While automatic updating is a convenient way to ensure you have the most recent version of Java, Windows users who have automatically updated to the latest version of Java (Version 6 Update 29) have experienced problems with Blackboard's chat tool:
1) First, check what version of Java you currently have installed by visiting http://www.java.com/en/download/installed.jsp
2) If your Java version is Version 6 Update 27, the chat tool should work fine. If your Java version is Version 6 Update 29 and you need to use Blackboard's chat tool, you are advised to uninstall Java Version 6 Update 29 and re-install Update 27.
To uninstall Java Version 6 Update 29 from your system:
Once you have successfully uninstalled Java 6 Update 29, re-install Java 6 Update 27:
After you have installed Update 27, restart your computer, disable Java's Automatic Updates, and make sure the chat room is functional.
To disable Java's Automatic Update feature:
Windows XP: 1. Click Start > Control Panel. 2. Double-click the Java icon. The Java Control Panel appears. 3. Click the Update tab. 4. To disable Java Update, un-select the Check for Updates Automatically check box. 5. Click OK. Windows Vista and Windows 7: 1. Click Start > Control Panel > Programs 2. Find Java and click it. The Java Control Panel appears. 3. Click the Update tab. 4. To disable Java Update, un-select the Check for Updates Automatically check box. 5. Click OK.
Windows XP: 1. Click Start > Control Panel. 2. Double-click the Java icon. The Java Control Panel appears. 3. Click the Update tab. 4. To disable Java Update, un-select the Check for Updates Automatically check box. 5. Click OK.
Windows Vista and Windows 7: 1. Click Start > Control Panel > Programs 2. Find Java and click it. The Java Control Panel appears. 3. Click the Update tab. 4. To disable Java Update, un-select the Check for Updates Automatically check box. 5. Click OK.