Frequently Asked Questions
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Is my device supported?
Please visit your operating system's app store to view the most up-to-date versions.
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How do I access Blackboard?
Steps-to-Take:
1. Go to blackboard.cwi.edu
2. You’ll be presented with a screen that asks for your Username and Password.
3.Your username and password will be the same as what you use to access your MyCWI account and your student email account. For your username; enter your first and last name in all lowercase letters with no spaces. For your password, enter the same password that you set for your MyCWI and email accounts.
Additional Blackboard Information:
1. Blackboard is tied with your Windows logon. If you change your password in Windows on a campus computer, your Blackboard password will change to match that password.
2. If you make 3 unsuccessful attempts to logon to Blackboard, your account will become locked for 30 minutes. It will automatically unlock after that 30 minutes.
3. If you accidentally close your browser window or your browser crashes during a test, the test will become locked and you will need to contact your instructor to have it re-opened for you. Your answers may or may not be saved.16403 -
How do I access my student email, student OneDrive and other Microsoft Office Applications?
Steps to Take:
1. Go to https://portal.office.com
2. For your Microsoft Office 365 ID, enter your CWI email address (Example: johnsmith@my.cwi.edu) wiith no spaces and all in lowercase.
3. For your password, enter the same password you use to logon to myCWI and Blackboard.
4. If this is your first time logging in and you haven't changed your password; please go to https://logonhelp.cwi.edu Click on the Change Password tab and follow the prompts. In this case, your username does NOT include your full email address. Default password example: John Smith, SSN 123-45-6789 Username = johnsmith and Password = JSlogon6789.16404 -
I'm a new student and have never been logged in before, how can I get logged in?
Summary: This is for a student trying to login for the first time. We recommend using Chrome or Firefox.
Note: When you update your CWI password, you will also need to update any computing device that may be using your old password to sign in to CWI apps. These devices include, laptops, tablets and mobile phones. With these devices, you would have some point used them to access your CWI email accounts and or the CWI WIFI. Any apps on your devices that you use to access CWI email and WIFI (and possibly other accesses) that store your passwords must be updated with your newest password or they will continue to attempt to sign in with the old, incorrect password and will inevitably lock your account. ** 5 failed login attempts result in your account being locked out for 30 minutes.
If you have trouble logging in with these credentials you will need to call us at the Help Desk so we can assist you: 208-562-3444.16405 -
I'm a student, how do I navigate Blackboard?
Logging In
To login to Blackboard, open Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome and access http://blackboard.cwi.edu.
If this is the first time you are lgging on with your default password, you will need to go to logonhelp.cwi.edu and use the following method for your username and password (after that, you can go ahead and log in to blackboard with your new password):
Username = FirstName+LastName (all lowercase)
Password = Your initials CAPITALIZED + logon (lowercase) + the last 4 digits of your social security number.
Example: Student: John Smith SSN: 123-45-6789 Username:johnsmith Password:JSlogon6789 If you cannot log in, you can call CWI helpdesk at 208-562-3444. Then enter in a new password twice.
Home Page
Once you have successfully logged in to Blackboard, you should arrive at the Home Page. For more information on each section of the Home Page, see the attached PDF.
In Your Class
Once you have selected a class, you will be automatically directed to the main page of that class (as determined by the instructor. This is typically the Announcements section. On the left, you will find the buttons that allow you to navigate to different sections of the course. Be aware that not every class is structured the same, and that many instructors have unique navigation. Your instructor can answer any questions you may have about accessing materials. The banner at the top tells you which course you are currently logged into. You can always navigate back to your course list by clicking the My Courses tab at the top.16406 -
What is my CWI username used for and what does it allow me to access?
Your CWI username is how you login to MyCWI, Blackboard, and is your email as well.
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How do I update my personal information so I can receive CWI Alerts Messaging?
Use a web browser to visit: https://my.cwi.edu
Click on the My Toolkit tab
Click on my Toolkit for Employees (or Students)
Click on Employee Profile (not needed for students)
Click on Update personal information
Click on Add New Email to add email
Click on Add New Phone to add a new phone*
*IMPORTANT – To receive CWI Alert Messaging System texts, you MUST have a cell phone number in your personal information, and IT MUST be identified as Cell Phone in myCWI self-service tools.16408 -
How do I access my OneDrive?
Login to your email at https://portal.office.com. Click on the square of boxes in the top left corner and then click on OneDrive.
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How do I change my Blackboard/MyCWI/Email password?
When you update your CWI password, you will also need to update any computing device that may be using your old password to sign in to CWI apps, including laptops, tablets and mobile phones. With these devices, you would have some point used them to access your CWI email accounts and or the CWI WIFI. Any apps on your devices that you use to access CWI email and WIFI (and possibly other accesses) that store your passwords must be updated with your newest password or they will continue to attempt to sign in with the old, incorrect password and will inevitably lock your account.
** 5 failed login attempts result in your account being locked out for 30 minutes. If you know your password, you can go to Logonhelp.cwi.edu and change your password by following the prompts. If you dont know your password and you haven't signed up for the password reset service you will need to call the help desk to have them reset your password for you.
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How do I access email from home, using a web browser?
Accessing email from home may be done via online web access (OWA) by using your browser to go to: portal.office.com. Alternatively you can follow an email link through various places such as blackboard, mycwi, or the cwi.edu homepage.
Once the email page opens, you will see the "College of Western Idaho" and the dialog boxes for you to enter your CWI credentials. Put in your email address and your password.16411 -
How do students download Office 365 for free?
Students can download Office 365 for free. Login to your email at https://portal.office.com. Click on the nine dots on the top left corner, click Office365 and then Install Office365
Download Full Instructions16412 -
How to update security questions in logonhelp.cwi.edu
Summary: Please follow the steps below to create/update your security questions via Https://logonhelp.cwi.edu.
NOTE: You must know your current username and password to proceed with these steps. If you do not have your current credentials, please call the Help Desk at 208.562.3444.
1. Go to URL: Https://logonhelp.cwi.edu
2. Select Enroll to answer a set of security questions.16413 -
How do I access/view my financial aid awards?
Go to my.cwi.edu and login. Go to MYTOOLKITFORSTUDENTS > Financial Aid. Click the year you would like to look at and then submit. This will show you the awards, their amounts, their status, and the total awarded for the year.
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How To Update Saved CWI WIFI Passwords On Mobile Phones and other electronic devices.
Note: When you update your CWI password, you will also need to update any computing device that may be using your old password to sign in to CWI apps. These devices include, laptops, tablets and mobile phones. With these devices, you would have some point used them to access your CWI email accounts and or the CWI WIFI. Any apps on your devices that you use to access CWI email and WIFI (and possibly other accesses) that store your passwords must be updated with your newest password or they will continue to attempt to sign in with the old, incorrect password and will inevitably lock your account.** 5 failed login attempts result in your account being locked out for 30 minutes. See attached PDF for further details. Keywords: WIFI, Mobile Phones, Cell Phones, Password, Android, Apple iOS
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How do I refresh my internet browser and how do I clear my internet browser's cache?
Summary: Below are steps to take to complete to perform a hard refresh, reload of a page within a browser and how to clear the cache from your browser (browser specific). Steps-to-Take:Before you clear your browser cache, you may want to try this step because it’s much faster and easier (this is what the Pros do).Basically, when you click on the refresh button in your browser, it will load static content from browser cache. However, by using a keyboard shortcut, you can force the browser to bypass cache and download a fresh version of the web page.
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How do I set up email on my Apple product including computer, iPhone and iPad using the Microsoft Outlook app.
Go to the App Store and download the Outlook Email app
Open the app, enter your email address and then hit Add Account
It will now open up to our organizational sign on page
Enter your CWI email, password and click Sign In
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How do I attach a file to an Outlook email?
In Outlook application, create new message. There will be options at the top to attach files and items. In Outlook web, create new message. There will be a paperclip for option to attach files. Please refer to the attached files for more detail.
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Windows - 10 How do I change the default browser on my computer?
Please access the attached PDF below for changing browsers in Windows 10.
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How do I setup and operate a ZOOM conference?
When you get to the point ready to join a meeting; before you select “Join with Computer Audio”, please select FIRST: “Test speaker and microphone.” This will allow you to test the speaker and microphone on your system to ensure you can hear the other party and they can hear you.
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Windows 10 - How do I use Search in Windows 10?
1) You can pick up where you left off in Search home. Click into the Search field in the lower left corner of your desktop and here you will see your recent activities.
2) To get search results from your PC and the web, type what you're looking for in the Search box.
3) To find results of a certain type, choose a category that matches what you're searching for.16421 -
Windows 10 - How do I set Default Programs in Windows 10?
1) Select the Start menu in the lower left corner of your desktop, then select "Settings".
2) On the Settings page, select "Apps" and then "Default apps".
3) From there you can select which default you want set, and then choose your preferred app.16422 -
Windows 10 - How do I customize Tiles in Windows 10?
A Tile is a modern app representation in the Windows 10 Start menu. Tiles can be removed, added, re-sized, and can appear either live or static.
Steps to take:
1) Open Start menu and right-click on the Tile you want to customize.
2) To remove the Tile, select "Unpin from Start".
3) To add, locate the app in the list of apps in the Start menu, right-click and select "Pin to Start".
4) To resize, right-click on the Tile, hover the mouse over "Resize" and select a size option from the menu.
5) To change from static to live and vice versa, locate the Tile, right-click and select either "Turn Live Tile off" or "Turn Live Tile on".
6) Additionally, the Tiles can be rearranged by dragging and dropping them wherever you please.16423 -
How do I troubleshoot Basic computer issues
Before reporting a technical issue to your instructor or Helpdesk, check the following items. This only applies to desktop computers, such as Windows 10 or Apple Computer, not tablets like iPads or a smartphone.
- Always click “Yes” “Accept” “Continue” “Enable” “I Agree” etc. when your instructor posts presentations or activities for you to access on Blackboard
- Make sure your computer has all of the latest updates from its manufacturer (for example, Microsoft Windows Update or Dell Driver Updates).
- CWI performs weekly routine maintenance on certain systems, mostly during downtimes. Thursday evenings and Sundays.
Browser
Your Internet browser is the program you use to access the Internet. Examples include Google Chrome and Firefox. Contact your instructor for recommendations on the best browser to use for your class.- Is your pop-up blocker enabled?
- Is your browser up to date?
- Are cookies enabled?
- Do you have a lot of add-ons (such as toolbar extensions, plugins, etc.) that may interfere with the normal function of your browser?
Flash is no longer supported by Adobe. It was retired last year.
Java is still available free for home use. Make sure you have the latest version from Java's website: https://www.java.com/en/
Internet Connection
It is critical to the success of your online studies to have a stable, wired Internet connection. In the Treasure Valley, wired providers include Sparklight, CenturyLink, and Comcast. There are a few Satellite services, that can provide basic online services. They cost more than the more traditional wired services.- Are you using wireless?
- Are you having difficulty loading websites?
- Is your Internet browser warning you that it has timed out?
System
Basic things, such as having a current anti-virus and the latest updates on your computer, will make your online experience smoother. Some issues can occur because you do not have an updated system.- Do you have all of the latest Windows/Apple OS updates installed?
- Do you have an anti-virus program installed?
- Is spyware or malware interfering with the normal function of your computer?
Have you gone through all of these steps and still having trouble with your online class and computer? Contact your instructor to inform them of the issue then submit a Helpdesk ticket. With personal computers, our Techs cannot help with much. They can give you suggestions on what to do, but touching or uninstalling programs on personal devices is not allowed. In some cases, you may have to take it to a PC Repair facility. But we do try to do our Best Effort in assisting you.
Please see the attached PDF document for step-by-step instructions.
Keywords: Troubleshoot, Common, PC, Computer issues, Java, Pop-ups, Internet, Spyware, Malware, Virus16852 -
How do I set up multi-factor authentication for my CWI account?
After Information Technology has activated multi-factor authentication (MFA) on your CWI account, you will be prompted to follow the attached screens to add your security verification. This could occur through multiple ways (e.g., Microsoft Outlook, Skype, OneDrive, Teams, etc.).
- During the authentication process, you will be asked to choose future methods of authenticating. The next time you log in, you will have to authenticate using your chosen method.
- It is recommended that you use a CWI-issued computer when initially authenticating your account.
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