Respondus LockDown Browser FAQ

Students who are required to use the LockDown browser must have access to the software by either locating a computer with the LockDown Browser installed already, or student must download and install the LockDown Browser to their personal computer.

• Instructor Quick Start Guide
• Student Quick Start Guide

Additionally, viruses on the computer can affect Respondus LockDown Browser behavior. Always use antivirus software to keep your computer safe.

Once installed, students MUST use their regular browser to log in to their course, start the exam, and then click on the Launch LockDown Browser link in order to take any exam which requires the use of LockDown Browser. If LockDown Browser was not installed before starting the exam, you can click on the link to install it from inside the exam instructions screen.

Students should also review the general online test taking guide before taking their first online exam.

Additionally, instructors should provide students with unlimited attempts to take a practice quiz. The practice quiz should be available for the entire semester. The practice quiz should have enough questions in it so that students can get an idea of what to expect when they take a test that requires Respondus LockDown Browser. Every student, even those who will be using a computer in Xavier's computer lab, should be required to take the practice quiz before their first test that requires the use of Respondus LockDown Browser.

The Mac version of LockDown Browser works with VoiceOver (the standard screen reader that comes with the Mac OS). LockDown Browser's functions and security remain the same when VoiceOver is used.

The Windows version of LockDown Browser (version 1.0.5.17 and newer) allows a student to use screen reader accessibility programs, such as JAWS and Windows-Eyes. However, the security level of LockDown Browser is lowered when screen readers are used. To address this, the instructor must enable a setting that permits specific students to use a screen reader application with LockDown Browser.

For more information on accessibility settings view this accessibility knowledgebase article.

Every student, even those who will be using a computer in Xavier's computer lab, should be required to take the practice test before their first test that requires the use of Respondus LockDown Browser/Respondus Monitor.

If you lose your Internet connection during the exam, it can lock up the browser and not allow you to save answers, move on to other questions, submit or exit the exam. Ethernet connections are the most stable connection to the Brightspace server. If you have a router, plugging directly into it when taking exams will reduce the chances of connection interruptions.

NOTE: You must login to your Brightspace course using a standard browser (e.g. Chrome or Safari), start the quiz, and then launch LockDown Browser from the quiz page.

You must do the following to take a test using an iPad:

1. Use mobile Safari or Chrome to login to Brightspace.
2. Navigate to your course, then quiz.
3. On the quiz summary page, click on the "Launch LockDown Browser" button. if the LockDown Browser for iPad app has already been installed, our institution will automatically be detected, and LockDown Browser should open. If you haven't yet installed the app, you can find it in the Apple app store.

Solution: If the program indicated is not actually used on this computer, you can uninstall it from Start > Control Panel. To keep the program, change the program's settings so it does not run automatically when Windows starts up, or use Task Manager to stop the program before running Respondus LockDown Browser. Below are instructions for specific programs.

Dell Dock

Dell Dock is a utility included with many Dell computers. Follow one of the steps below when encountering issues with the "Dell Dock" and Respondus LockDown Browser:

• If the program is not needed, uninstall the Dell Dock from Windows -> Start -> Control Panel -> Add/Remove Programs (Windows XP) or Programs and Features (Windows 10/8/7).
• Or, to block Dell Dock from running at startup:
  1. Press the 'Windows logo' key and the 'R' key simultaneously on the keyboard.
  2. Type "msconfig" (without quotes) in the box that comes up, and then press Enter.
  3. In the next box that comes up, navigate to the start-up tab, then un-check the box next to "delldock".
  4. Click "Apply" then "OK".
  5. Restart the computer.
• Or, to disable the utility from within Dell Dock, see: http://www.ehow.com/how_4773983_remove-dell-dock.html

Google Desktop

Google Desktop is a utility that allows users to search files on the computer and to use a Sidebar gadget bar to display applets on top of other programs. Follow one of the steps below when encountering issues with Google Desktop and Respondus LockDown Browser:

• If the Google Desktop is not being used on the computer, the best option is to remove it from the system through Windows -> Control Panel -> Programs and Features (Windows 10/8/7).
• Or, manually stop Google Desktop before starting LockDown Browser by starting Task Manager and using End Process to stop all Google processes.

Skype

Skype is a program that allows conferencing and phone calls over the internet. Follow one of the steps below when encountering issues with Skype and Respondus LockDown Browser:

• If Skype is not being used on the computer, the best option is to remove it from the system through Windows -> Control Panel -> Programs and Features (Windows 10/8/7).
• Or, close any browsers that are open, since Skype will attach itself to those browsers. Then, manually stop Skype before starting LockDown Browser by starting Task Manager and using End Process to stop all Skype processes.

Students can get help by viewing this introduction to Respondus LockDown Browser/Respondus Monitor video and/or Student Quick Start Guide. If students still have questions they should contact their instructor.