Tutorials

Downloading Documents from WebCT

If you are having difficulties downloading files from within your WebCT course sections using Internet Explorer 6 or 7 (i.e. yellow pop-up Information Bar keeps appearing) and are using Windows XP, you need to change your Security Settings for downloads.

In addition, with Internet Explorer 7, a similar bar appears when trying to access information that opens in a new window. To allow these windows to open, you will need to enable scripted windows.

The Information bar is the place where Internet Explorer displays information about security, downloads, blocked pop-up windows, and other activities. It is located at the top of the webpage.

When will I see the Information bar?

If Internet Explorer is still using its original settings, you'll see the Information bar in the following circumstances:

• If a website tries to install an ActiveX control on your computer or run an ActiveX control in an unsafe manner.
• If a website tries to open a pop-up window.
• If a website tries to download a file to your computer.
• If a website tries to run active content on your computer.
• If your security settings are below recommended levels.

How do I use the Information bar?

When you see a message in the Information bar, click the message to see more information or to take action.

Can I turn off the Information bar?

Yes, you can, but we don't recommend it. If you do want to turn it off, you have to turn it off for each type of message.

To stop the Information bar from blocking file and software downloads:

1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. Click the Tools button, and then click Internet Options.
3. Click the Security tab, and then click Custom level.
4. Do one or both of the following:
   • To turn off the Information bar for file downloads, scroll to the Downloads section of the list, and then, under Automatic prompting for file downloads, click Enable
   • To turn off the Information bar for ActiveX controls, scroll to the ActiveX controls and plug-ins section of the list, and then, under Automatic prompting for ActiveX controls, click Enable.
5. Click OK, click Yes to confirm that you want to make the change, and then click OK again.

Internet Explorer 7 only:

• In the Scripting section of the list, under Allow websites to prompt for information using scripted windows, click Enable.

If you choose to not turn off the Information bar – you will have to choose to allow the file to download. In many cases, this action will simply return you to the Homepage of your course and then you will have to repeat the process of clicking on the file and opening it or saving it to your computer.

To turn off Information bar messages about blocked pop-up windows:

1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. Click the Tools button, click Pop-up Blocker, and then click Pop-up Blocker Settings.
3. Clear the Show Information Bar when a pop-up is blocked check box, and then click Close.

Which messages are displayed in the Information bar?

The following table lists the messages that might appear in the Information bar along with a description of what each message means.