboration tools in Blackboard, the "Uninstall" procedure may not be necessary. However, you still may need to complete the procedure if your computer came with the older Java Plug-in pre-installed or you installed it for use with another application.

1. Close all applications.
2. Go to Start Menu -> Settings -> Control Panel -> Add/Remove Programs. (Note: Windows XP users will go to Start Menu -> Control Panel -> Add/Remove Programs.)
3. In the list of programs, choose "Java 2 Runtime Environment" and follow the on screen prompts to remove the program.
4. If you have multiple installations of the "Java 2 Runtime Environment", you will need to follow the above steps for each version that is installed.
5. Once you have completed the steps above, proceed to the steps below under "Install new Java Plug-in (JRE 1.4.1)".

Install new Java Plug-in (JRE 1.4.1):
Note: If you are not currently enrolled in a Blackboard course, you may follow the procedure for "Manual Installation" described in step 6 below.

1. Using Internet Explorer 6, login to Blackboard at http://online.und.edu using your assigned User Name and Password.
2. Enter your course under "My Courses".
3. Go to the "Collaboration" area (students can find this in the "Communication" area; instructors will find this on their "Control Panel".
4. Click the "Join" button to the right of a session title to launch the Collaboration tool.
5. Automatic installation: The new JRE 1.4.1 Java Plug-in should automatically install. If it does not automatically install, follow the procedure in step 6 below to download the installer program and install the plug-in manually. (See "Last Step" below).
6. Manual installation: The installer program may be downloaded manually from the page that appears when a user joins a Collaboration Session, or may be found at http://java.sun.com/products/archive/j2se/1.4.1_01/index.html. (Note: Use Internet Explorer 6 to download the installer.) If you download the installer manually, you will need to run the installer after the download is complete. Make sure you note the location where you save the installer on your computer, and then launch it after the download is complete. Follow the on screen instructions to complete the installation. You may need to re-start your computer after installation is complete.

Last Step: After proper removal of the old Java Plug-in(s) and installation of the JRE 1.4.1 Java Plug-in is completed, the Collaboration tools should open and run normally. (Note: Remember to use Internet Explorer 6 when using Blackboard.) You may need to re-start your computer after installation is complete.

Mac OS Users:
Mac OS users who have used the Collaboration tools in Blackboard prior to the update to Blackboard 6, may need to perform the following procedure in order for the Collaboration tools to work properly:

Mac OS X Users:

1. Go To Applications -> Utilities -> Java -> Java Plug-in Settings
2. Go to the Cache tab
3. Click "Clear JAR Cache"
4. Close the Java Plug-in Control Panel
5. Quit all browsers
6. Re-open Blackboard in new browser and launch Collaboration tool.

| Back to Blackboard Home Page |