Troubleshooting
Check Your Computer for Viruses
Viruses can cause many problems with your computer. If your computer is infected with a virus, you may have trouble using WebCT. Scan your computer to check for viruses. If you do not have a virus checker, it is strongly recommended that you get one and install it.
What are Spyware and AD-AWARE?
Although they may sometimes be confused with one another, Spyware and Ad-Aware are different. Spyware is a program or technology that aids in gathering information about a person or organization, often without their knowledge, and includes programs like hijackers and key loggers. Ad-Aware is typically a program that displays advertising through pop-up or pop-under windows while you are surfing the Web. You may have unknowingly installed Spyware or Ad-Aware when you downloaded programs from the Internet or installed software from disks. Spyware is easy to install but often difficult to remove without downloading specialized anti-Spyware programs. Many applications may display a window or interrupt your activities while you are using your computer. For example, Yahoo! Messenger may display an alert or a chat window from time to time, either of which may contain an advertisement. Most people do not classify these kinds of communications as Ad-Aware because they were initiated for a purpose other than advertising.
Spyware removal tools
Pop-up windows enabled?
Pop-up blockers will prevent the WebCT mail, discussion and quiz tools from working. Software that may block pop-ups: Google Toolbar, Yahoo Toolbar, AOL 8.0, Earthlink and Windows XP Service Pack 2. Pop-up blocker is installed. User is given a notification by sound and the Microsoft Explorer information bar will be displayed near the top of the user’s window confirming the blocked Pop-up (Windows XP Service Pack 2). To disable Pop-up killers/stoppers/blockersor ad-blockers:
(1) Click your Start button in the bottom left hand corner of your screen, and then select Search. Search your hard drive for any software with "pop-up" in the name and disable it. You may need to open the program, and then go to the Help menu area to find the directions for disabling the application.
(2) Pop-Up killing or ad-blocking functions are now included in many anti-virus, internet security, personal firewall, browser, and search and toolbar programs. Disable the relevant setting in the programs.
AOL 8.0 - Look in the AOL Support/Help or Frequently Asked Questions for directions on how to use the Pop-Up controls. You can decide which sites may display Pop-Up windows.
Google Toolbar
The Google Toolbar has a built-in pop-up blocker. To completely disable the pop-up blocker, open the Toolbar Options window and clear the checkbox next to pop-up blocker in the Accessories section. For additional information go to http://toolbar.google.com/popup help.html.
Click the link for directions on enabling pop-ups. The Google pop-up killer can be over-ridden by holding down the Ctrl button while clicking the link.
Yahoo Companion Toolbar
Click the link for directions on enabling Pop-Ups.
Earthlink
Comes with a built-in anti Pop-Up ware automatically turned on - you need to turn it off.
Disable Firewall
Many broadband internet users now have a firewall on their home connection. Many home routers have firewall's built-in, but most users have a software firewall. Even if you enable access to the WebCT site, you may STILL have to disable the "anti-popup feature" ND disable the "anti-javascipt feature.
(1) Personal Firewalls:
Recent releases of anti-virus come with built-in firewall features that you may not even be aware of.
(2) Zone Alarm:
Zone Alarm causes problems with WebCT because it blocks the network ports that WebCT uses. It can also cause a problem because it doubles as a content filter. Zone Alarm can prevent java script or java applets on websites from working on your browser. WebCT uses both java script and java for a number of its tools.
Accelerator
Disable any "Accelerators" you might be using in conjunction with your ISP. This would include: EarthLink Accelerator, BellSouth Accelerator Technology, as well as any personal "Internet accelerators" you may have (downloaded and) installed.
Disable Bell South Accelerator
You can right click on the icon it should have a disable option
They recommend that you try uninstalling, then reinstalling the software:
Click on Start.
Go to Programs
Go to BellSouth Accelerator Technology
Click on Uninstall BellSouth Accelerator Technology
Download the update at:
http://accelerator.bellsouth.net . Run this program to clean the old settings out of your computer which is blocking the download. If this does not resolve the issue, completely uninstall the program.
There are currently issues within the program. We recommend that you check back with BellSouth, as they will be releasing new versions of the program as improvements are made.
Are You using Norton Antivirus?
A common problem with Norton is a blank screen appearing. I would suggest disabling everything in Norton Internet Security except for Norton Antivirus.
Norton Internet Security 2003 - To disable the extra security, open your Norton program by double clicking the icon in your system tray at the bottom right of your screen, or by going to start, programs, Norton Internet Security Turn off Ad Blocking for this account by clicking on Ad Blocking, then the yellow Turn Off box.
Try Using a Different Browser
Most Spyware and deceptive software affects only Internet Explorer. If you have many problems with Internet Explorer, using a different web browser may be a suitable workaround.