BCC Vista/Browser Help Guide
(or if you have troubles)
Blackboard VISTA 8

Before you login to Blackboard Vista, it is important to make sure your browser is configured to run correctly with the program. We recommend that students run a browser check before they logon to Blackboard Vista 8. PLEASE READ AND FOLLOW ALL THE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW!

1. Make Sure You Have the Correct Equipment and Software

View information on "Minumum Equipment and Skills for Online Learning at BCC" by visiting http://bellevuecollege.edu/distance/skills.asp

2. Install A Supported Browser

We strongly recommend using a Blackboard supported browser; an unsupported browser WILL interfere with your ability to function in your online course. You can view the Blackboard list of validated browsers, and download a supported browser, by following the link below (a new page will open).

http://www.webct.com/tuneup/viewpage?name=tuneup_browsers_vista42_ce62

3. Run a Browser Check

  1. Even if you have installed a supported browser, go to and click on the “CHECK BROWSER” button located to the right of the Blackboard VISTA login box.

  2. Once your results are returned, look for any red “X”s.  These indicate errors in your browser configuration.
    Follow the information provided by Blackboard, scroll down to the bottom of this page, or check below for detailed information on how to resolve these issues.

  3. Even if the Browser Check appears to give you a green light on pop up blockers, you may have other pop up blockers enabled. Check the Pop up Blocker list below, or visit Disable Pop-Up Blockers to see if you have anything installed (above and beyond those of your browser) that will not allow you to view your course content.

  4. If you do not get any results when you attempt to run the Browser Check, or see only a blank screen after 1-3 minutes, it is likely that you do not have the correct JAVA version installed, or you are missing JAVA altogether.  Follow the steps below for installing the correct Java version.

4. Perform An Online Browser Tune-up

If your machine and browser have not passed the Browser Check, try working through the interactive online Browser Tune-Up provided at http://www.webct.com/tuneup (a new page will open when you click this link). This tool will work with you to determine your operating system and browser and offer specific illustrated tips on how to make your browser environment optimal for classroom use.

5. Follow These Additional Suggestions

  • Even when you have disabled the pop up blockers built into your browser (and the Browser Check appears to give you a green light), you may have other pop up blockers enabled. Check the Pop up Blocker list below to see if you have any pop up blockers above and beyond those of your browser installed and/or visit this page: Disabling Pop-up Blockers

  • Delete all cookies and temporary internet files. Use the help menu of your browser to find out how to do this.

  • If you are operating from behind a firewall, you'll need to consult your user manual (or server administrator) to find instructions on how to list http://vista.bcc.ctc.edu as a "safe" or "trusted" site.

  • Review the student tutorial, located at http://bellevuecollege.edu/frc/student_guide/

  • If you continue to have problems after trying all the above, try clearing your Java Cache by following the steps below:

    1. Go to Start > Settings> Control Panel and double-click on "Java"
    2. Alternatively: Right Click on the Coffe Cup in the task bar and select Open Control Panel
    3. Click Settings (Under Temporary Internet Files)
    4. Click Delete Files (leave all three options checked)
    5. Click OK on Delete Temporary Files
    6. Click OK on Temporary Files Settings Window.
    7. Click OK to close the Java Control Panel Window

Did the Browser Check leave you seeing RED?

Here are some solutions.

Problem: Browser not supported

If the Browser Check results indicate that your browser is “non-validated or unsupported”, go to: http://www.webct.com/tuneup/viewpage?name=tuneup_browsers_vista42_ce62, and view the list of supported browsers. 

Firefox Browser download is available at http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/

Internet Explorer 7.0 is available at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/ie/default.mspx

To avoid losing time and energy, we stronglysuggest that you view your course with a supported browser.

Problem: Cookies or Javascript not enabled

Follow the instructions provided by the Browser Check to enable cookies and/or Javascript in your browser. The location to do this will vary from browser to browser; you can also use the HELP menu of your browser and search for "cookies" or "javascript" to find where to adjust the settings of your particular browser.

Problem: Pop-up Blocker turned on

You must have ALL pop-up blockers turned off to be able to fully function in Blackboard Vista. Even when you have disabled the pop up blockers built into your browser (and the Browser Check appears to give you a green light), you may have other pop up blockers enabled. Follow the instructions provided by the Browser Check or click here for more information: Disabling Pop-Up Blockers

Problem: Java 2 Runtime Environment not installed

You must have the correct version (and NO OTHERS) of the Java 2 Runtime Environment (JRE Runtime Environment 6.0 Update 3 or higher) installed in order for your course site to function correctly. Follow the steps below to correctly configure your machine:

1. Check to see what version of JAVA you may have installed.

  • Go to Start > Settings > Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs.
  • Look for J2SE Runtme Environment 6.0 Update and a version number.
    • If it is there, and the update version number is 3 or later, you're good to go!.
    • If there is any other JAVA software listed, you will need to DEINSTALL that JAVA. Follow these instructions to deinstall the wrong versions: Uninstalling Software. Once you have de-installed the wrong version, go to the next step.
    • If there is no indication of JAVA, proceed to the next step.

2. Install the correct version of JAVA.

Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 6 Update 6

Go to http://java.sun.com/javase/downloads/index.jsp 

  • Locate the JRE option - Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 6
  • Click on the “Download” button and follow directions for the Windows Offline Installation.  Select “typical installation".

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