Please Note: You can verify that your browser and other applications are up to date for use with Blackboard by clicking the [Check Browser] link located at the top of the Login Page or at the top of your main My Blackboard page. For a list of browsers that are compatible with Blackboard CE  visit the Blackboard browser tune-up page.

Help with Logging In:

What is my username and password on BLS CE? 

I forgot my password. How do I get it reset? 

Why can't I log into BLS CE?  

Help with Blackboard Features:

Why can’t I see the “My Computer” icon when trying to upload files?

Why can’t I open the “HTML Creator”?

I submitted an assignment, but my instructor did not get it or I don't see it on the submitted tab. 

Why can't I download files in Blackboard?

When using Internet Explorer I get a prompt when downloading files that sends me back to the My Blackboard page. Do I have to do this for every file? 

Why can't I write and/or open BLS mail messages?

Can I forward my BLS course mail to an external e-mail address? 

Why do email messages forwarded from BLS to my WebMail account contain HTML code?

Getting Help with Blackboard:

Are there tutorials available for students using BLS CE?

My question was not answered here, what should I do?
   

Help With Logging In:

What is my username and password on BLS CE?

Your username is your UAlbany Net ID and your password is your UNIX password.

I forgot my password. How do I get it reset?
 
Use the Password Set/Reset process to reset your UNIX password.  Please note among other pieces of information, you will need your PIN number or security question answers to complete the process.

Why can I not logon to BLS CE?

In order to login to BLS, you must be registered in a class that is using BLS and the course must be active.  BLS courses are activated 2 weeks prior to the start of the semester.  After you register for a BLS course, it will take 24 hours for your access to be activated in Blackboard. 

Help With Blackboard Features:

Why can’t I see the “My Computer” icon when trying to upload files?

This issue is often related to browser settings or Java. 

After clearing your browser’s temporary internet history and cookies, we recommend that run the [Check Browser] and/or visit the Blackboard Browser Tune Up page. Please note that automatic updates may interfere with Java, the utility behind the file upload tool, so you should run the [Check Browser] regularly. 

Also, when you login to BLS on an ITS computer (Information Commons, LC kiosk, or smart classroom computer), you will be prompted to accept the digital signature for Java software.  Click “Run” when you see this prompt.  The Java software digital signature has been verified and the software is needed to run the BLS tools.

Click here for a tutorial on setting the digital signature.

Why can’t I open the “HTML Creator”?

The HTML Creator runs using a program called Java.  If your Java version is not compatible with Blackboard, this will prevent you from using the HTML Creator or other features in Blackboard.  We recommend running the [Check Browser] to be sure you are running a recommended version of Java. 

I submitted an assignment, but my instructor did not get it or I don't see it on the submitted tab.

In addition to attaching a file and/or entering text; in your assignment, you must be sure to click the "Submit" button before the process is complete. After clicking the "Submit" button, you will get a confirmation screen like the one shown below. If you do not get this confirmation screen, your assignment was likely not submitted.    

Please note that if an instructor allows only one attempt to be made at a submission and you submit the assignment without a file attachment, you will not be able to submit it again.  In such a case, please contact your instructor directly.
 

Why I can’t I download files in Blackboard?

This issue is usually related to browser settings on the computer you are using.  It is recommended that you run the [Check Browser] and also list http://bls.its.albany.edu/ as a site that you want to allow through your browser's pop-up blocker.  In addition to browser pop-up blockers, your computer may also have other pop-up blockers running.  These may be shown on your browser's toolbar.  In such case, you should make a similar adjustment for these other pop-up blockers.  Finally, depending on which browser you are using, there may be security settings that need to be adjusted to trust downloaded files from Blackboard.

For information about using BLS and MS Office 2007 >> click here.

When using Internet Explorer I get a prompt when downloading files that sends me back to the My Blackboard page. Do I have to do this for every file?

You can disable this in Internet Explorer. To do this, navigate to:

• Tools -> Internet Options.
• Click on the Security Tab and then click on the "Custom Level" button.
• In the new window that opens scroll the "Downloads" heading and select "Enable" next to the setting labeled "Automatic prompting for file downloads."
• Click OK to save the setting and close the window.
• Click the Apply button in the Internet Options window and click OK to close it. Refer to the graphic below for more guidance.

Why can’t I write and/or open BLS mail messages?

If you have run the [Check Browser] and passed, but are still unable to write and/or open a BLS mail message this may be due to your anti-virus software firewall.  It is recommended that you review the security settings for your anti-virus software to accommodate BLS mail.  (To test this, some users have opted to temporarily turn off their anti-virus software firewall to test their ability to write a BLS mail message.  ITS does not recommend this action.) 

Can I forward my BLS course mail to an external email address?

Yes, you can forward BLS mail to the email address designated in your BLS account profile.  The default email address in this profile is your University at Albany email account.  To forward mail in BLS CE, follow the pertinent instructions below.