Users are asked to access Blackboard using Google Chrome or Firefox.  However, some users are using Edge and having issues opening Microsoft Office attachments in Blackboard. 

Error

No error is received. Only unable to open Microsoft attachments in Blackboard.

Description

When files are downloaded in Blackboard Learn SaaS (hosted in AWS), a temporary AWS S3 URL is generated. Edge hands off this URL to the Office.com web application; however, the web application does not correctly handle it.

Resolution

• Option 1: Turn 'OFF' the "Open Office files in the Browser" setting in your Edge browser: 
  1. Open Edge settings.
  2. Select Downloads.
  3. Set Open Office files in the Browser to Off by clicking the toggle switch.
• Option 2: Right-click on the MS Office document file link, select "Save link as...", and save it to your local machine.
• Option 3: Use a different supported web browser such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.
• Option 4: Use Edge in 'Private browsing' mode.

Additional Information and Technical Support

Additional information is available in the solution article Blackboard Ultra User Tips.

For further assistance, please submit a Blackboard Support Request.