Technical Troubleshooting

If you are using a computer that meets the technical requirements for Wimba and you are still unable to connect to an event, please read through the frequently asked questions below for possible solutions.

Tip

Can't find the right solution? Complete the Technical Help Form for additional help. Assistance is provided during the ATC's normal business hours.

I don't have Java installed on my computer. Do I need it?

Java is required to use Wimba. To download the latest supported version, run the Wimba Setup Wizard.

How do I enable pop-ups?

To have Wimba work successfully on your computer, you must allow pop-ups for WPI's Wimba server (http://67.202.211.122/). You can enable pop-ups from the Setup Wizard by clicking the yellow bar at the pop-up prompt. Or, in the most recent version of Internet Explorer (7.x), go to the Tools menu, select Internet Options, then the Privacy tab, and then click on Settings in the Pop-up Blocker section of the Privacy tab. Enter http://67.202.211.122/ in the Address of Web site to allow: text box and click the Add button. This adds http://67.202.211.122/ to the Allowed Sites and no longer prevents Wimba from working correctly. Click Close and then OK.

Do I need cookies enabled on my browser?

No sensitive data is stored in an Wimba cookie. However, you do need to have cookies enabled.

Why do I get the yellow information bar asking me to install an Active-X control in Internet Explorer?

An Active-X control is an object or program that interacts with a webpage. In this case, the Wimba client is attempting to run or install from the event link you visited in Internet Explorer or an email invite. Select the yellow information bar below the Address Bar area in IE and Install Active-X control to continue. If this is the first time you are accessing a Wimba Event from this computer, Wimba will now run through the installation procedure and after completed, you will be taken to the event. If you have previously used Wimba on this computer, installing the Active-X control from the yellow information bar will take you directly to the event.

I can't log in. What should I do?

Participants:

Events are set up so you don't have to log in, simply click the Participant Login link and enter in your name.

Presenters:

If you have forgotten your password, contact the Academic Technology Center at connect@wpi.edu for assistance during regular business hours.

What should I do if no one can hear me speaking during an event?

There are many things you can try to adjust your speaking volume:

Make sure your headset/microphone is plugged in correctly.
Adjust your microphone volume by using the microphone volume in the speaker indicator in the media bar in the Wimba window. (This is the icon that looks like a torso with an orange shirt.)
If your headset has volume control on the cord, make sure the volume control is not set to "mute".
Right-click on the Volume icon in your system tray (in the lower right corner of the screen) and select Open Volume Controls. In the displayed window, make sure that the microphone and volume control settings are set to at least 75% and they are not muted.
Make sure that no other programs are currently using the sound card (such as Winamp, iTunes, Windows Media Player). When accessing the event, you will be prompted to close any applications that are using the sound card.
Make sure that you are holding down the Ctrl key when speaking or pressing the Talk button.
Make sure the Wimba window is the current active window (the title bar should be blue and NOT gray).

What should I do if I cannot hear other participants during an event?

There are many things you can try to adjust your listening volume.

Make sure your headset (or speakers) is plugged in correctly.
If your headset has a volume control on the cord, adjust the volume as needed.
Adjust your listening volume by using the slider in the volume indicator in the media bar in the Wimba window.
Right-click on the Volume icon in your system tray (in the lower right corner of the screen) and select Open Volume Controls. In the displayed window, make sure that the volume control settings are set to at least 75% and are not muted.
Make sure the Wimba window is the current active window (the title bar should be blue and NOT gray).

Note

During the event your sound (both listening and speaking) may be choppy if you have a slow Internet connection.

The link in my e-mail invitation is not active. What should I do?

Highlight the link in your email and copy it. Open your browser and paste the link into the Address field in your browser.

Maintained by itweb@wpi.edu
Last modified: Sep 25, 2006, 16:33 EDT