Errors - I changed my Internet Explorer security settings, and now I can't log in.

I changed my Internet Explorer security settings, and now I can't log in.

Due to a series of security problems with the Windows version of Microsoft Internet Explorer, many people are changing their security settings (from "medium" to "high"). Unfortunately, "high" security is so restrictive that it does not allow you even to log in to blackboard. You can change security options using the MSIE menu item "Tools->Internet Options...". Relevant settings exist on the "Security" and "Privacy" tabs, plus many settings on the "Advanced" tab will effect your browsing as well. For Security, we recommend that you visit blackboard with your Internet Explorer security settings at "medium". If you really need "high", then at a minimum go to custom levels, and make sure that you have allowed:

• Downloads -> File download enabled
• Scripting -> Active scripting enabled

You will probably also want (under ActiveX):

• Download signed ActiveX controls prompt
• Run ActiveX controls and plugins prompt

Note that the Security settings apply to specific "zones". Most people have their browsers configured so that blackboard is treated as being in the Internet zone (check the zone name that is printed at the right in the status bar at the bottom of the MSIE window). In addition, on the Privacy tab in "Tools->Internet Options..." we recommend that you surf with a setting of "Medium-High". If you need to surf with Privacy set to "High" then you must allow cookies from https://blackboard.uoregon.edu (note the httpS). Most users should consider switching from Internet Explorer to Mozilla Firefox or some other modern and more secure web browser.

Here is a list of our recommended browsers.

tags: cookies, javascript, java script, activex, active x, secure, sign in, sign on