A pop-up blocker is a program that is installed to block advertising that pops up when surfing the Internet. The Virtual Classroom is also a pop-up, and it will be blocked if you have such a program installed on your computer and it is enabled. Here are some examples of pop-up blockers:

Pop Up Blocker
Pop Up Sweeper
Pop Up Agent
Pop Up Terminator
Pop Up Destroyer
Google Toolbar
Alexa Toolbar
Pop Up Stopper
Stop Zilla

The AOL browser does not work well with Blackboard. You may use AOL as your Internet Service Provider, but use Internet Explorer as your browser.
Temporary Internet files are files that are stored on your computer as you browse the internet.

1. Do you have a pop-up blocker installed?

We recommend that you uninstall the program by going to Add/Remove Programs on your computer.

2. Are you using AOL to connect to the Internet?

If you are using AOL, use Internet Explorer to open Blackboard instead. You can connect to the Internet using AOL, then minimize AOL and open Internet Explorer.

3. Clear your temporary Internet files.

See http://www.nsula.edu/ece/blackboard_help/cleartempfiles.htm

4.  Make sure you have version 1.5 of the Java Runtime Environment (JRE).  You can download Java at

http://java.com/en/download/index.jsp

5. Once you have exhausted this list, call the Student Online Support Desk at 318-357-6696. Be prepared with the answers to the above questions and to explain the actions that you have already taken. Also be able to answer the following questions:

What Operating System are you using? (ex: Windows XP, Mac OS X)
What web browser are you using? (ex: Internet Explorer)
Who is your Internet Service Provider? (ex: BellSouth DSL)

Guide to Troubleshooting Virtual Classroom Problems