Instructional Technology - Blackboard Vista - Java

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Vista uses Java to provide rich user-interface and to enable a better user experience. Without Java, you will still be able to log in, but certain tools in Vista will not function properly.

In order for Vista to work properly, you must have a supported java version. Supported versions include anything between J2SE v. 1.4.2_06 JRE and J2SE v. 1.5.0_05 JRE.

If you are having problems with Vista, check the version of Java that you have. Even if the browser checker says that you have passed the Java checks, it still helps to do a check for Java.

This URL will check to show you what version of Java you have: http://www.java.com/en/download/help/testvm.xml.

Before you can upgrade Java you will need to uninstall the version that is already on your machine.

Uninstall Java

1. From the desktop go to your Start menu, then select the Control Panel (in Windows versions earlier then Windows XP, Control Panel is located in the Settings folder from the Start menu).
2. Select Add/Remove Programs.
3. Find all items referring to Java.
4. Select Remove for each of those items.

Once you have uninstalled Java off your machine then you can install a new version.

Reinstall Java

1. Go to http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.4.2/download.html.
2. Scroll down to J2SE v 1.4.2_13 JRE. You do NOT want the J2SE SDK.
3. Select the Download J2SE JRE link.
4. Follow the download instructions.
5. Install Java then restart your computer.
6. Try using Vista again.

If the above has not satisfied your concern, please contact the Help Desk at x5511 or by email at: helpdesk@pnc.edu.  Students are encouraged to contact their instructor prior to contacting the Help Desk, as instructors are often able to satisfy various student concerns.