Firefox Extension Problems: NoScript and Adblock Plus

NoScript and Adblock Plus are very popular extensions to the Firefox browser that add security by blocking untrusted website content including java, java script, flash, and blacklisted domains. Unfortunately they block some Blackboard features as well.

Note that the original Adblock extension (different from Adblock Plus) causes no issues.

Global Solution

The simplest work around, besides using Internet Explorer, is to run Firefox in safe mode. This will only run the base browser without any add ons. Activate Safe Mode in this way: Start > All Programs > Mozilla Firefox > Mozilla Firefox(Safe Mode).

Specific Solution for NoScript

NoScript can be altered to work with Blackboard. This can be done by clicking on the NoScript icon in the bottom right and selecting options. In the options menu, first select the Whitelist tab and add courses.wwu.edu to the allowed domains list. Then select the Advanced tab and uncheck Forbid Java.

Specific Solution for Adblock Plus

Adblock Plus causes Blackboard to hang whenever a java applet is loaded such as when using the digital drop box. The only known solution is to disable Adblock Plus.