Uploading files to Resources using WebDAV with Windows

On this page:

Introduction
Using Windows 7 or Windows Vista
Using Windows XP

Introduction

WebDAV stands for "Web-based Distributed Authoring and Versioning". It is a set of extensions to the HTTP protocol that lets users collaboratively edit and manage files on a remote web server.

You can use WebDAV to upload and access files in your site's Resources, if you have the required permissions.

Notes:

Before you set up WebDAV, at least one object (i.e., file or folder) must be in the destination Resources tool. For help, see Resources.
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.
You cannot download URLs from Sakai using the WebDAV protocol. If you include a URL resource with a group of other files and drag them, the other files will be transferred correctly but not the URLs. You may see an error, but that will only pertain to the URL resources.
Filenames that include certain characters cannot be accepted. For a list of unsupported characters, see Unsupported characters.

Using Windows 7 or Windows Vista

Although Windows 7 and Windows Vista allow you to map a network drive for WebDAV transfers, the process is not always reliable. Cyberduck is an open source, modern file transfer program that may work better and reduce the complexity and problems sometimes encountered with the built-in process. After installing Cyberduck:

Open Cyberduck.
Click Open Connection.
In the Server field, paste the URL for this site as shown above.
Uncheck "Anonymous Login".
Type your Username and Password in the appropriate fields.
Click Connect.
You can now drag files and folders to and from your computer and the site Resources folder. You may need to refresh your browser for the files to appear in your directory in Resources.

After you have made the connection you can use the Bookmark menu to save the URL for the Sakai site; it will be available using the Quick Connect pull-down menu.

Using Windows XP

In Windows XP, you can use the Add Network Place Wizard or Internet Explorer to upload and access your files via WebDAV, if you have the required permissions.

Adding a Network Place

A Network Place Wizard is a shortcut to your computer that allows you to upload and access files in Resources using WebDAV:

On the Desktop, double-click My Network Places. (You can also double-click My Computer and click My Network Places on the left.)
In the "Network Tasks" pane on the left, click Add a network place.
On the welcome screen, click Next.
Select Choose another network location, and then click Next.
In the "Internet or network address:" field, enter a URL that points to the destination Resources tool.
Note: For instructions on finding your siteID, see Determining your site's siteID.
Click Next.

Note: If you receive an alert such as "The folder you've entered does not appear to be valid," it could be there are no resources yet in your site. Go to the site and add a file to initialize the Resources folder, then return to Step 1.
Type your username and password in the appropriate fields.
Click Finish.
You may be asked to type your username and password again in a new window. If a moving flashlight appears, try rearranging or minimizing windows to find the login dialog box.

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.