4.3   Can't open email messages (beware Ad Blockers)

A most puzzling problem was reported where some students could not open email sent to them using Blackboard's email tool.   It turned out to be a problem with a firewall on the host PC that was set to block web-based Ads.

Here are the steps that had to be taken to solve the problem.

1. Start -> All Programs -> Symantec Client Security -> Symantec Client Firewall.
2. Under Status and Settings click Ad Blocking
3. Click the Turn Off button

Apparently the problem is related to Ad Blockers keeping pop-up windows from opening.   (Blackboard relies heavily on pop-up windows!)