Blackboard Vista Features & Tips

Missing My Computer Icon Troubleshooting Tips

When using Blackboard Vista, you will need to upload files. You will need the My Computer icon to browse for and upload your files. If the My Computer icon is not displayed, you can place your mouse pointer in the spot where the icon should be displayed and move the mouse until the pointer turns into the pointing finger icon. Click the mouse and The Upload Files From Your Computer window is displayed. You can use this window to upload files.

1. Log out of Blackboard Vista.
2. Close the browser.
3. Restart your browser and verify that all pop-up blockers are off.
4. Log into Blackboard Vista.
5. You shold be prompted ta accept a Java Security Certificate. You must click Yes or Always to ensure that Learning System functionality using Java will work properly in your browser.
6. The "My Computer" icon should be displayed.
7. If the icon is still missing, place your mouse pointer in the spot where the My Computer icon should be displayed and move the mouse pointer slowly to the left until it changes into a pointing finger icon.
8. Click the mouse button. The Upload Files from Your Computer window is displayed.
9. Click the Click here to select files individually link. The screen updates.
10. Click the Browse button. The Choose File dialog box is displayed.
11. Use the "Look In" drop-donw list to navigate to the folder where your file is saved.
12. Select the file and click Open. THe Upload Files from Your Computer window is displayed. The path and filename are displayed next to the Browse button you clicked.
13. Click OK. The file is uploaded.

If the above steps did not work for you and if you are using Internet Explorer 6.0 with Service Pack 2, the My Computer icon may not be displayed because of added security features that block the browser from accessing your local computer. To fix this you will need to change several Security and Privacy settings.

1. Log out of Blackboard Vista.
2. Choose Tools, Internet Options to display the Internet Options dialog box.
3. Click the Security tab.
4. In the “Security level for this zone” area, if the level is not set to Medium, click Default Level.
5. In the “Security level for this zone” area, verify that Medium is displayed.
6. Click Apply.
7. Click OK.

Check the Privacy Settings.

1. Click the Privacy tab.
2. In the “Settings” area, if the level is not set to Medium, click Default.
3. Click Apply.
4. Click OK.

Try uploading a file in Blackboard Vista.

1. Close Internet Explorer.
2. Reopen Internet Explorer (so the new settings take effect).
3. Log into Blackboard Vista.
4. Open your section.
5. Try uploading a file. The My Computer icon should be visible.

If the My Computer icon still is not displayed, you need to change the Java permissions from High Safety to Medium Safety.

1. Log out of Blackboard Vista.
2. Choose Tools, Internet Options to display the Internet Options dialog box.
3. Click the Security tab.
4. In the “Security level for this zone” area, click Custom Level. The Settings dialog box is displayed.
5. Scroll to view the “Java Permissions” area.
6. Select Medium Safety.
7. Click OK. A Warning information box is displayed.
8. Click Yes. The Internet Options dialog box is displayed. The Security tab is active.
9. In the “Security level for this zone” area, click Default Level.
10. Click Apply.
11. Click OK.

Try uploading a file in Blackboard Vista.

1. Close Internet Explorer.
2. Reopen Internet Explorer (so the new settings take effect).
3. Log into Blackboard Vista.
4. Open your section.
5. Try uploading a file. The My Computer icon should be visible.

If you are still unable to view your My Computer icon, please contact the Help Center.