Respondus FAQs

Find answers to the Frequently Asked Questions on Respondus:

• What is Respondus Lockdown Browser? Respondus Monitor?
  • Respondus Lockdown Browser is a custom browser that locks down the testing environment within the common learning management systems like Canvas. When students use Respondus LockDown Browser, they are unable to print, copy, go to another URL, or access other applications. Respondus Monitor is a companion product for Respondus LockDown Browser that protects the integrity of non-proctored, online exams. Students use their own computer and a webcam to record assessment sessions, all without leaving the learning management system. 
• Having issues with Respondus LockDown Browser?

  • If you are having issues with Respondus LockDown Browser you can view more LockDown Browser FAQs.

• My instructor indicated the quiz will use Respondus Lockdown Browser? How can I download it?
  • You can download San Jose State's Respondus browser using this download page. After downloading the software, you will need to locate and open the Browser to begin the exam that requires it as displayed in the Student Guide on taking a quiz in Canvas using Respondus LockDown Browser(Video Tutorial)
• What are the system requirements for students to use Respondus Lockdown browser?
  • Respondus is compatible with Windows: 10, 8, 7, Mac: MacOS 10.15 to 10.12, OS X 10.11, OSX 10.1, and iOS: 11.0+ (iPad only with LMS integration enabled). 
• What are the steps to update Respondus?
  • Open Respondus and click on the "i" located on the upper left hand side corner. On the new window that pops up click on "check for updates." Click on "Get Updates" and install. 
• How do I take a quiz within Respondus?
  • Select the quiz in your course. Canvas will prompt you to launch the LockDown Browser application. If LockDown Browser is not installed, click Download Respondus LockDown Browser. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the LockDown Browser. Once installed, open the LockDown Browser application. Select the Learning Management System, Canvas, to launch. You may now navigate the browser to view the desired quiz.
• Can I download the Respondus Lockdown Browser from within Canvas before my quiz is available?
  • The Respondus Lockdown Browser is available for download only after the quiz is made available. Alternatively, you can download San Jose State's Respondus lockdown Browser by via the following link: https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=967937270.
• My instructor has enabled Respondus Lockdown browser but I have to upload a file. How is this done?
  • Since Respondus Lockdown Browser locks your browser, you will need to take a picture of your work and then connect your device to the computer using a cord. This will allow you to select the file from your device as your online file submission.
• How to retake quiz in Respondus?

  • For retaking the quiz on respondus, students should confirm with their instructor that whether they are allowed to take multiple attempts of quiz or not. If multiple attempts are allowed then after first attempt close the browser and log out using your SJSUOne students id and password. Go to Canvas and click on 'take quiz' and then again log into respondus lockdown browser to attempt the quiz. 

• What to do when Respondus freezes?  

  • When LockDown Browser appears to "freeze", it is commonly due to a dialog box from other applications running in the background appearing underneath the secure LockDown Browser layer or there are corrupted web links, which are blocked. (LockDown Browser is a client web browser based on the same system components and settings that also makes up IE on Windows and Safari on Macs.)

    If the "Student Early Exit" feature is not available, no proctor is available to enter the "Proctor Exit Password" to close LockDown Browser, or the system is not responsive to the proctor exit password, the only option is a power down.

    Because many systems put the computer into suspension when pressing the power button once, it will likely be necessary for you to force a power down by holding down the power button for 5 to 20 seconds or longer. Usually there is a small "chirp", "click" or "beep" as the local drive heads are locked into transport position and the display discharges during the power down. Keep holding down the power button until the computer completely turns off. Ignore any messages that may appear on your screen during this process.

    We recommend the following steps to restore any default settings after a power down. Please _do not_ attempt to remove LockDown Browser or perform any other restore methods before doing the following steps.

    To restore the default settings on a Windows system:

    1. Start the system from a power down (not suspension).

    2. Start LockDown Browser

    3. Immediately quit LockDown Browser

    4. Log out of the Windows user account (do not use Windows Restart)

    5. Log back into the Windows user account

    To restore the default settings on a Macintosh system:

    1. Start the system from a power down (not suspension).

    2. Start LockDown Browser

    3. Immediately quit LockDown Browser

     
• What to do when the internet disconnects while using Respondus? 

  • If the student loses Internet connectivity in the middle of an exam, they can in most situations, use the "Student Early Exit" to close the browser with a valid reasons, resolve the underlying connection issue, restart the browser and continue the exam. 

    However, if the instructor enabled the option "Lock students into the browser until exam is completed " when enabling the LockDown Browser requirement in the LockDown Browser Dashboard, the instructor or proctor will need to use an "exit password" under the "i" button or "About" button in the LockDown Browser toolbar to close the browser.

    At the end of the message, we've included steps to restore with LockDown Browser if the system encounters a serious system error.

• How to close Respondus?  
  • After taking the quiz, there is close sign on right hand side corner of the screen. Click on that and then sign out using your SJSUOne student id and password.