e-EQE 2022: Avoiding FLOWlock Browser crashes, and how to get out

Updated 15 Mar 22 to add blurry assignment preview
Updated 14 Mar 22 to add frozen chat window problem.
Updated 10 Mar 22 to clarify that you must print before starting FLOWlock Browser and added about backup computer. Updated 9 Mar 22 to specify Refresh icon appearance (clockwise arrow). See comments in blue for important points from EPO info session on 8 Feb 22. Updated 7 Feb 22 with comment about asking for extra time and updated FAQs. Updated 4 Feb 22 after comments and new Instructions to Candidates (see separate post).

This is an updated post, taking into account the improvements to FLOWlock browser (old name: LockDown Browser) and the experiences during the Mocks. I tried many different ways of crashing the browser to check whether the comments are still valid. The LockDown / FLOWlock Browser version used was 2.0.7.07 - 29 Sep 2021. I have only tested this on my Windows 10 - let me know if anything is missing, particularly for Mac's. 

Before exam:

• Don't be passive and just accept problems & unclarities - report them to helpdesk@eqe.org. They can get an idea of the scale of problems, and can prioritise any fixes or messages, and find about new issues. Also, if have already recorded your problem ("all due care"-like), and it happens again during the actual exam, there is some evidence
• Read the official docs here: eEQE page (www.epo.org/learning/eqe/e-eqe.html), FAQ's page (www.epo.org/learning/eqe/faq.html) and EQE notices and downloads (www.epo.org/learning/eqe/notices.html) before the exam. Many issues are already covered and they are updated regularly. 
• If you are having problems, check the WISEflow list of computer recommendations (epo-wiseflow.ladesk.com/772936-Lockdown-computer-recommendations), and user guides / troubleshooting (wiseflow.zendesk.com/hc/en-gb/categories/4405644298386-Participant). They have a page dedicated to Webcam Troubleshooting (wiseflow.zendesk.com/hc/en-gb/articles/4406047192466-Webcam-Troubleshooting) and to Lockdown Browser Troubleshooting (wiseflow.zendesk.com/hc/en-gb/articles/4406002375314-WISEflow-Lockdown-Browser-Troubleshooting)
• Whitelist access to "*.wiseflow.net" and "www.epo.org" domains

Hardware / Software

• Equipment that has worked once well during mocks will almost certainly should work during actual exam. Backup laptop or computer should not be needed. 
• Consider a backup system: no problems during mocks is no guarantee that everything will run smoothly. If you are nervous, prepare a backup system (you can also use this to print before the exam - see below). This second computer must be turned off and completely out of reach in the room during the exam. Borrow a computer to which you can have full administrator privileges. The recommended technical specs are very low. Or ask your IT department if they have an old one that they can reset and give you administrator privileges.  
• FLOWlock browser does not work like normal software - it is continuously trying to crash. Anything it considers suspicious will either be stopped, or will cause the browser to exit. System notifications or pop-up windows can also cause freezing. If in front of browser, you may not be able to click on them. If behind (invisible), you cannot navigate to them using ALT-TAB.  If behind, you also do not know what the cause is. 
  
• It is strongly advised NOT to do exam from office using a company computer on a company network
• Most of the problems with crashing and missing functionality is due to using a company computer or laptop where you don't have full admin rights and you can't disable scheduled tasks or other company tools. For example, critical urls can be blocked, IP addresses can be changed during the exam, virus scans and windows updates can start during the exam, screensavers/hibernation can be triggered by periods of inactivity (eg reading) during the exam. In addition, further restrictions may be imposed by the company network when at your workplace.
• Better is to buy a refurbished / 2nd-hand used desktop PC for EUR 60-70, and to use that with administrator privileges. The recommended technical specs are very low. Or borrow one from someone else. Or ask your IT department if they have an old one that they can reset windows and give you administrator privileges.  
• You will have the least chance of technical issues if you use a dedicated desktop with one screen (at least 27 inch), one camera, one microphone, one keyboard, one mouse, one loudspeaker device, one printer, direct wired (USB/HDMI) connections to all peripherals, administrator access, cabled (LAN) access. The chances of problems are further reduced by connecting to a non-company network. 
• If using a laptop with USB external camera, set it up so that the laptop screen can be turned off and closed (only 1 screen/monitor may be used).
• Only connect the hardware you need, and exit all software/apps except your normal internet browser. Also those running in the background, like backup software and synchronization programs (onedrive, dropbox etc). For Windows, I recommend creating a new account with adminstrator privileges to be sure that you are only running what you need.
• Avoid using port replicators and docking stations. FLOWlock Browser disables "suspicious" processes on startup. Some people have had problems starting, and/or disconnection problems. This might be due to using a modern hub with more than one video output. Solution: use a simple USB-hub with only what you need.
  
• To test your camera in WISEflow, click on the drop down menu next to your name and select "Edit profile" and Start FLOWlock to start the FLOWlock Browser. In the Assignment Options, click on "Appendix material" and "Manage appendices" to open the "Appendix manager" tab. In the "Appendix manager" tab, click on "New appendix", and then "Take an image". This looks like the "Entry image" screen used before each exam / flow. Unfortunately, there is no microphone test.
• Avoid VPN. Can lead to slow connections. FLOWlock Browser also cannot handle changes in your IP address.
• You can set up your phone as a mobile hotspot to use in emergencies, but your phone cannot be within reach during the exam. Your computer has to be set up to automatically switch, or you need to use CTRL-ALT-DELETE to switch manually (see below).

Disabling functions before the exam

Click on READ MORE >> for more details