File Manager - Windows XP (WebDAV)

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Overview

WebDAV is the preferred file upload method for individuals wishing to have a "drag and drop" interface for file upload and management. It does require additional setup and may need to be refreshed from time to time due to connection instability. But if you have a lot of files to upload and work with, you may prefer this method.

File Recommendation

Our recommendation is to use either HTML or PDF formatted documents to deliver your materials to your students. HTML files are native to the web, and many applications can save out as a Web Page/HTML option. PDF files are less confusing than documents in their original format such as Word or Excel for students to view and/or download from your site. These file types will reduce the time required in supporting your students with download issues. A PDF Creation Tutorial is available for installing the free Microsoft Office 2007 PDF plug-in. This tutorial also references other free and pay-for PDF solutions. For more information on this, please review the File Delivery Recommendations.

If you have questions about Web Folders, WebDAV, or Zip files, please contact the CTI at (208) 885-2121 or cti@uidaho.edu.

WARNING: Avoid using special characters ( @ # % & ; ) in filenames and titles

Upload files with WebDAV (Win XP)

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WebDAV allows you to connect to your course File Manager via My Network Places under My Computer and "drag and drop" files from your computer into your course File Manager.

Troubleshooting Tip: If you experience problems uploading or downloading files using WebDAV, try deleting your connection and then rebuilding it. If you continue to experience problems, try one of the other methods of managing files listed on this Web page.

  • Login to your Blackboard Course
  • Under the Build Tab, click on File Manager
  • Click on the ActionLinks icon next to File Manager at the top center of your screen
  • Select View WebDAV Info

  • Press Ctrl-C to copy the WebDAV URL address displayed
    (Example: https://www.blackboard.uidaho.edu/webct/webdav/11111111/0000000001)
  • Click OK to close the window.

  • Open My Computer, and select My Network Places


  • Select Add a network place
    • Note: If you don't see the Network Tasks pane, press the Folders button.

  • A wizard will pop up to guide you through the process of adding a new network place. Click Next.
  • Select Choose another network location. Click Next.

  • Press Ctrl-V to paste the WebDAV URL address you copied earlier.
  • Click Next.

  • Enter your Blackboard User Name and Password.
  • Click OK.

  • Enter a Title for your course.
  • Click Next.

  • Your course should now appear under My Network Places with the title you designated for it.
  • Double click on your course site folder to Open it. This will display the File Manager content inside of your Course Site > Build Tab > Manage Files area.
  • Now you may drag & drop files directly from the desktop into your course Manage Files area. Avoid using special characters ( @ # % & ; ) in file names.

 

How to Link to your Files

Once files are uploaded into the File Manager, there are two primary ways to link to them for distribution to your students:

  • Use a Course Content Folder as a container to display hyperlinks to uploaded files and Blackboard tools.
  • Use a Learning Module as the container for links to uploaded files and Blackboard tools. The Learning Modules advantage is that student activity for these pages can be tracked.

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Still have a Question? Click Help in the top right corner of your Blackboard course.