WebVista - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Where do I find my WebVista course?
2. When I click on the login it is asking me for my internet ID and password, where do I find that information?
3. How do I know if I am using a browser that works with WebVista?
4. What’s Java and why do I need it to use WebVista?
5. I can log into WebVista, but my class is not listed.
6. Do I need special software on my computer to use WebVista?
7. Do I have to be on campus to access my WebVista course?
8. How do I access my UMD Student Email?
9. My messages are not showing up in the discussion after I hit post and when I click on a message I am not able to view it?
10. My messages are disappearing after I view them?
11. I click to respond to a discussion, and I am not able to respond or post?
12. When trying to access a course file, presentation, or take a quiz, nothing happens, what should I do?
13. I cannot open a powerpoint presentation, word document or PDF file.
14. I am trying to attach a file for my assignment and nothing is happening?
15. I click on the chat room or whiteboard icon and nothing happens.

1. Where do I find my WebVista course?

Go to the University of Minnesota Duluth homepage http://www.d.umn.edu

• On the left side of the page click on “My UMD” (see Quick Links)
• Click on “Sign In ”
• Enter your user name and password (usually the same as your Internet/Email login)
• Click on the “My Toolkit” tab
• Scroll down to find your course(s) or click on the WebVista link.

If you do not see the WebVista icon, you may need to set up your "To Do List", visit the login page for more information.

2. When I click on the login it is asking me for my internet ID and password, where do I find that information?

• Please note: you must initiate your internet id account before logging into your online course. https://www.umn.edu/initiate
• If you have initiated your account and forgotten your password, you will need to have your password reset. During business hours contact the Help Desk (218-726-8847) or if you are on campus, please visit the Campus Center Info Desk.

3. How do I know if I am using a browser that works with WebVista?

Please view http://webct.umn.edu/browser/index.shtml

Other Browser related resources:

• Step-by-step instructions to properly configure your browser
• List of supported browsers
• Troubleshooting browser problems
• Check your system for plug-ins that may be required to view course content
• Browser Information

4. What’s Java and why do I need it to use WebVista?

Java is a free program that allows you to use special features of WebVista Vista. You will need Java installed to use the HTML editor or to upload files from your computer. Review the Java information.

5. I can log into WebVista, but my class is not listed. Click on the WebVista Link (see image below) . If you click on the link and it is still not listed, make sure that you have your "To Do List" available. See Login information.

6. Do I need special software on my computer to use WebVista? You will need a web browser, java, and access to the internet. Review the browser information and setup and you may need some of the common plug-ins.

7. Do I have to be on campus to access my WebVista course? No, you can access your course from anywhere as long as you have access to a computer and the internet.

8. How do I access my UMD Student Email? Activate your UMD student email account http://www.d.umn.edu/itss/email/faq.html

9. My messages are not showing up in the discussion after I hit post and when I click on a message I am not able to view it? Click the "Expand all" button on the left side of your discussion window to view all posts. To view a message, make sure you click on the "subject" link for the post. If you click on the name of the person who posted, you will only see a link to email them.

10. I click to respond to a discussion, and I am not able to respond or post? Check to make sure you have Java installed on your computer. Log into your WebVista site and click on the Browser Check link found on the upper right hand corner of homepage.

If you need to install Java, go to: http://webct.umn.edu/browser/index.shtml

11. My messages are disappearing after I view them? To view all messages and not just messages that you have not read, change the Display setting at the top of the message list to All by selecting the All button. 

12. I cannot open a powerpoint presentation, word document or PDF file. When trying to access a course file, presentation, or take a quiz, nothing happens, what should I do?

If you are using Internet Explorer, you may receive a warning from your browser about blocked content, you will need to "allow" the blocked content to download or view the course materials. (see image below)

Click on OK to make screen below disappear and then Click on the bar - you will see a menu pop up (or right click on the bar) and select "Allow blocked Content" and select Yes.

This may bring you back to the WebVista course listing, click on your course again and go to the PowerPoint and click on it again to view the presentation. Select open to view the presentation.

13. I cannot open a PowerPoint presentation, word document or PDF file. If you do not have Microsoft Office or Adobe Acrobat on your computer, you will need to install the free viewers. Click on the following links to download the viewers.

If you are using Internet Explorer, you may have to allow blocked content (see question 12).

In some cases, when you click on a (PPT, Word file, PDF) link the browser closes. You will be prompted to log in again. Usually on the second attempt you are able to view the file.

14. I am trying to attach a file for my assignment and nothing is happening?

You may have an unsupported browser, please view the browser setup instructions. If your browser is configured and java installed, please refer to the following for help on submitting an assignment.

15. I click on the chat room or whiteboard icon and nothing happens.

You may have spyware on your computer that is preventing you from accessing the chat or whiteboard room. Try running a scan of your computer. Spyware removal information.

Visit: Something in a WebVista Site Doesn't Work http://webct.umn.edu/students/common/common-2.shtml