What is Respondus LockDown Browser?
Respondus LockDown Browser™ is a custom browser that locks down the testing environment within Blackboard. When using Respondus LockDown Browser to take a test, you will be unable to print, copy, go to another URL, or access other applications. When you start an assessment, you will be are locked into it until you submit it for grading. If a Blackboard test requires that Respondus LockDown Browser be used, you will not be able to take the test with a standard web browser.
Troubleshooting Respondus LockDown Browser
Problem
You can't run the Lockdown Browser because you can't close "WWAHost.exe"
| Solution |
|
"WWAHost.exe" is the common "host process" used for running HTML 5 based Metro applications such as Music and Weather. The process is closed because Microsoft does not offer a way to close the application without closing the host process.
Sometimes a hard reboot of the system will reset this error and you will be able to continue as normal. Or you can figure out what HTML 5 applications are currently set to run at start-up, you can either change the settings for the app, or manually close it before using LDB.
|
Problem
The LockDown Browser locked up when opening a test
| Solution |
| If the Lockdown Browser stops responding before you start an exam or if you see a blank page that fills the computer screen, this could be due to security windows that have popped up behind the Lockdown browser. Close the browser and address the security pop-up windows. You should be able to reopen the browser without issue. |
Problem
The LockDown Browser locked up on submission
| Solution |
| If you lose your Internet connection while taking an exam or if you have outdated and/or multiple Java installations, the Lockdown Browser and your computer may stop responding or freeze. Currently, the only way to resolve this issue is to do a hard shutdown (i.e. unplugging all power from the computer including power cables and/or batteries if you are using a laptop). If you are missing your Start Menu, Task Bar or are unable to access the Task Manager after doing a hard reboot, you can restore these applications by restarting the Lockdown Browser and exiting the software properly. |
Problem
The LockDown Browser is asking for a password
| Solution |
| If the Lockdown Browser is requesting a password but your instructor has not supplied one to you, just click Continue to go to your test. |
Problem
The Save button is covered by (or is covering) text
| Solution |
- In the browser window just click About.
- Then check the Font size box and choose 14.
(Please pardon the photo quality, Lockdown Browser disables screen shots)
|
Problem
Experiencing a "Video connection timed out" error when setting up a webcam.
| Solution |
- Try clicking the "try again" button on that same page. This may permit the connection to be established. It's only necessary to click this button one time, as doing this makes a small network change. But if the error persists, clicking the button multiple times will not help.
- If the error persists, it's likely caused by a latency (delay) on your computer and/or network. This can include other devices on your network using bandwidth. The best thing for you to do is to exit LockDown Browser and restart your computer. After the restart, be sure to shut down all other running applications on both the computer and the network, including other network devices. If using Wi-Fi, move as close to the router as possible.
- Then start up LockDown Browser and try again.
- If the problem persists, try using a different network, or a hardwired connection via an Ethernet cable.
|
References
For additional support with installing Respondus Lockdown Browser, refer to this Student Quick Start Guide for Respondus LockDown Browser, or watch this Introduction to the Lockdown Browser.
For more information or other problems check out the Respondus Lockdown Browser Knowledgebase.
To request help related to this article, please see our Service Catalog.