ACCC e-Rooms (aka Centra) Web Conferencing - Troubleshooting Tips

What do I need to participate in an e-Rooms session?
You will need to install the Centra java client.  The Centra java client is supported on Macs and PCs.

My Centra client software doesn’t load, what should I do?
If this is your first time, you will get a pop-up message asking you to install the Centra client software.  If you did not receive a pop-up message, make sure you have pop-up blockers turned off for http://erooms.uic.edu.

Also, ensure that your Web browser is configured with Java and JavaScript enabled (this is true for most Web conferencing systems, for Blackboard and most other complex Web-based environments).

Windows Vista users, check to have “Access Control” to allow the Centra java client to load.

How do I participate in an e-Rooms session?
Most likely, you are given a participant's e-Rooms URL (which is the easiest) or instructions to find the event directly on the ACCC e-Rooms Centra server and self-enroll for the e-Rooms session using your CentraOne account.  

Some intructors at UIC like to pre-enroll their entire class to their Centra sessions.  If you need a CentraOne account and don't have one, create yourself an account at http://erooms.uic.edu.  CentraOne accounts are not automatically created like you do with Blackboard.

Once logged in, you will see “My Schedule” that list any pre-enrolled sessions you are enrolled in.  If none are listed, you can click on “Enrollment” and look for your instructor’s session.

I forgot my password, how do I retrieve it?
From the login screen click on the “Forget your password?” link to get an email of your lost password.

I cannot hear the presenter talk.
Everytime you launch the Centra client software, you must run the Centra Audio Wizard to check your speakers, headphones, microphone and/or headset with mic to verify that your personal computer's audio components are working correctly.  Run the Centra Audio Wizard ahead of time, at least a couple of hours before the actual e-Rooms session, to allow time to fix your computer if necessary.  Make sure you have not told Windows to mute your speakers either.

Why does my Centra client software keep crashing?
Close other CPU-intensive applications on your computer before participating in an e-Rooms session.

Also, use a hardwired Internet connection (especially, if you are one of the presenters!).  Wireless network connections can flake out at any moment - hardwired network connections are best when using real-time continuous network applications like Web and video conferencing during extended periods of time (i.e. more than just a few minutes).