WebCT Help

WebCT is "not acting right"

Sometimes if WebCT is acting funny (once you've logged on or maybe before), such as not accepting your answers (yikes!), then your browser may have unusual settings.  

One fix is to go to  WebCT Browser Tune-up and get your browser "tuned up" for WebCT.  

(If you are already logged in to WebCT then click on "Check Browser" along the very top of the screen.)

One issue might be to make sure that you have "Java scripts enabled" on your browser.  Sometimes, these scripts have been previously disabled as a security precaution --but WebCT won't work without them.  (The tune up above should tell you this, however.)

Another issue may be to make sure you have the browser set to "Check for newer versions of stored pages EVERY VISIT TO THE PAGE"  --look under Tools-> Internet options -> General-> Temporary Internet Files-> Settings.

Another fix, of course, is to use a different browser or different computer!

WebCT often does not work well with AOL browsers below version number 7.0  --so if you are using AOL 6.XX or below, then upgrade your browser or simply use a different browser for WebCT.  (I strongly advise against using the AOL browser, just in case you run into trouble.)  For AOL subscribers to use a different browser, start your AOL browser, minimize the window, then open a new browser (such as Internet Explorer [IE] or Netscape) and log into WebCT from the new browser.

Microsoft Internet Explorer seems to work the best.  It can be downloaded to your computer now by clicking here. 

If WebCT does not open or it takes you to another site or you get the message that "Access to this URL is Forbidden" then your browser may be affected by a spyware program.  One option is to switch from Internet Explorer (IE) to Netscape.  

To prevent infection from spyware, you may want to install a program such as Ad-aware or Spybot available at www.download.com .  These tools may help you remove such programs once they've infected your browser.

If your IE browser is already infected, then try this:

In Windows, go to the Start menu and select Settings.  Open the Control Panel and choose Add/Remove Programs.  Look for "Active Alert" and "Internet Optimizer."  If either is present, select Change Remove for each one in turn.  Follow the steps to remove each program.

If this doesn't work, then reinstalling the IE browser or even reinstalling the Windows operating system may be the only cure.  Seek the advice of the WebCT staff or other computer professionals if this seems necessary.  In the mean time, you can use the free browsers Netscape  or Firefox:

 

Links to Lion Den will not function

If you are trying to link to any lionden.com web page from a link inside WebCT, it may not work if:

• You have your browser or antivirus program set to block "pop-up" windows or ads

• Your browser is having trouble with embedded links.  If you are using Internet Explorer, for example, then switch browsers to Firefox and see if the links work

  • Internet Explorer often gives you an oddly worded dialog box:

• You must answer No to this dialog. If you instead answer Yes or simply close the dialog, you will receive this error:

• If you have already answered the dialog the wrong way, you will probably have to quit Internet Explorer, then restart it, to get the dialog again and then be able to view the outside web page.
  
  
• This entire thing can be avoiced by using Firefox instead of Internet Explorer.

If you continue to have trouble, you may also want to tune-up your browser (see top of this page)