Issues opening files or reports through SEQTA

In most cases, issues opening files directly from the SEQTA suite are related to the file associations or security settings on the device being used. Less commonly, it may be due to an add-on, extension, plugin or a resource being copy-pasted into the editor (as opposed to using the 'Insert' button).

While the SEQTA Service Desk will provide assistance where possible, we do not have access or authorisation to make adjustments to the settings on school computers. As such, the school's IT department may need to assist with the troubleshooting process.

What causes issues opening files and accessing resources?

The main causes of issues accessing and opening files and resources are as follows:

• The resource was not added using the Insert button. This only applies to resources added through the editor.
• There is an issue with the link between the web browser (e.g. Chrome, Safari, etc) and the application the file needs to be opened in (e.g. Excel, Adobe Acrobat). This may be a result of:
  • The File associations not being set correctly.
  • The Security settings of the browser or computer being used
  • An Internet Explorer functionality that prompts for a login

Saving a file then opening it from the save location

If there are issues opening files directly through SEQTA due to the file associations being incorrect (see above for details), then first save the file to your computer then open it from that location.

1. Right-click the Click here to access your document button.
2. Select Download Linked File As…
3. Choose a location to save the file
4. Click Save
5. Open the folder where you saved the file
6. Click on the file to open

Identifying and resolving issues with opening files

The following information may be helpful when identifying issues with opening files/resource in the SEQTA suite.

Unable to access resources

The SEQTA 'Legacy editor' does not support the copy-and-pasting of resources (inc. images) directly into the editor. Rather, they must be added using the 'Insert' button. To correct this issue, delete the resource from the editor, then upload again using the 'Insert' button.

File Association Settings - Unable to view or open document correctly

The steps for changing the file association settings are listed below. The following file types generated by SEQTA Teach and the most common related programmes are XLXS (Excel or other spreadsheet programs), CSV (Excel or other spreadsheet programs) and PDF (Adobe Acrobat or other PDF reader).

The location of the file association settings may differ depending on which OS and web browser is being used. Please refer to the software developer's site should the steps below not be suitable (i.e. Mozilla, Microsoft, etc).

Setting Windows File Association settings:

1. Shift+right-click on a file with the extension that you are wanting to change (eg: CSV or PDF). To create a file if there isn't one already use the temporary workaround.
2. Select Open with
3. Select the correct programme that the file should be opened in (eg: Excel or Adobe Acrobat).
4. Tick the box 'Always open with this programme'
5. Click Ok.

Setting MAC File Association settings:

Safari does not allow CSV files to automatically open in a programme. Instead, the file will need to be saved first, then clicked on from the saved location.

1. Right-click (control-click) on a file with the extension that you are wanting to change. Create a file if there isn't one already.
2. Select Get Info
3. Locate Open with
4. Choose your desired default application
5. To apply this change for all CSV files (rather then just this one), click Change All…

Security settings incorrect or too strict

For files to open successfully, the security settings must allow the web-browser being used to open the related program for the file-type being opened. If these settings are not set correctly, a blank screen or error message may appear when attempting to open a file. The workaround for this issue is to save the file, then open the file from the saved location.

Add-ons and extensions interfering with functionality

To identify if these components are causing the issue, test by disabling add-ons, extensions, plugins. If files open correctly with these disabled it indicates that one of the add-ons/extensions is causing the issue.

Internet Explorer will not open Microsoft Office Files

Unlike most web browsers, Internet Explorer does not download Microsoft Office files before opening them. Rather, it asks the Office application to download and open them directly. As Office does not have a session with the server, it is unable to open the file. In most cases, a grey screen will be displayed. There is currently no direct fix for this issue.

Work Around

Option 1: Select Save or Save as. Then go to the location of where the file was saved and open the document from there. Note: If this option is not available, please contact your school IT person as they will be able to change the computer settings so this option is available.
Option 2: Use any web-browser other than Internet Explorer (e.g. Chrome, Firefox, Safari).

Safari opens CSV files as Text File

Because Safari thinks it can open CSV files when you click on the orange rectangle to download your file, it will instead open in Safari. You will get a page of unformatted text. To bypass this, right-click on the orange rectangle and choose "Download Linked File As…". You can then choose a location to save the file and give it a sensible name. In some cases, the school may be able to set Safari to open CSV files using the "Get Info" command. This is a setting local to the computer being used and is not part of SEQTA.

Using Google docs for Macs

This option allows you to use Googles free online spreadsheet viewing. Information on using this can be found by doing a google search.

Viewing Documents on Macs using Quick Look

If you need to view a document, just tap the space bar. This invokes "Quick Look". Most documents will display in a floating window, but Word may not be correctly formatted and PDFs may not display any annotations you have made. Quick Look also works when in a dialog box. If the space bar is not possible (eg: when wishing to view an attachment in email) a right click will allow you to choose Quick Look from the contextual menu.