Uploading files to Resources or Drop Box using WebDAV with Windows

On this page:

• Introduction
• Windows 7
• Windows Vista
• Windows XP

Note: You can follow the instructions below to set up WebDAV from within your operating system, or you can use a third-party client such as Cyberduck or AnyClient. For the latter, see Uploading files to Resources or Drop Box using WebDAV with AnyClient. Some users have reported better performance with one method than with another; if you have difficulties, try a different client.

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Introduction

WebDAV (Web-based Distributed Authoring and Versioning) allows you to upload and download large files, multiple files, or folders of files to your course or project site more easily.

Before you set up WebDAV, at least one object (i.e., file or folder) must be in the destination Resources or Drop Box tool. For help, see Resources or Adding, editing, or deleting an item in Drop Box.

Saving files directly to WebDAV (i.e., from within an application, such as Word, Excel, or Internet Explorer) does not work reliably. For best results, save the file to your computer first, and then upload it to your site.

Note: Filenames that include certain characters cannot be accepted. For a list of unsupported characters, see Unsupported characters.

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Windows 7

To connect to WebDAV in Windows 7, first turn on the WebClient service, and then create the WebDAV connection.

Enabling the WebClient service

1. From the Start menu, choose Control Panel, then System and Security, then Administrative Tools, and then Services.
   
   
2. Scroll down to WebClient, set the service to Automatic, and then click Apply.
   
   
3. If the service is not already running, click Start.
   
   
4. Click OK to close the Control Panel.

Creating a WebDAV connection

1. From the Start menu, right-click Computer, and select Map network drive... .
   
   
2. Enter a URL that points to the destination Resources or Drop Box tool.

   Contact your site administrator for the URL's format. It will likely include the siteID for your site.

   Note: For instructions on finding your siteID, see Determining your site's siteID.

3. A new network location will appear. Double-click the item to open it.
   
   
4. When prompted, enter your usual login credentials.

You should now be able to drag and drop files and folders between your computer and the site to which you just connected. To delete an item, right-click it and select Delete.

If you have difficulty dragging and dropping, right-click the file or folder you want to copy, and choose Copy. Then right-click the directory you want to put it in, and choose Paste.

You may need to refresh your browser for the file to appear in your directory in Resources or Drop Box.

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Windows Vista

Note: Connecting to your site using WebDAV on a computer running Windows Vista does not work reliably. However, Microsoft has a software update available that may help correct connection problems for some users. For information about the update and how to download it, see article 907306 at the Microsoft Help and Support web site.

Search Microsoft Help and Support.

To add a shortcut to your Windows Vista computer that allows you to upload and access files using WebDAV:

1. From the Start menu, right-click Computer and select Map Network Drive... .
   
   
2. In the Map Network Drive window, click Connect to a Web site that you can use to store your documents and pictures, and then click Next.
   
   
3. Click Choose a custom network location, and then click Next.
   
   
4. In the "Internet or network address" field, enter a URL that points to the destination Resources or Drop Box tool, and then click Next.

   Contact your site administrator for the URL's format. It will likely include the siteID for your site.

   Note: For instructions on finding your siteID, see Determining your site's siteID.

5. When prompted, enter your usual login credentials.
   
   
6. Give the folder a name that you will remember later, such as the name of the associated site.

You should now be able to drag and drop files and folders between your computer and the sites to which you just connected. To open a folder, right-click it and choose Explore or Open. To delete an item, right-click it and select Delete.

If you have difficulty dragging and dropping, right-click the file or folder you want to copy, and choose Copy. Then right-click the directory you want to put it in, and choose Paste.

You may need to refresh your browser for the file to appear in your directory in Resources or Drop Box.

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Windows XP

To use the Add Network Place Wizard to add a shortcut to your computer that allows you to upload and access files in Resources or Drop Box using WebDAV:

1. On the desktop, double-click My Network Places.
   
   
2. In the "Network Tasks" pane, click Add a network place.
   
   
3. On the welcome screen, click Next.
   
   
4. Select Choose another network location, and then click Next.
   
   
5. In the "Internet or network address:" field, enter a URL that points to the destination Resources or Drop Box tool.

   Contact your site administrator for the URL's format. It will likely include the siteID for your site.

   Note: For instructions on finding your siteID, see Determining your site's siteID.

6. When prompted, enter your usual login credentials.
   
   
7. Give the folder a name you will remember, such as the name of the associated site.
   
   
8. Click Finish.

You may now drag and drop files and folders between your computer and the sites to which you just connected. However, you cannot delete items from a site by dragging them to the Recycle Bin on your desktop. To delete an item, right-click it and select Delete.

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