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Canvas@Illinois , Cannot open a file
This page has information about opening files in Canvas
If you cannot open file in Canvas, you may be having a problem with the file type. For example, if you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer, then you will not be able to open .PDF files (you may download Adobe Acrobat Reader for free from http://get.adobe.com/reader/); Word (.docx), Excel (.xlsx), and Powerpoint (.pptx) files may require Microsoft Office be installed to open or display properly.
If you find a file that you cannot open, try opening the file in a different browser or on a different computer. Your browser may have security settings which are preventing the download. Canvas uses Javascript to display announcements and distribute course files. However, most internet browsers have built-in pop-up blockers or extensions that block scripts from running that do not allow Canvas to correctly display. The result is that every time you click on a class file, the file does not open. You might notice a bar at the top of your browser that states a pop-up was blocked. To work around the pop-up blocker, you need to set your browser to allow pop-ups from Canvas or disable extensions that prevent scripts from running.
Updating your Java installation to the latest version may also help. If you don't notice any errors when downloading, but still cannot view the file, it may have been saved to your computer but not installed. Generally, downloads are placed into a folder called Downloads, but may also appear on your desktop or in your My Documents folder. You may need to perform a search on your computer to find it, or browse through your browsers download history.
Another option is to use an ICS computer lab. Most software that instructors use to create class content are available on computers at the ICS Labs around campus. You might be able to open the documents and print them from these (or other) computer labs.
If you find a file that you cannot open, try opening the file in a different browser or on a different computer. Your browser may have security settings which are preventing the download. Canvas uses Javascript to display announcements and distribute course files. However, most internet browsers have built-in pop-up blockers or extensions that block scripts from running that do not allow Canvas to correctly display. The result is that every time you click on a class file, the file does not open. You might notice a bar at the top of your browser that states a pop-up was blocked. To work around the pop-up blocker, you need to set your browser to allow pop-ups from Canvas or disable extensions that prevent scripts from running.
Updating your Java installation to the latest version may also help. If you don't notice any errors when downloading, but still cannot view the file, it may have been saved to your computer but not installed. Generally, downloads are placed into a folder called Downloads, but may also appear on your desktop or in your My Documents folder. You may need to perform a search on your computer to find it, or browse through your browsers download history.
Another option is to use an ICS computer lab. Most software that instructors use to create class content are available on computers at the ICS Labs around campus. You might be able to open the documents and print them from these (or other) computer labs.