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Virtual Training

How do I use the virtual environment?

Click here to find out how.

Why doesn't STEPP recognize the course I took as complete?

If you have completed a virtual course and the STEPP system is not recognizing the completion on your transcript, launch the course again, verify the lessons have been marked complete and close the course appropriately.

What do I do if I get "kicked" out of Internet Explorer or if I get a popup window with a little red "X" in it?

screenshot of loading virtual
Make sure you have Sun's Java Virtual Machine installed on your local machine and that it is the Java SE Runtime Environment (JRE) and not the J2SE Development Kit (JDK). You can check this by opening a command prompt (go to your Start menu, select Run, type "cmd" into the input box and click OK) and enter the following command into the interface:

java -version

Press Enter. The output should look like:

java version "1.5.0_03"
Java(TM) 2 Runtime Environment, Standard Edition (build 1.5.0_02-b09)
Java HotSpot(TM) Client VM (build 1.5.0_02-b09, mixed mode)

You may then close the command prompt. The JVM version necessary to view virtual machines must be 1.5.0 or higher. If you receive an error, or if it is a different "environment," then you may need to install or reinstall Sun's Java: http://java.sun.com/javase/downloads/index.jsp.

What do I do if I get a "Rebooting virtual. Please wait" screen that never goes any further?

This is generally a sign that port 8080 is being blocked at some point in your network. Check with your firewall or system administrator to verify that port 8080 is open (for both incoming and outgoing traffic) and that it is not being forwarded to another computer.  Some anti-virus and anti-spyware software are bundled with firewalls, the software may be blocking port 8080 on your computer.

screenshot of rebooting virtual message

You might want to try accessing the site from another computer on the same network to see if it is limited to your computer or is a problem with your local network. If you have confirmed that port 8080 is open and the Java SE Runtime Environment (JRE) is installed on your machine and you are still having problems, running a traceroute is the next best thing. If the route stops before 207.132.242.20, then the issue still resides on your network.

Why does the Virtual Machine need access on port 8080?

Our system utilizes a VNC client variation that allows a user to connect to their virtual hosts during training. Typically, VNC runs on port 5900, which is blocked by most DoD firewalls. Instead, we use port 8080, which allows most DoD users to connect to our system.

If a firewall is configured to block outbound port 8080 traffic, users will not be able to connect to their virtual machines. However, this port 8080 traffic only goes to our training servers though our firewall located at 207.132.242.20. To test if you can access the virtual server, go to https://207.132.242.20.

If system administrators choose to limit the port 8080 traffic, we suggest they isolate port 8080 traffic to that IP to ensure that their users can still use our system.

To test your system for port 8080 access, please perform the following steps:

  • Click on Start.
  • Choose Run.
  • Type "cmd" in the space provided and click the "OK" button.
  • At the command prompt type the following command: telnet 207.132.242.20 8080
  • Hit enter.
    • If this results in a refused connection or can't establish connection then port 8080 is not allowing traffic.
    • If the screen goes blank, this means that a connection has been established.
  • To exit the blank screen, type "ctrl+]" then type "quit" at the command line and hit enter. Then type "exit" at the command line and hit enter.

Per the Category Assurance List (CAL) from DISA, port 8080 is an acceptable port.

What do I do if the virtual machines for the practical exercises are not loading?

Please make sure you have Java Virtual Machine installed on your local machine and that port 8080 is open; you may need to check with your firewall administrator to verify that the port is open. If you have confirmed that port 8080 is open and the Java SE Runtime Environment (JRE) is installed on your machine and you are still having problems, running a traceroute is the next best thing. If the route stops before 207.132.242.20, then the issue still resides on your network.

What should I do if I can't access the virtual part of the training?

Virtualization errors are 8080 port issues which basically means access to the course is being blocked by the user's firewall. We recommend contacting your IT group to gain access thru the wall to access the virtualized courses or attempting the course from your home computer where such restrictions have not been imposed. To test if you can access the virtual server, go to https://207.132.242.20.

If you have confirmed that port 8080 is open and the Java SE Runtime Environment (JRE) is installed on your machine and you are still having problems, running a traceroute is the next best thing. If the route stops before 207.132.242.20, then the issue still resides on your network.

What do I do if I receive a prompt asking me to click to run an ActiveX control on this webpage?

STEPP requires ActiveX to be able to see content. Select the option to run ActiveX.

What do I do if I receive a warning about this website's security certificate?

Click the link to "Continue to this website..." You may also try the following:

  • See DoD certificate instructions.
  • Put STEPP into your Trusted Sites by going to Tools > Internet Options > Security Tab. Select "Trusted sites" and click the Sites button. Add the website to the zone and uncheck the box "Require Server Verification..."

What do I do if, when navigating through a lesson, the classroom becomes unresponsive?

  • SOLUTION #1 – Refresh your page by hitting F5 or by clicking the Refresh button on your browser.
    Older browsers may return the user to the homepage, so you may need to navigate back to your content by clicking Course List under Lesson Options in the left navigation area. You can also try clicking Bookmark under Classroom Tools.
  • SOLUTION #2 – Logout and log back in because the classroom will timeout after 120 minutes if the user is idle.
    If you are approaching the timeout, you will receive an alert within the content area of the classroom. Clicking OK and navigating to a different page will reset the timer.