What is Coastal's Institution Key?
My Key Code is invalid. What should I do?
When I launch an exam, I receive an error message.
I use AOL or Netscape. Can I still use SAM?
My computer froze during an exam and I had to reboot. Do I have to start my test over?
I forgot my password and can't login.
How do I contact Tech Support for SAM 2003?
SAM is the testing software used in CIS110 and CIS152 classes. It is capable of testing a student's knowledge in Windows, Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint. It's a task oriented program that tests a student's ability to complete a task in the environment of the actual application.
SAM also comes with a training tool. If a student needs help on a particular task, or application, they should click on the Training link on the menu on the left. This will launch the training and take the student on a guided tour through the application they choose. It is also possible to train only on questions answered incorrectly on an exam. The student should create a study-guide report. From this report, it can be determined which questions were missed. The opportunity to launch training is available for each question, whether it was answered incorrectly or not.
What is Coastal's Institution Key?
Regardless of the class you are taking, the Institution Key for Coastal is S3841071.
The Key Code for each student is unique and can only be used once. It can be found in the SAM Installation CDs envelope. It's printed under the flap created when you "unzip" the envelope. These Key Codes do not renew at the end of the semester, so if you are buying a used book, make sure you purchase a new SAM/TOM booklet with a CD and Key Code or you won't be able to login.
My Key Code is invalid. What should I do?
If you've purchased a new book with a shrink-wrapped SAM/TOM book and you are receiving this error, you should go back to the bookstore to inform them of the problem. Bring your receipt with you, along with the books you purchased.
If you purchased a used book and are trying to use someone else's Key Code, it will not work. You should go to the bookstore and ask if they have any copies of the SAM software for sale individually.
When I launch an exam, I receive an error message.
A couple of common error messages when launching an exam are: "Cannot find file" and "This test has no questions." If you are receiving either of these errors, the first thing you should do is try cleaning out your temporary internet files. The easiest way to do this is to open Internet Explorer, click on the Tools menu and select Internet Options. In the middle of the dialog box that comes up is a heading titled "Temporary Internet Files". Click on the button that says Delete Files, and then Click OK. If you haven't done this before, it may take a few minutes, just wait for the hour glass to disappear before clicking OK. Now open up SAM again and try to launch the test again.
If you are still unsuccessful, contact the HelpDesk. Please note the error message you are receiving. The HelpDesk can be reached at 938-6123 or helpdesk@coastalcarolina.edu.
I use AOL or Netscape. Can I still use SAM?
Yes, you can, but you'll need to access it in a different way. SAM requires the use of Internet Explorer version 5.0 or higher. If you use AOL or Netscape to connect to the Internet, go ahead and open it up to establish the connection. You will then need to minimize that program and open up Internet Explorer. Browse to http://samxp.course.com. You will be prompted for your username and password and will now be able to use SAM just as you would if you launched it from the desktop icon.
My computer froze during an exam and I had to reboot. Do I have to start my test over?
No, you don't. When you begin an exam, a temporary file is written to the hard drive of the computer you are using. If something happens during the test and you have to restart your computer, you should log back into SAM normally. As soon as you log back in, you should receive a message stating there is an unfinished exam, and asking if you'd like to complete it now. Click OK. The test should launch at the same point the error occurred. If this message does not come up as soon as you login, try launching the test you were taking again. You should then receive the message.
I forgot my password and can't login.
In this case you will need to contact your instructor. They will be able to either tell you what your password is, or reset it for you.
How do I contact Tech Support for SAM XP?
The first step is to contact the HelpDesk at Coastal. You can reach us at 938-6123 or via e-mail at helpdesk@coastalcarolina.edu. If you'd still like to contact the Tech Support at Course Technology, you can check their website at http://www.course.com/ or call 1-800-648-7450. Option 4 is Tech Support.