Why aren't files created on my Mac not being automatically recognized and opened on a PC, in the appropriate application (i.e., Word, PowerPoint, Acrobat Reader)?

When saving a file in Microsoft Office for Mac 2008, the box in front of “Append file extension” must be checked for the file extension (i.e., .doc, .pdf, etc.) to be added at the end of the filename (i.e., syllabus.doc).  The file extension must be present for the documents to open successfully on a PC.

What if I have Microsoft Office 2003 and can't open Microsoft 2007 files from my Blackboard course?

 

If you're still using Office 2003 but need to open Office 2007 files, install the Compatibility Pack for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2007 files and you will be able to open, edit, and save files created in Office 2007 even if you have not yet upgraded to that version on your own PC.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/923505
 

If you need assistance in installing this pack, you will need to contact Microsoft as this is not something the Support Center can assist you with.

Socket Error or Broken Pipe Error

Message on PC says "Socket Error". Message on Mac says "Broken Pipe".

Error message occurs typically when trying to upload or attach larger files.

Blackboard support said, "Being that you are on a cluster, there is potential that it's the load balancer, could be it's not handling sessions properly and tossing sessions back and forth between nodes."

In all instances, the files have been successfully uploaded at a later time, perhaps when there's less people/events on the system.

Why does Blackboard Vista boot me out to the courses page when I try to open a document?

This occurrence happens in Internet Explorer, and is a browser setting that needs to be changed.

1. In Internet Explorer, go to Tools-->Internet Options.
2. Select the Security tab.
3. Select the Custom Level button.
4. Scroll down to "Downloads", then to "Automatic prompting for file downloads" and select Enable. (See picture below.)
5. Click OK

Alternatively, users can simply hold down the CTRL key when clicking on a Word, Powerpoint, Excel or other document. This bypasses the information bar and enables users to simply open or save the document.