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Java is required for some WebCT GOLD components

 

If you experience errors (or crashes) while attempting to use Manage Files, HTML Editor, Assessments, or Chat, you probably need to install—or troubleshoot the installation of Java on your computer.

Causes of these errors include using an incompatible version of Sun JRE or having multiple versions of Sun JREs installed. Some users have found that their problems are resolved after they uninstall all versions of Sun JRE from their computers, and then install Java 1.5.0_07 (aka J2SE™ Runtime Environment 5.0 Update 7) (see section 2, below) .

NOTE: Java 1.6.x (aka J2SE™ Runtime Environment 6.0) is also now compatible with WebCT GOLD.

Troubleshooting Java installation

1. Delete all incompatible versions of Java

  1. Windows: From the Start menu, click Control Panel.
  2. Double-click Add/Remove Programs.
  3. Locate all versions of Sun Java, JRE, or JVM.
  4. For each version, click Change/Remove and follow the onscreen instructions.

If you are using Windows 2000 or a version of Windows XP upgraded from 98/2000, make sure the original Microsoft Java VM is disabled in IE 6.0. Go to Tools > Internet Options > Advanced.

 

2. Install the recommended version of Java.

Go to the Blackboard/WebCT Browser Tune-up information page to obtain Java 5 Update 7 . (Java info is at the bottom of the page.)

  1. Download J2SE™ Runtime Environment 5.0 Update 7.
  2. To install the J2SE™, accept the license agreement and follow the online and onscreen instructions.
  3. After installing the JRE and rebooting your computer, do not download updates for the JRE (see section 3.2, below).

 

3.1. Clear the Java applet cache in the Java Control Panel.

  1. Log out of WebCT before doing this.
  2. Windows: From the Start menu, click Control Panel.
  3. Double-click the Java coffee-cup icon labeled Java Plug-in or Java to launch the Java Plug-in Control Panel.  
  4. In the General tab, in the section labeled Temporary Internet Files click the Delete Files button.  

3.2. While you are in the Java Control Panel, Disable automatic checking for Java updates:

  1. Click the Update tab.
  2. Deselect the checkbox next to Check for Updates Automatically.
  3. Then click OK to exit the window.

 

4. Clear the browser cache. 

  1. Normally for Internet Explorer, go to Tools > Internet Options > General tab > Temporary Internet Files > Delete Files.
  2. In Firefox, Tools > Options > Privacy > Cache > Clear Cache Now.
  3. It's also a good idea to Close and Restart the browser.