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Why can't I upload a file to SafeAssign?
Last Updated: 07/12/10
Solutions to common SafeAssign upload problems:
- SafeAssign upload starts, but does not complete
- 'Navigation to the webpage was canceled' error when using Internet Explorer
- '..problem communicating with the SafeAssign central server' error
- '..Specify a valid file to upload and try again' error
- 'Files larger than 10 Megabytes are not permitted.' error
- 'You have already completed this SafeAssignment.' message
- Clicking on SafeAssign link doesn't open SafeAssign
SafeAssign upload starts, but does not complete
In some cases, the SafeAssign submission process may not finish. Users are presented with a screen saying the upload has started, and advising them not to close the window. However, the file does not get uploaded successfully.
This issue arises when users attempt to submit their files using a relatively slow home broadband connection, and Internet Explorer. Switching to a faster Web browser, such as Mozilla Firefox, should allow the file to be uploaded successfully. Alternatively, using a faster Internet connection, such as the UCD campus network, will also work.
Students can confirm if a file has been uploaded, by clicking on the View/Complete link again. If the file was submitted successfully, SafeAssign will display a message confirming the assignment has been completed.
'Navigation to the webpage was canceled' error when using Internet Explorer
On Internet Explorer 7 or 8, with the privacy level set to Medium-High, users may be presented with a security warning when clicking on the SafeAssign View/Complete link.
In order to access SafeAssign, users must click No to this message. Otherwise, Internet Explorer will not load the SafeAssign page and will present the 'Navigation to webpage canceled' error.
'..problem communicating with the SafeAssign central server' error
If your Web browser is not configured to accept cookies, you may see the message below when you try to access SafeAssign:
To resolve this, change your browser settings to always accept cookies. Depending on which browser you are using, you can enable this cookie option from the following locations:
Internet Explorer: Tools - Internet Options - Privacy - Advanced
Firefox: Tools - Options - Privacy - Use custom settings for history (choose from dropdown menu)
Google Chrome: Settings - Show advanced settings - Content settings
Safari: Safari - Preferences - Privacy
'..Specify a valid file to upload and try again' error
SafeAssign only supports certain file types. If you try to upload a file that isn't supported, you will receive the following error:
The following file types can be submitted to SafeAssign:
- Microsoft Word (.doc/.docx)
- Adobe Acrobat (.pdf)
- OpenOffice (.odt)
- Text (.txt/.rtf)
- Web (.html)
'Files larger than 10 Megabytes are not permitted.' error
This message will appear if you try to upload a file to SafeAssign, that is more than 10MB in size. Even though it is accessed through Blackboard, SafeAssign is actually an external service based in the US. IT Services do not have any control over the configuration of this file size limit, and cannot change it.
Student who receive this message should reduce their file size to 10MB or less. SafeAssign only scans text, not pictures. If you have images inserted in the document, try compressing them to reduce the file size. Alternatively, remove the images altogether.
'You have already completed this SafeAssignment.' message
SafeAssign will only accept one document per assignment. If you try to upload to a link a second time, SafeAssign will not accept the file, and will confirm that you have already completed the assignment.
If you uploaded a file in error, you should contact your course instructors and ask them to clear your previous attempt. You will then be able to submit again.
Clicking on SafeAssign link doesn't open SafeAssign
If you click on the View/Complete link (students), or the SafeAssign link in Course Tools (instructors), and SafeAssign reverts to the course entry page instead of opening, you may need to clear your browser cookies. To do this, follow the instructions below:
Internet Explorer: Tools - Internet Options - Delete - Cookies - Delete
Firefox: Tools - Options - Privacy - Use custom settings for history (choose from dropdown menu) - clear your recent history
Google Chrome: Settings - Show advanced settings - Content settings
Safari: Safari - Preferences - Privacy