Uploading files to Drop Box and Resources using WebDAV with Windows XP

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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.

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.

Also, consider the following:

Note: Filenames that include certain characters cannot be accepted. For a list of unsupported characters, see Why am I having trouble uploading files?

Using the Add Network Place Wizard

Using the Add Network Place Wizard in Windows XP, you can add a shortcut to your computer that allows you to upload and access files in Drop Box or Resources using WebDAV. To do so, follow these steps:

  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 Drop Box or Resources 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.

You may now drag and drop 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.

Using Internet Explorer

Using Internet Explorer, you can upload and access your files via WebDAV. To do so, follow these steps:

  1. In Internet Explorer, from the File menu, select Open... .

  2. In the window that appears, click the checkbox next to Open as Web folder. In the "Open:" field, enter the URL that points to the destination Drop Box or Resources tool, and click OK.

    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.

The contents of the destination folder will appear in a window where you can open individual files, browse to other folders on your computer, and transfer files between folders.

When you're finished, exit Internet Explorer to close your connection.