Hi All,

We’ve just become aware of a problem with the newest Java update, Java Runtime Environment v. 6, update 19, vis-à-vis Blackboard Vista on the Windows PC.  The new JRE is checking for something it never has before and is generating spurious warning messages when used with Blackboard Vista.  You are repeatedly presented with a hair-raising warning about dangerous content and advised to block it.  This is totally bogus, but if you, quite reasonably, agree to block the content from executing, you will no longer be able to upload files, chat, or use the HTML creator on Vista.  This state of affairs is reversible, but aggravating.   Here are our recommendations on how to deal with this issue:

1. If you have not yet done so, please do not update your Java Runtime Environment to update 19.  If you have this set to happen automatically, please disable automatic updates.

2. If you have already updated your java to the latest version, you have two options:

a. Simply ignore the warning, closing the window or clicking “No” each time it pops up.  This is easy, but tedious because the warning will continue to pop up.  If you have already clicked “Yes”, you will have to clear your java cache and close and reopen all of your browser windows in order to restore Vista to normal operation.  Here’s a tutorial showing how to do that and giving further information on the problem:  http://online2.sdccd.edu/tutorials/java_problem_ann/java_problem_ann.html

b. Roll back your Java Runtime Environment (JRE) to v. 6 update 18.  This is easy to do and will spare you all of the bogus warnings.  Here’s a tutorial showing how to do that:   http://online2.sdccd.edu/tutorials/java_rollback_2010/java_rollback_2010.html

Blackboard is working on a patch to Vista which will allow use of the new JRE, but we do not yet have an ETA for this.  We will keep you informed of progress in this area & will install the patch as soon as it’s safe to do so.  Please let me know if you have any questions about this or if we can assist you in any way in dealing with this issue.  I can be reached at dgiberso@sdccd.edu/619-388-7332.  Sorry about the hassle!!

SDCCD Online Learning Pathways