WebDAV Configuration for Windows

WebDAV - Web-based Distributed Authoring and Versioning protocol — offers convenient drag-and-drop file management without being logged into a Desire2Learn course. It enables you to move and manage files located in Desire2Learn as if you were on your own computer (local drive).

MSU Desire2Learn Instructors, through the use of WebDav, can set up local access to their MSU Desire2Learn course's Manage Files area for each course offering on Desire2Learn. WebDav allows a course designer to move multiple files into an MSU Desire2Learn course without having to zip them together-- just drag and drop. For instructors working with many files that need to uploaded to their Desire2Learn course(s), WebDAV can be a very helpful tool.

NOTE: WebDAV requires Microsoft Internet Explorer version 5 or higher.

WebDav allows you to view, manage, move, copy, save and rename the files and folders that exist in your course on the MSU Desire2Learn server just as you would while working locally. WebDAV requires that the designer's local computer(s) be configured for it. To utilize WebDav, you must first create a network folder on your local machine that connects to your course located on the MSU Desire2Learn server.

Following is an example, step-by-step, of setting up a folder that connects to your Desire2Learn course files from your Windows desktop. These images were created using a standard Dell PC running Windows XP.

A. Find and copy to the clipboard the path to your course files in Desire2Learn.

1. Launch a browser, log into Desire2Learn and enter the course for which you wish to setup WebDAV.

2. Navigate to your course files by selecting Edit Course, then Manage Files.

3. Use your mouse to select and copy to the clipboard the path listed at the top of the course files area. The path you are copying will look something like /content/enforced/your_course_info/

B. Create a WebDAV connection to your Desire2Learn course.

1. Double-click My Network Places or select Start, My Network Places.

OR

2. Select Add a network place.

2. When the wizard appears, select Next, then Choose another network location and click Next.

3. In the location/address field type the URL for the bozemandav server which is:

http://bozemandav.desire2learn.com/

then paste in the course path you copied from your Manage Files (it is waiting on the clipboard to be used).

/content/enforced/your_course_info/

Enter a # after the end of the path.

Your resulting Internet or Network address entered in the box should now look like:

Important: Windows XP users *must* add the number character (#) at the end of the URL for WebDAV to work.

3. Click Next. You will be prompted for your Desire2Learn login credentials. Uncheck the "Save this password in your password / Remember my password" box and click OK.

4. The login box will appear a second time. Enter your Desire2Learn username and password again and click OK.

5. When prompted, enter a name to identify this web folder by a name that will help you to easily identify it (e.g. MATH 101 - Spring 09). Click Next, then Finish.

6. A confirmation box will appear and your new network folder will appear in My Network Places with the labeled you provided.

C. Use your local Network Place folder to create, edit, modify, delete files in your Desire2Learn course.

1. The fasten seatbelt sign has been turn off. You are now free to move about the folder and file structure, copy, move, create, delete files and folders according to your whim within the course. You must be connected to the internet in order to access or modify any files within the network folder.

2. To return to your Network Place folder at any time, navigate to your "My Network Places" and select the desired folder. Double-click to open it and log in with your Desire2Learn username (ID) and password to access your course files.

Notes:

• You must complete this process for each Desire2Learn course and each semester.

  • Semester specific course will be available as long as you have access to them on the server.

  • Master and Practice courses stay available indefinitely dependent upon your use.

• If you direct your local machine to remember your password then your local machine will have immediate access to your Course file area or Course backup area (simply select the network place and you're in)... MSUDesire2Learn recommends leaving it protected by never allowing your machine to remember your ID and password(s).

• Care must be taken when moving files-- accidental overwrites can prove to be somewhat of a headache.

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Return to regular view	Text-only	Updated: 08/20/2009