File Manager - Windows XP & Internet Explorer (Web Folders)

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Overview

Use Web Folders if you are using Windows XP and Internet Explorer (IE). It is the easiest way to setup WebDAV with Blackboard, but is only available in IE under the Windows XP operating system.

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 Deliver Files.

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

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

Upload files with Web Folders (Win XP & Internet Explorer)

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Web Folders allows you to connect to your course via the Web Folders under My Computer and "drag and drop" files from your computer into your course File Manager. This tool requires the use of the Internet Explorer web browser. Web Folders is the easiest way to setup WebDAV with Blackboard, but is only available in IE under the XP operating system.

Troubleshooting Tip: If you experience problems uploading or downloading files Web Folders, 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.

  • In Internet Explorer login to your Blackboard Course
  • Under the Build Tab, click on File Manager
  • Click on the ActionLinks ActionLinks icon icon next to the File Manager page title and select Open as Web Folder.

 

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

 

  • Your course should now appear under Web Folders.
    Note: The Public Files folder is intended for building a Course Preview page, not for your course content.

 

  • 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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