Respondus LockDown Browser: At Home Testing – News from the Nest

Overview of Respondus LockDown Browser

Respondus LockDown Browser^® is a custom browser that secures WebTest and WebTest Review within Hawkes. When you use Respondus LockDown Browser (RLB), you will be unable to capture screenshots, print, copy, go to another URL, or access other applications. Once a WebTest or WebTest Review is opened within the LockDown Browser, you are locked into it until you submit it for grading or end your review.

1.    Installing and Using Respondus LockDown Browser

You must install Respondus LDB to your computer before you can access any WebTests in Hawkes.

Please use the following links:

Windows – Student Edition

OS X – Student and Lab use

Alternatively, you can select the WebTest on your Hawkes To Do list, then select the blue “Respondus LockDown Browser” link that displays on the blue bar on the page, which will provide you with the installation link:

Once installed, select the WebTest name, select “Launch LockDown Browser,” then select “Start.”

2.    Browser Compatibility Check

To ensure everything is set up correctly, please perform the following compatibility check. Sign in to your Hawkes Learning account and select a WebTest that has been set up to require RLB. Press Check Your Browser and follow the onscreen instructions.

If you have a compatible version of RLB installed, you will see:

If the Check My Browser link does not work, you will need to download and install a compatible version of RLB.

Clickable Walkthroughs

Want a quick look at how to use Respondus Monitor within Hawkes? These step-by-step video walkthroughs guide you through exactly what to click and where.

Best Practices

• Any issues encountered during testing do not cause any progress on the exam to be lost. All answers will be saved, and the test timer will stop. To resume the exam, please force shut down your computer and restart it to access the test again.
• Make sure you have JavaScript and cookies enabled.
• Make sure your browser’s pop-up blocker is turned off.
• Make sure you have an updated version of Java installed and that Java is enabled.
• Remove any other version of LockDown Browser already installed on the computer.
• Temporarily disable the computer’s spyware or anti-virus software.
  • Spyware detection and anti-virus software may interfere with RLB. Examples include AVG, Spyware Doctor, Ad-Aware, Spybot, Norton, McAfee, etc.
• Temporarily disable the computer’s firewall.
  • If the computer’s firewall must remain enabled, ensure that LockDown.exe has full Internet access or is added as an “Exception.”
• Close all open programs and applications. Use Task Manager (PC) or Activity Monitor (Mac).
• Clear all cookies and cached files from the web browser.
• Ensure the Internet connection is stable.
  • RLB requires a constant connection. Any break may cause a white screen or loss of contact with the RLB server.
• If the page freezes while loading a question or when submitting your test, completely reboot your computer.

LockDown Browser System Requirements

If you have any questions, please contact us!

1 (800) 426-9538 | chat.hawkeslearning.com