Technology Tips & Tutorials

WebCT GOLD: Internet Explorer Browser Settings for WebCT
November 29, 2007

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WebCT users should work through the WebCT Browser Tune-up, http://www.webct.com/tuneup, to ensure that their web browser is compatible with WebCT and that the browser settings are appropriate for WebCT. WebCT GOLD users will find a browser checkup link on the GOLD login page and in the top row of the "My WebCT GOLD" page (course list page).

By default, some versions of Internet Explorer are set to block file downloads. This causes problems to both instructors and students when you try to view PowerPoint shows, download Word files, download student records or assignments from WebCT. To correct the problem, change the browser settings as follows:

1. Pull down the Tools menu.

2. Select Internet options.

3. Click the Security tab.

4. Click Custom level ... button.

5. Scroll down until you see the word "Downloads" right against the far left margin (scroll approx. 1/3 of the way down). Change the "Automatic prompting for file downloads" to ENABLE.

6. The next setting is "File download". Ensure that it is set to "Enable".

7. Click the OK buttons until you are out.

Another setting to check, and possibly change, is the default cache setting. If it is not set correctly, you may be viewing out-of-date versions of a web page. 

• Pull down the Tools menu

• Select Internet options

• Click the General tab

• In Internet Explorer 6:

  • Under Temporary Internet Files, click the Settings button.

  • Make sure that it is set to check for new info on "Every visit to page".

  • Click the OK buttons until you are out.

• In Internet Explorer 7:

  • Under Browsing history, click the Settings button.

  • Make sure that it is set to check for new info on "Every time I visit the web page".

  • Click the OK buttons until you are out.