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Edge 114 Update Silences WebView Content in Microsoft Applications with JAWS.   (2023-06-05)

Short Description

Edge 114 Update Silences WebView Content in Microsoft Applications with JAWS.

Problem

On Friday, June 2, we reported an issue with Google Chrome Version 114 and JAWS 2019, 2020, and 2021 where web page content cannot be accessed by the Virtual buffer when initially launching the browser. For more on this issue, visit this Technical Support Bulletin for details.

Microsoft has now released Edge Version 114. For most people, Edge is working well when accessing web pages with all versions of JAWS; but symptoms like those outlined on Friday have occurred with all JAWS versions in Microsoft apps like Teams and OneDrive where Edge is used to display data. Here, the content displayed in the JAWS Virtual Buffer cannot be accessed with the JAWS Virtual PC Cursor, resulting in silence when navigating with the ARROW keys.

This issue may also be present in certain features of the Microsoft Office 365 applications where Edge displays data. You will also encounter it when using Teams Preview, an option that allows users to test and explore upcoming features. Here, the Virtual PC cursor is not active by default. When you press TAB or use keystrokes like CTRL+1 through 6 on the number row to navigate to different areas in Teams, you will not receive spoken feedback.

Solution

When in an app screen or when using a feature that displays content like a web page in the JAWS Virtual Buffer that cannot initially be accessed by the Virtual PC Cursor, the PC Cursor will be active. The best workaround is to activate the JAWS Cursor, then activate the Virtual PC cursor.

  • If you are using a keyboard with a numpad, press NUM PAD MINUS to Activate the JAWS Cursor, then press NUM PAD PLUS to activate the Virtual PC Cursor.
  • If you are using a laptop without a numpad, press CAPS LOCK+P to activate the JAWS cursor, then CAPS LOCK+SEMICOLON to activate the Virtual PC Cursor.

The page content should now be readable with the Virtual PC Cursor, though you may need to press TAB once to access it.

This workaround will remain in effect for each app until you restart it.

We will continue to post updates as they are available. If you have any questions or need assistance, send an email to training@vispero.com.

Updated June 5, 2023 with new information: Latest Chrome update breaks web page reading with JAWS 2021 and earlier. (2023-06-05)

Short Description

Updated June 5, 2023 with new information: Latest Chrome update breaks web page reading with JAWS 2021 and earlier.

Problem

When launching the latest version of Google Chrome, (Version 114), with JAWS 2019, 2020, and 2021, an issue occurs that prevents web pages from being visible in the Virtual Buffer. This means the content is present, but cannot be accessed by the JAWS Virtual PC cursor, resulting in silence when navigating with the ARROW keys. This occurs when a page loads and when pressing TAB to navigate through the buttons for sharing the page, bookmarking the current tab, etc. JAWS will read these buttons as you press TAB, but once you move into the body of the page, you will not be able to read the content unless you route the JAWS Cursor to the PC Cursor, which makes it possible to once again use the Virtual Cursor.

Solution

Thanks to Google’s prompt response and dedication to accessibility, this issue was resolved quickly, leading to a solution that restores access to the Chrome browser for all versions of JAWS without the need to use any special workarounds. To solve the problem, download the latest version of Chrome, 114.0.5735.110, then restart Chrome to begin using the updated version.

This update will not occur automatically. You will need to use one of the following methods to download it.

Update Chrome from the Address Bar

To update Chrome from the address bar:

  1. Open Chrome.

  2. If you are not in the Address Bar, press CTRL+L to navigate there.

  3. Type or paste the following:
    chrome://help

  4. Chrome will automatically update. JAWS will notify you that Chrome is checking for updates, and alert you when Chrome is up-to-date.

  5. Close Chrome, then relaunch it again for the update to take effect. From the Help screen, press B to locate the Restart button and press ENTER to close Chrome. You may need to perform the above steps to activate the JAWS Cursor, then activate the Virtual PC Cursor to access the content on the Help screen.

Note: Alternatively, press ALT+F4 to close Chrome.

Update Chrome from the Help Menu

To update Chrome from the Help menu:

  1. Open your Chrome browser.

  2. Press ALT+F to access the Chrome menu, then UP ARROW to locate the Help submenu, then ENTER or RIGHT ARROW to open it.

  3. Press G to access “About Google Chrome.”

  4. Chrome will update automatically. JAWS will notify you that Chrome is checking for updates, and alert you when Chrome is up-to-date.

  5. Close Chrome, then relaunch it again for the update to take effect. From the Help screen, press B to locate the Restart button and press ENTER. You may need to perform the above steps to activate the JAWS Cursor, then activate the Virtual PC Cursor to access the content on the Help screen.

Note: Alternatively, press ALT+F4 to close Chrome.

  1. Once Chrome is launched, use one of the following keystrokes to verify you have version 114.0.5735.110.

  • If using a keyboard with an INSERT key, press CTRL+INSERT+V while in Chrome to hear JAWS speak the version number.
  • If using a laptop without an INSERT key, press CTRL+CAPS LOCK+V while in Chrome to hear JAWS speak the version number.

If you have any questions or need assistance, send an email to training@vispero.com.

Issues with authorizing JAWS, ZoomText, or Fusion in newer versions of Citrix. (2023-02-15)

Problem

After launching JAWS, ZoomText, or Fusion on a client system and connecting to a virtual desktop or application using Citrix Virtual Delivery Agent (VDA) 2109 or later, you receive a "not authorized for remote services" message, even though JAWS remote access is enabled.

In VDA 2109 and later, Citrix has increased the security level. You now have to create a policy to use third-party channels. For more information, see https://docs.citrix.com/en-us/citrix-virtual-apps-desktops/policies/reference/ica-policy-settings/virtual-channel-allow-list-policy-settings.html . In addition, the name of the JAWS virtual channel, FS_RDP, no longer meets the Citrix requirements for channel names, which can now only contain letters and numbers.

Solution For JAWS

Since the Citrix Policy Editor allows only letters and numbers in virtual channel names, the JAWS virtual channel name has been changed to FSRDP1. This change was made in JAWS 2023 as well as the November 2022 update for version 2022. If you are using Citrix VAD 2109 or later, you will need to allow the JAWS virtual channels In Citrix Studio by going to Policies and selecting Create Policy. In the list of policies, select Virtual Channel Allow List. Enable the policy and add the following values (this is for JAWS 2023).

FSRDP1,C:Program FilesFreedom ScientificJAWS2023jfw.exe

FSRDP2,C:Program FilesFreedom ScientificJAWS2023jfw.exe

FSRDP3,C:Program FilesFreedom ScientificJAWS2023jfw.exe

FSRDP4,C:Program FilesFreedom ScientificJAWS2023jfw.exe

If you are running the February 2023 update of JAWS 2023 or later, no additional action is required to authorize on Citrix VAD 2109 or later.

 

For customers using a version of JAWS 2023 prior to the February 2023 update, or customers using the November 2022 update of JAWS 2022, you need to explicitly tell JAWS to use the new channel name FSRDP1.

 

Open the system registry on both the local and remote systems.

On the client, add the following key: HKLMSoftwareWOW6432NodeFreedom ScientificRemoteSupportfscvd.

On the server, add the following key: HKLMSoftwareFreedom ScientificRemoteSupportfscvd.

On both the client and server, add the new DWORD value: UseCompatibleChannelNames = 1.

After making the registry modifications, restart JAWS on the server and restart the Citrix client. Signing out and back in or restarting the client and server also works.

For ZoomText

Using ZoomText with newer versions of Citrix VAD, you only need to allow the ZoomText virtual channels In Citrix Studio by going to Policies and selecting Create Policy. In the list of policies, select Virtual Channel Allow List. Enable the policy and add the following values (this is for ZoomText 2023).

 

FSZTCS,C:Program FilesFreedom ScientificZoomText2023zt.exe

FSZTSC,C:Program FilesFreedom ScientificZoomText2023zt.exe

JAWS does not run as expected on ARM64 computers following the Microsoft 365 ARM64 Office update from October 27, 2022. (2022-11-10)

Problem

On October 27, 2022, Microsoft released a Microsoft 365 ARM64 Office update for ARM64 Computers. Once installed, this update prevents ARM64 versions of JAWS from running. This issue affects ARM64 Computers running Windows 11 versions 21H2 or 22H2 which have Microsoft 365 ARM64 Office installed. Examples include the Microsoft Surface Pro X, Microsoft Surface Pro 9 5G, the HP Elite Folio, and similar ARM64 systems. This is not a JAWS specific issue, and in fact, it occurs with other third-party applications even if JAWS is not installed.

 

Note that this issue does not affect JAWS if the ARM64 computer is running Windows 11 with the X86 version of Office. However, if you have already installed the ARM64 version of Office, uninstalling and switching to the X86 version will not resolve the issue.

Solution

Installing the latest Microsoft Visual C++ 2022 Redistributable for x86 and ARM64 resolves the issue and allows JAWS to run as expected. This requires Administrator Privileges to complete.

 

Note: UAC prompts will be shown when you select the Install button and FSATProxy.exe error dialogs may also appear. These error dialogs are symptoms of the original issue. Close the error dialogs by selecting the OK button and then select Yes in the UAC prompt to allow the install to begin.

 

  1. Download and run the installer for the latest Microsoft Visual C++ 2022 Redistributable for x86 using the following link: https://aka.ms/vs/17/release/vc_redist.x86.exe

  2. Download and run the installer for the latest Microsoft Visual C++ 2022 Redistributable for ARM64 using the following link: https://aka.ms/vs/17/release/vc_redist.arm64.exe

  3. Restart the computer.

Stability issues encountered with Handy Tech or Help Tech braille displays when running the JAWS 2022 April update or later. (2022-07-22)

Problem

JAWS 2022 builds starting with the April 2022 update requires updates to some of the auxiliary files associated with the Handy Tech and Help Tech braille display drivers. Files to be replaced are sbsupport.dll and dealers.dat.

Solution

The following steps must be performed with the display disconnected. Shut down JAWS, disconnect the display, and then restart JAWS before proceeding.

  1. Download and extract HelpTechAux1.6.zip to a folder on your computer. The compressed file contains two files, sbsupport.dll and dealers.dat.

  2. Open the folder where you extracted the files, press CTRL+A to select both files, and then press CTRL+C to copy them to the clipboard.

  3. Navigate to C:Program FilesFreedom ScientificJAWS2022DriversBraillehandy and press CTRL+V to paste the copied files into this folder. When asked if you want to replace the files, press ENTER to confirm and copy the updated files.

  4. During the copy process, you may receive a "Destination Folder Access Denied" message with focus on a Continue with automatic administrator rights button. Press LEFT ARROW then SPACEBAR to select the option to apply this to all the files, and then press RIGHT ARROW to move back to the Continue with automatic administrator rights button and press ENTER or SPACEBAR.

  5. Once the files have been replaced, close the Handy folder, shut down JAWS, reconnect your Handy Tech or Help Tech display, and restart JAWS.

In Microsoft Outlook, unable to navigate using the keyboard to access the link to view additional emails stored on an Exchange server. (2022-05-09)

Problem

When using Outlook with an Exchange server, it is very common for accounts to use Cashed Exchange Mode. This downloads email to your computer up to a specified point, for instance, your account may be configured to download email for the past year. If there is more email on the server older than the specified period, there will be a link at the bottom of your message folder, such as the Inbox, which allows you to view more messages on the server. While a mouse user can easily click this link, it is currently not possible to navigate to and activate this link directly from the keyboard.

Solution

If you just need to quickly locate an older email that is not on your computer, use the Outlook search:

  1. Press ALT+Q.

  2. Type "view on server" without the quotes.

  3. Press DOWN ARROW to move to the result in the search suggestions and press ENTER.

  4. The messages will load.

If you need to regularly refer to older emails and you have enough space on your hard drive, you can change how much email is stored locally:

  1. Open File > Info > Account Settings.

  2. In the Email tab, select the account you want to modify.

  3. Select Change.

  4. Use the Download email for the past slider to increase the amount of time messages are downloaded. You can select up to 5 years, or All.

When attempting to establish a JAWS Tandem connection between two computers, the meeting id fails. (2022-03-23)

Problem

When using versions of JAWS® or Fusion® earlier than the 2021 November update, the meeting ID to start a Tandem session will fail even if you have entered it correctly.

Solution

For JAWS or Fusion 2021, update to the latest 2021 release.

For JAWS or Fusion 2020 or earlier, upgrade to JAWS or Fusion 2020.2110.x or higher.

The Tandem server's security was upgraded in the Fall of 2021 necessitating the update of JAWS and Fusion.

For more details on using Tandem, please visit:

JAWS Tandem FAQs

ZoomText and Fusion should not be installed on Windows computers with ARM processors at this time. (2022-11-10)

Problem

Windows® computers with ARM processors based on the ARM64 (64-bit) architecture have emerged on the market within the last several years. The ARM computers are an alternative to computers with Intel or AMD processors based on the Intel x86 (32-bit) or Intel x86-64 (64-bit) architecture.

The ARM64 architecture is not compatible with existing applications developed for x86 and x64 architectures. However, Windows has developed a solution that emulates the x86 and x64 architectures. Windows 10 on ARM supports running most x86 applications. Windows 11 on ARM supports running most x86 and x64 applications.

This means that current versions of JAWS, Fusion, and ZoomText are not blocked from being installed on Windows computers with ARM processors. However, ZoomText and Fusion will not behave correctly.

Since ZoomText® and Fusion® need to access all aspects of Windows to speak and function properly, they must be specifically designed to run on ARM. This process is ongoing and will be released in future product versions.

JAWS began supporting ARM devices starting with a special preview release of version 2022 and offers continued improvements in the 2023 release.

Solution

Learn more about JAWS support for ARM on the JAWS for ARM64 Info and FAQ page.

ZoomText and Fusion should not be installed on Windows computers with ARM processors until a fully supported version is available.

If already installed, uninstall them before installing the future supported versions. Review the following points below before uninstalling:

  • ZoomText or Fusion must be closed before uninstalling. If running, the uninstall process will fail to start. However, Windows Narrator can continue to run.
  • When prompted, choose to remove all shared components.
  • Uninstall all other Freedom Scientific programs, such as FSReader
  • Sentinel System Driver
  • All Vocalizer Expressive voices

Once the ARM supported versions of ZoomText and Fusion are released, this page will be updated accordingly.

To find out what processor is on your computer:

  1. Press the WINDOWS key.

  2. Type “System Information”, then press ENTER.

  3. Press the TAB key to navigate to the list view.

  4. Press the DOWN ARROW key to navigate to the System Type, which displays the processor.

Request for Information

If you have purchased or want to purchase a computer with an ARM processor, we want to hear from you. Please email info@vispero.com with the following information:

  1. Have you purchased a computer with an ARM processor?

  2. Does it have Windows 10 or Windows 11?

  3. If you plan on purchasing an ARM computer, will you be able to use just Windows 11 or higher?

  4. Are you an agency, rehab technologist, IT professional, or accessibility software user?

  5. Are you fine with just running JAWS only, or do you require magnification also?

  6. Are you willing to be a beta tester as we continue developing compatibility with ARM processors?

On Dell computers, Windows becomes sluggish, Virtual memory errors appear, or applications unexpectedly close or crash when Waves MaxxAudio Service is running. (2022-01-02) Applies to: JAWS, OpenBook, ZoomText, Fusion

Problem

If your Dell PC or laptop uses the Waves MaxxAudio Service for its onboard audio chipset, problems may occur the longer you use the computer. Windows® may become sluggish. Applications such as JAWS® or Microsoft Teams may close or crash unexpectedly. Virtual memory errors might occur.

See the Detailed Description section below before continuing to the Solution if you wish to have more background information.

Solution

To disable or enable the Waves MaxxAudio Service Application:

  1. Open Task Manager (the shortcut is CTRL+SHIFT+ESC).

  2. Press the TAB key once. If this navigates to More Details, then press the SPACEBAR to show more details.

  3. Navigate to the Startup tab.

  4. Navigate to the list of items table.

  5. Type w to navigate to the items starting with the letter w.

  6. Press the DOWN ARROW key, if needed to navigate to Waves MaxxAudio Service Application. If it is not in the list, then this is not the cause of the problem.

  7. With Waves MaxxAudio Service Application selected, press ALT+A to disable it.

  8. Restart the computer.

  9. Use the computer for a few hours or so, without rebooting, until you are convinced the performance issues no longer exist. This may take several sessions.

  10. If the problem persists and you want to reenable Waves MaxxAudio Service Application, follow steps 1 through 8 but in step 8, press ALT+N to enable it.

Note:

The only real downside to disabling the Waves MaxxAudio Service Application is that the PC will no longer dynamically respond to plugging in a different output audio device. For example, if you plug in headphones, the computer will not use them until rebooting.

Detailed Description

Problem: Many computers include an onboard audio chipset that uses the “Waves Sound Maxx Audio Service”. When this service is running, your system performance is impacted when your system’s on-board audio is being used by various audio apps. Accessibility software is an example of audio software which makes use of the system’s audio interface in a way which has an impact on how the Waves Maxx Audio Service processes audio. The result is that over time, your system memory is not freed as applications like a screen reader submit audio to be output. Eventually, your system will begin making heavy use of the Virtual memory and memory pages. At some point enough memory will be used where Windows will need to begin closing applications to recover memory so that the system can continue to operate. When Windows unexpectedly closes application processes an application will either gracefully quit or an application may crash. For example, the Microsoft Teams software will often crash, whereas Google Chrome may simply exit gracefully. No crash dumps are generally generated when these symptoms occur.

Troubleshoot: To troubleshoot your system, run the msinfo32 app and tab to the system summary of information and if you find that the amount of available physical memory is less than 2 GB, typically as low as 850 MB of available memory, and if the system is using a large amount of virtual memory as much as 3 to 4 times your physical amount of memory, and your page file space is significantly greater than it usually is when you first boot up the machine, then it is very likely you have this issue. You can check this by rebooting your system and then load msinfo32. Examine the memory values that are listed under Summary. Once you know your startup values you can use the machine for 3 or 4 hours. After that time, if you examine the same msinfo32 information and you find you have little memory left or unexpectedly large amounts of memory is being used when you have almost no 3rd party apps running, then you likely have this issue.

For example, for a typical system with 16GB of physical RAM we would expect Windows 10 to bootup and have all services running with around 12.8 GB of RAM available of use. The total Virtual memory would typically be 18GB of RAM with the available virtual memory of 14.8GB and a Page file space of 2.8GB. If after 8 hours of use we close all applications and reexamine the msinfo32 summary information we should find the memory values to be near the values we had when we first booted up. It may be a little bit lower but if you have the issue described here then you would find the amount of physical memory to be less than 1GB of RAM and the total Virtual Memory to be 48GB or greater and the amount of Page file space to be more than 8GB. We have seen that Windows can have significant performance issues and even will begin closing apps in as little as 2 hours of use. This largely depends on how much one is using the machine.

Cause: The issue is not an issue directly caused by the accessibility software or by audio software like Teams. It is actually caused by the Waves Max Audio Service. We are in discussion with the manufacturer to see what can be done. But, for now, there is no good solution that Vispero can programmatically implement in our software which solves the problem. Intel will need to implement a solution on their end. Fortunately, the Waves Max Audio Service is not essential to the functioning of your computer’s audio. Applications, including screen readers and low vision software and other 3rd party applications that use audio can make use of the Realtek audio device without the use of the Sound Maxx Audio Service.

Workaround Solution: Follow the Solution section above to prevent the Waves MaxxAudio Service Application from starting when the computer turns on.

The following command line is another option to temporarily end the Waves MaxxAudio Service until the next reboot if you still want the service to automatically start up when the computer turns on:

  1. Open cmd.exe as an elevated Administrator.

  2. Type the following command: “taskkill /F /IM Wavessvc64.exe” and press ENTER.

Is any Vispero software exposed to the Apache Log4J vulnerability? (2022-01-24)

Answer

No Vispero software deployed to customers is exposed to the Apache Log4J vulnerability. And our systems connected to the internet at this time are not exposed to the Apache Log4J vulnerability.

Activation wizard disappears in the middle of activation. (2021-12-21)

Applies to: JAWS, OpenBook, ZoomText, Fusion

Problem

There are situations where the ILM authorization process does not work to activate your Freedom Scientific software with your serial number. For example, when trying to activate on an Apple Mac that is running Parallels® Desktop for Mac to run Windows, the activation wizard may disappear after choosing the Yes button on the UAC prompt dialog box. No error message is given.

In these situations, try activating using the fsactivate run command.

Solution

To activate using a Run command:

  1. Press WIN+R to open the Run command dialog box.

  2. Type fsactivate, then press ENTER.

  3. Follow the prompts to complete the activation.

What folder and file permissions do JAWS, Fusion, and ZoomText require to run properly? (2021-11-22)

Answer

JAWS, Fusion and ZoomText folders and files only require standard permissions that Windows applies by default.

“Read & execute”, “List folder contents”, and “Read” permissions are applied to the following folders:

  • %PROGRAMFILES%Freedom Scientific

%PROGRAMFILES(x86)%Freedom Scientific

And “Full Control” of these folders:

  • %PROGRAMDATA%Freedom Scientific
  • %APPDATA%Freedom Scientific

For versions earlier than ZoomText 2018, ZoomText required “Full Control” of all of its folders.

Restoring JAWS or Fusion 2022 after using the sound routing command to separate JAWS audio and application audio to play in different ears (2021-09-21)

Problem

Sound from JAWS®, Fusion®, and other applications typically are heard equally in both sides of headphones. Using the new sound split routing commands, JAWS or Fusion can play its sounds through only the left or right ear, while sound from all other apps plays through the other ear. If the sound is routed incorrectly or no longer desired, follow the directions below.

Solution

Type the following JAWS commands:

  1. To play all applications in both ears, type the Restore command: INSERT+SPACEBAR, then V, then B, then UP ARROW.

  2. If the audio is still imbalanced, type the Route command: INSERT+SPACEBAR, then V, then B, then either LEFT or RIGHT ARROW. Once routing, repeat the Restore command in step 1.

  3. If still imbalanced, restart JAWS or Fusion.

  4. If still imbalanced, repeat step 2.

In most cases, the sound is now balanced.

If JAWS or Fusion is no longer installed and the sound remains imbalanced in some or all applications, run the sound mixer recovery tool as follows.

  1. Open the apps with imbalanced sound and ensure they are playing sound.

  2. Download and open SoundMixerRecoveryTool.exe . A dialog box opens with a list of apps currently running with active sound.

  3. Select the app that is imbalanced, then press the Restore button.
    OR
    If all apps are affected, press the Restore All button.

The sound for these apps should now be balanced.

Windows 11 Accessibility Monitor replaces the Video Accessibility Driver for JAWS and Fusion 2022 (2021-08-19)

Problem

During the installation of JAWS® and Fusion® on Windows® 10 and earlier, a video accessibility driver is installed into the operating system to gather accessibility information from the operating system and installed applications. Microsoft has an accessibility monitor that serves the same purpose. In late 2022, Microsoft plans to stop supporting the use of the video accessibility driver on Windows 11.

In anticipation of this, JAWS 2022 and Fusion 2022 will not install the video accessibility driver on Windows 11. The accessibility monitor gathers more in-depth accessibility information at a higher level for screen readers to use more efficiently.

For rare cases where the video accessibility driver is needed on Windows 11, you can still install and use it until Microsoft no longer supports it.

Solution

To install the video accessibility driver on Windows 11:

  1. Download and save the video accessibility driver installer.

  2. As an administrator, open a command prompt.

  3. Type the following: msiexec.exe /i [Path-to-Video-Accessibility-Installer]

  4. Follow the instructions on the screen to install the driver.

  5. Restarting the computer will be required at the end.

JAWS and Fusion 2022 will now rely on accessibility information provided by the video accessibility driver instead of the accessibility monitor.

Video accessibility driver “failed to install” error when installing Fusion or JAWS on Windows 10 (2021-05-18)

Problem

During the installation of JAWS® or Fusion®, an executable file uninstalls old accessibility drivers so that it can install the latest JAWS accessibility driver. Due to recent updates of Windows 10, the technology used in this executable is no longer supported. Old drivers prevent the new one from installing, resulting in a video accessibility driver error. A new accessibility driver uninstaller for Windows 10 resolves this error.

Solution

For JAWS/Fusion 2021, install the latest update. The new utility is included in JAWS/Fusion 2021 updates from May 2021or later.

For JAWS or Fusion 2018, 2019, or 2020, download and run the new utility by following these steps:

  1. Determine whether your Windows 10 operating system is 32-bit or 64-bit.

  2. Open the file that you downloaded and accept the UAC prompt.

  3. When complete, install JAWS or Fusion.

The installation should now complete with no errors.

In some languages, the character shown on a Braille display, on the computer screen and in the resulting edit field or document may be different than the character that was typed from a third-party Braille display. (2021-06-14)

Problem

The best way to illustrate this issue is with an example. In this example, the Czech language is being used. The user has selected Czech as a preferred Braille table by navigating to JAWS menu > Utilities > Settings Center > Braille > General >Translation > Computer Braille Table. Despite this, some typed characters are not recognized correctly. For example, if DOTS 1,4,6 are entered for the Czech character, “č”, the English character “c” is entered into the computer and dot pattern 1,4 is on the Braille display instead of 1,4,6. The accent (caron) on the character is not represented.

The problem occurs with many different languages when using non-Freedom Scientific Braille displays.

Solution

Changing the system locale in Windows Settings to match the language being entered will resolve the issue as follows:

  1. Open Windows Settings by pressing the WINDOWS Key, then typing settings, then pressing ENTER.

  2. Select Time & Language.

  3. Select Language.

  4. Select Administrative language settings.

  5. Select the Change system locale button.

  6. Select the appropriate language you want to input using the keys on the Braille display, for example the Czech language.

  7. Select the Restart now button.

  8. Select Yes to restart the computer.

The character typed should now match the character displayed for that language.

When in Google Docs, why does the NVDA screen reader start and stop while navigating with JAWS Quick Key H, for Headings? (2021-03-17)

Problem

Google Docs allows for quick navigation to elements like headings without the use of a screen reader. It is a two-step process. Press CTRL+ALT+N, then press the letter H, for example, to move to the next heading. If JAWS or Fusion is running, Google Docs automatically executes the CTRL+ALT+N shortcut key so that JAWS® and Fusion® users can still simply press the JAWS quick navigation key, such as the letter H for navigating to the next heading.

The problem is that CTRL+ALT+N is the default shortcut key for launching and closing the NVDA screen reader program if it is installed. JAWS and Fusion users may be surprised when NVDA starts and stops while they are navigating in Google Docs.

The solution is to change the NVDA shortcut key.

Solution

To change the shortcut key that launches and closes NVDA:

  1. On the desktop screen, navigate to the NVDA shortcut icon.

  2. Press ALT+ENTER to open the NVDA Properties dialog box.

  3. Navigate to the Shortcut key edit box. The default value is CTRL+ALT+N.

  4. To change the shortcut key, simply press one letter. For example, pressing the letter V will change it to CTRL+ALT+V.

  5. Select the OK button.

Now CTRL+ALT+N will not launch or close NVDA, whether pressed, or automatically invoked in Google Docs when JAWS or Fusion is running.

Microsoft® Word stops responding when a laptop lid is closed. (2021-03-16)

Problem

This article was updated in July 2021.

If MS Word is running with the laptop lid closed, Word may stop responding. This occurs when JAWS or Fusion is running.

Solution

This problem was fixed in the July 2021 update of JAWS and Fusion 2021. For earlier versions, it is recommended that you keep the laptop lid open.

How can announcements of grammatical errors be turned on or off in JAWS or Fusion 2021? (2021-03-03)

Problem

JAWS® and Fusion® announce grammatical errors while navigating text in an application when:

  • The Grammar and Advanced Proofing feature for the application is on in the JAWS Settings Center.
  • The application has a grammatical error detection feature and it is on.
  • A grammatical error is discovered by the application.
     

Starting in the JAWS and Fusion 2021 April update, the Grammar and Advanced Proofing feature is on by default except in MS Word and Outlook. This change will only impact the applications that check for grammatical errors. For example, within web browsers such as Firefox, Chrome, and Microsoft Edge, online editing tools such as Google Docs can detect grammatical errors. This feature is always on in Google Docs, so JAWS will announce the grammatical errors that Google Docs detects.

Note that online editors are not as good at detecting grammatical errors as applications such as MS Word. The efficiency of grammatical error detection may also be impacted by the internet connection and the server used for checking them.

In MS Word and Outlook, JAWS and Fusion will not announce grammatical errors by default. The Grammar and Advanced Proofing feature is turned off in the JAWS Settings Center. And in MS Word, the Mark grammar errors as you type feature is off by default. Both options would need to be turned on for JAWS to announce grammatical errors. Instructions are in the solution below. But keep in mind that since MS Word does a good job at detecting grammatical errors, the announcement of each error while listening to a Word document could be quite distracting

Solution

Turning grammatical error announcements on or off in JAWS or Fusion:

  1. Open the JAWS menu > Utilities > Settings Center. (INSERT+J opens the JAWS menu.)

  2. In the Application combo box, select either Default (All applications) or select the application you want to change.

  3. In the search edit box, type grammar.

  4. Navigate to the Grammar and Advanced Proofing option, then press the SPACEBAR to toggle it.

  5. Select the OK button.

Turning grammar detection on or off in Microsoft Word (it is off by default):

  1. Open MS Word.

  2. Open File > Options -> Proofing.

  3. Navigate to the Mark grammar errors as you type checkbox, then press the SPACEBAR to toggle it.

  4. Select the OK button.

JAWS® or Fusion® 2021 speech may cut out or produce popping sounds if your audio hardware has power saving features for devices such as Bluetooth headphones or speakers. (2020-11-19)

Problem

Many modern Bluetooth headphones and speakers shut down after not receiving sound for a while. This is to conserve the battery.

As a result, you may encounter cut off speech, popping sounds, or other audio anomalies. We have seen this issue mainly with Bluetooth headsets and notebook computers. But it can happen with some desktop chipsets as well if the manufacturer uses similar chipsets on their desktop machines as they use on their notebook machines.

To avoid these audio issues, there is an option in JAWS that keeps the audio device active by constantly playing silence. You will not hear anything, but your device will remain active, resulting in more consistent speech. This option is off by default. Follow the steps below to turn on this option.

Note that this will shorten the battery time of your audio device.

Solution

To turn on the “Avoid speech cut off when using Bluetooth headphones or some sound cards” option:

  1. Press INSERT+6 to open the JAWS Settings Center.

  2. Press CTRL+SHIFT+D to open the default settings.

  3. Type “Avoid” in the search field, then press TAB to navigate to the tree view.

  4. Press the SPACEBAR to place a checkmark in the “Avoid speech cut off when using Bluetooth headphones or some sound cards” option.

  5. Select the OK button.

  6. Restart JAWS.

The option for JAWS® and Fusion® 2021 to announce when the volume changes can be toggled on or off with a shortcut key. (2020-10-06)

Problem

Starting in JAWS and Fusion 2021, there is an option to announce when the volume changes as reported from Windows Notifications. For example, you can hear the new volume setting when adjusting the volume control on USB headphones or smart speakers, or when using the volume control button on a keyboard with multimedia keys. This feature is off by default because it can be annoying

However, you can use this feature via a shortcut key.

Solution

To toggle the announcement of volume changes, use the shortcut key: INSERT+SPACEBAR, followed by the Paragraph key.

JAWS and Fusion 2021 indicate the new state by saying “Allow notifications from volume control” or “Ignore notifications from volume control.”

You do not need to save this setting. The state you set remains even after restarting JAWS or Fusion.

How do I identify my video card or sound card on my computer? (2020-07-14)

Answer

To find the names of your video card and sound card on any Windows Operating System:

  1. Press the WINDOWS key to open the Run or Search edit box.

  2. Type dxdiag and then press ENTER.

  3. Select the Yes button.

  4. Select the Display tab or Sound tab.

  5. The card type and driver versions will be displayed on the screen.

What is "dxdiag'?

Dxdiag is Microsoft's multimedia test program, which will identify your graphics card or chip set.

When JAWS or Fusion will not work with a Focus Braille display after using Windows Narrator (2019-11-04)

Problem

This article was updated in March 2022.

There is a problem after using Windows Narrator with a Braille display. After shutting down Narrator, a Braille message appears, “BRLTTY stopped,” which is normal. But now, JAWS®, Fusion®, or any other screen reader will not communicate with the Braille display. This problem may occur with many brands or models of Braille displays.

Unfortunately, Windows Narrator does not release access to the Braille display port even when Narrator is not being used. Microsoft is aware of this issue.

In the meantime, you could remove the device driver for Narrator's Braille support. After doing this, your Braille display will not communicate with Windows Narrator. But you can now use your Braille display with other screen reader software such as JAWS or Fusion.

But if you choose to follow the steps below, it is not possible to get Windows Narrator to work with a Braille display again because the Windows Braille support device driver will not re-install. There is an issue when even attempting to download the Microsoft files needed for Narrator's Braille support. Microsoft is aware of the issue.

Solution

If you prefer that your Braille display work with JAWS or Fusion rather than Windows Narrator and you do not want to wait for the Windows 11 update, then follow the steps below.

Steps for removing Narrator’s Braille support device driver:

  1. Keep your Braille display connected to the computer..

  2. Open Device Manager.

  3. Press the TAB key to navigate to the devices tree view.

  4. Press the DOWN ARROW key to navigate to (LibUSB) (WinUSB) devices, and then press the RIGHT ARROW key to expand it.

  5. Press the DOWN ARROW key once to navigate to LibUSB-1.0: Freedom Scientific Focus Blue.

  6. Press the DELETE key. A dialog message opens.

  7. Press the SPACEBAR key to check the box titled, “Delete the driver software for this device”.

  8. Choose the Uninstall button.

  9. After the uninstall process finishes, there is a small chance that a message will appear to restart the computer. If so, restart the computer as recommended. If not, simply unplug the Braille display, wait 5 seconds, then plug it back in.

At this point, the Freedom USB driver should reappear in the Device Manager when you open it, and JAWS should again output to your Braille display.

What to do when Braille flash messages disappear too quickly to read in Office 365 or Office 2019 (2019-08-29)

Problem

Sometimes while navigating revised text in Microsoft Office, flash messages appear on your braille display and do not stay on long enough to read.

Solution

When this happens, you can either press the Cursor Router button twice quickly anywhere over the text to have it read again, or on many modern Braille displays, such as the Focus Blue, there is a keystroke to repeat the last flash message. This keystroke is DOTS 1-2-4 Chord. If your Braille display does not have this keystroke, you can add it in keyboard manager.

What are the JAWS startup command line parameters? (2019-08-29)

Answer

JAWS command line parameters can be used when running the program from the run dialog (WINDOWS Key+R). Simply type the desired parameter after JFW.exe. You can also use these parameters with the JAWS startup aliases: "JAWS2019", "JAWS2020" etc. See the examples below for each parameter.

/default or -default

Description: Instructs JAWS to start using the JAWS shared settings only. The user settings are not loaded.
Run dialog example: "jfw.exe /default" or "jaws2019 -default"

/lenu

Description: Forces JAWS to start up using a specific language, such as "enu" for English or "deu" for German.
Run dialog example: "jfw.exe /ldeu" would start JAWS using German language resources.

/s[SynthName] or -s[SynthName]

Description: Causes JAWS to startup with this [SynthName] synthesizer as the active synthesizer overriding the default synthesizer. Note: There is no space between the 's' switch and the synthesizer name.
Run dialog example: "jfw.exe /ssapi5x" or "jaws2019 -sdte" or "JAWS2019 -snospeech"

/nobraille or -nobraille

Description: Instructs JAWS to start up without loading the braille display drivers.
Run dialog example: "jfw.exe /nobraille" or "jaws2019 -nobraille"

What if JAWS, Fusion or ZoomText will not start after updating it and restarting the computer? 2019-08-07)

Problem

Sometimes JAWS®, Fusion® or ZoomText® will not start after an update. An error message may also be displayed referencing “Ordinal Not Found”. In either event, the following solution should be attempted for any time that JAWS, Fusion or ZoomText will not launch as expected.

Solution

Performing a complete system shutdown will likely resolve the issue as follows:

  1. Press WINDOWS key + X.

  2. Choose “Shut down or sign out” from the menu.

  3. Now press and hold the SHIFT Key and choose “Shut Down”.

  4. After power down, turn on the computer.

  5. JAWS, Fusion or ZoomText will now work.

Note: Following these steps will ensure that Microsoft Windows is truly shut down all the way and restarted completely.

Why does JAWS® start using the default settings instead of my saved settings? (2019-05-22)

Problem

Some users have reported some of the following symptoms when JAWS starts automatically after logging into Windows.

  1. The startup wizard appears.

  2. A message appears asking if you would like to import settings from an earlier version of JAWS.

  3. JAWS is using default settings instead of your user preferences. For example, the Eloquence synthesizer is speaking instead of your preferred synthesizer.

Solution

Windows has a “fast startup” option, which may interfere with JAWS settings when JAWS starts automatically.

To turn off fast startup in Windows:

  1. Open Control Panel > Power Options.

  2. Select the link, ”Choose what the power buttons do”.

  3. Select the link “Change settings that are currently unavailable”.

  4. Uncheck “Turn on fast startup.”

  5. Select the "Save changes" button and then close "Power Options".

  6. Turn off the computer.

  7. Turn the computer back on.

If fast startup was the issue, JAWS should launch normally now, with your saved settings.

NOTE: You may need to disable fast startup after a Windows update if it becomes automatically enabled again.

How can I disable the Automatic Update feature in JAWS? (2019-05-01)

Problem

By default, a message will appear when JAWS launches if an update to your major version of JAWS is available. You will be presented with an option to install the update.

There are reasons why you might not want JAWS updates to be so readily available:

  • The IT department in your organization may want to perform the update and test first.
  • You or your organization is using a special JAWS version for a specific reason.

Solution

You could either prevent the update notification from appearing, which still leaves the ability to manually check for updates, or someone comfortable with editing in the “Registry Editor” could modify the registry so that “Check for Updates” is disabled in the JAWS menu.

To prevent JAWS from automatically displaying the update notification:

  1. Press INSERT+J to open the JAWS menu.

  2. From the Options menu, select Basics.

  3. Uncheck “Automatic notification of updates”.

  4. Select OK.

You can still access and install current updates by selecting Help > Check for Updates from the JAWS menu.

To edit the registry in order to disable the JAWS “Check for Updates” menu item:

Create a REG_DWORD entry named “AllowUpdates” in the following registry key: [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareFreedom ScientificJAWS[version] and then set the value to 0.

What folder and file permissions does OpenBook require to run properly?

(2021-11-29)

Question

What folder and file permissions does OpenBook require to run properly?

Answer

OpenBook folders and files only require standard permissions that Windows applies by default.

“Read & execute”, “List folder contents”, and “Read” permissions are applied to the following folders:

%PROGRAMFILES%Freedom Scientific

%PROGRAMFILES(x86)%Freedom Scientific

And “Full Control” of these folders:

%PROGRAMDATA%Freedom Scientific

%APPDATA%Freedom Scientific

 

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