Setup and Troubleshooting > Windows > Internet Explorer

Internet Explorer

ThomsonNOW supports Windows Internet Explorer (IE) version 6.0.

Caution: Use only the full version of Internet Explorer. If you currently use AOL, MSN, or an other customized version that says "Microsoft Internet Explorer provided by . . . ," see Using a Second Browser for ThomsonNOW.

Configuring Internet Explorer for ThomsonNOW

The following settings will help you get the best performance from ThomsonNOW with Internet Explorer for Windows XP (IE). If you have problems with ThomsonNOW later on, begin your troubleshooting by reconfirming these settings.

Follow the links for details on each setting.

Disabling the IE Content Advisor

For IE browser users, the IE Content Advisor must be disabled for ThomsonNOW to work correctly. Here's how to check or set its status in IE 6.

To disable the IE Content Advisor
  1. Select Tools > Internet Options.
  2. Click the Content tab. If the button says Enable... you're fine, and you can click OK to exit now. However, if the Content Advisor button says Disable..., click it to disable the Content Advisor.
  3. Type in the supervisor password. (This is the password you entered to enable the Content Advisor initially. If someone else, such as a network administrator, set it, you'll need that person to complete this step.)
  4. Click OK to confirm.
  5. Click OK to close Internet Options.

Setting IE Browser Permissions

Browser permissions determine how the IE browser interacts with the ThomsonNOW web site. The following settings will ensure you can enter and receive up-to-date information for your assignments and courses.

To set IE browser permissions
  1. Select Tools > Internet Options.
  2. Under Temporary Internet files, click Settings.
  3. Be sure Check for newer versions of stored pages is set to Automatically.
  4. While still in Settings, click View Objects to open the Download Program Files list. If any copies of Java Runtime Environment are listed with a Total Size of None, right-click each one and select Remove. Confirm the removal with OK.
  5. Close the Downloaded Program Files window, and then close Settings.
  6. Go to Security > Trusted Sites > Sites.
  7. Clear the setting Require Server verification (https:) for all sites in this zone.
  8. In Add this Web site to the zone, type in *.ilrn.com, and then click Add.
  9. In Add this Web site to the zone, type in *.brookscole.com, and then click Add.
  10. Click OK to close Trusted Sites.
  11. Under Security Level for this zone, click Custom Level.
  12. Scroll down to Miscellaneous, and make sure Allow META REFRESH is set to Enable.
  13. Click OK to close Security Settings and again to close Internet Options.

Enabling IE Cookies

ThomsonNOW uses cookies to recognize you and your preferences when you sign in. Here's how to enable them in IE 6.

To enable cookies in IE
  1. Select Tools > Internet Options > Privacy.
  2. Move the Settings slider to High or Medium High.
  3. Click OK.

Enabling Pop-up Windows in IE

ThomsonNOW uses pop-up windows to display error messages and Help. Here's how to enable them in IE 6.

To enable pop-up windows in IE
  1. Go to Tools > Pop-up Blocker.
  2. Select Turn off Pop-up Blocker.
To enable pop-up windows in IE for ThomsonNOW only
  1. Go to Tools > Popup Blocker.
  2. Select Pop-up Blocker Settings....
  3. Type or paste the URL for ThomsonNOW (or type *.ilrn.com) in the field labeled, "Address of Web site to allow:"
  4. Click Add. The ThomsonNOW URL appears in the Allowed sites window.
  5. Click Close.

    6. Note: There are many third-party pop-up blockers (Google, Yahoo!, etc.) available for Internet browsers. If you are using any of these, consult their directions for instructions on allowing pop-ups.

Clearing the Cache and Cookies in IE

If you ever start seeing errors in ThomsonNOW, a good first troubleshooting step is to clear your IE browser cache and cookies. You will need to reselect your school the next time you sign in to ThomsonNOW.

To clear the IE cache and cookies
  1. To clear cookies, first go to Tools > Internet Options > General.
  2. Under Temporary Internet Files, click Delete Cookies.
  3. When prompted to Delete all Cookies, click OK.
  4. Click OK again to exit.
  5. Also under Temporary Internet Files, click Delete Files.
  6. When prompted to Delete all files, click OK.

Enabling Javascript in Internet Explorer

ThomsonNOW requires Javascript for many of its functions. If you get a Javascript failure in the System Check, you may need to update your browser software. However, it may be that you simply need to enable Javascript in your browser before starting ThomsonNOW.

To enable Javascript in Internet Explorer
  1. Select to Tools > Internet Options > Security.
  2. Under Select a Web Content Zone, select Trusted Sites and then click the Sites button.
  3. Check to see if *.ilrn.com is listed. If not, enter it now and click OK.
  4. Under Security level for this Zone, click Default Level.
  5. Click the Apply button, and then click the OK button.
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