WebDAV and Xythos

Xythos accounts are typically utilized via a web browser which gives the user access to all of the functions of the service. However, a more direct option for daily use is WebDAV. WebDAV stands for Web-based Distributed Authoring and Versioning and is a set of extensions to the HTTP protocol which allows users to edit and manage files on remote web servers (for comprehensive information on WebDAV go here). Enabling WebDAV for your Xythos account gives you drag-and-drop convenience, allowing you to edit files in your Xythos account almost as though they were stored on your local computer.

Windows Web Folders is a WebDAV client that is built into the Windows operating system. Windows Web Folders allows you to manipulate files on the Xythos server almost as if they were stored on your computer.

Important: Because WebDAV gives you direct access to your Xythos account, Windows Web Folders should only be used on your own computer, not in a ITC or on a public terminal.

Comprehensive instructions for using WebDAV is available by clicking the Help icon on the Xythos login page which brings up the Xythos Help screen.

To see instructions for enabling WebDAV and using WebDAV-enabled applications within the Help screen look under: Using Clients

To enable Web Folders for your specific OS please follow the instructions below:

Notes:

In order to take advantage of the full properties of Xythos implementation of the WebDAV protocol, you need Internet Explorer 5.0, Office 2000, Mac OS or another "WebDAV-enabled" application or operating system.
Microsoft calls its support of WebDAV "Web Folders" and in order to run Web folders correctly, you need to have your "security cookie" set.

To set your Windows OS security cookie:
Log into the WFS site using Internet Explorer 5.0. This enables your security cookie for all Microsoft's products including IE, Windows Explorer, and Office 2000. If you do not login, WebDAV will only be able to access files whose "Public" user access has been granted.

To create a Web Folder in Windows XP:

In Windows XP, click on "Start" and then click on "My Network Places".
Under Network Tasks, click Add Network Place.
When prompted, "Where do you want to create this Network Place?", choose "Choose Another Network Location" and click on "Next".
In the Add Network Place Wizard, follow the instructions to add a shortcut to your Xythos directory. The address of that directory on the Xythos server will be "https://xythos.uiowa.edu/<directory_name>", replacing <directory_name> with your HawkID.
When prompted for a user name and password, type in your HawkID and password.
Click "OK".
Next, name your Network Place and select "Next". When you have successfully added the shortcut, select "Finish". An icon for your new shortcut will appear in the My Network Places directory.

To create a WebDAV Directory in Mac OS:

Note: Setting up a WebDAV directory in Mac OS X which connects to a SSL-enabled service such as Xythos requires a third-party WebDAV application such as Goliath. For information on and to obtain Goliath please go to: http://www.webdav.org/goliath
Install and launch Goliath
In the WebDAV connection screen enter the following: URL (https://xythos.uiowa.edu/<directory_name>", replacing <directory_name> with your HawkID), username (HawkID) and password
Click OK
You are now connected to your Xythos account via WebDAV
You can save this connection for future use by selecting File > Save Connection.

To create a Web Folder in Windows 98 or Windows NT:

In Windows 98 or NT, right click on the "My Computer" icon and then left click on "Explore".
Windows Explorer will open. Locate your Web Folders in the left directory listing.
Click on "Web Folders".
Double click on the "Add Web Folder" icon in the right directory listing.
Enter the location of the Xythos directory to which you wish the Web Folder to access. The address of that directory on the Xythos server will be "https://xythos.uiowa.edu/<directory_name>", replacing <directory_name> with your HawkID.
Click "Next" to continue.
Provide your Web folder with a name and then click "Finish".

To create a Web Folder in Windows 2000:

In Windows 2000, right click on the "My Computer" icon and then left click on "Explore".
Windows Explorer will open. Locate your Network Places in the left directory listing.
Click on "My Network Places " in the left directory listing.
Double click on "Add Network Place" in the right directory listing.
Enter the location of the Xythos directory to which you wish the folder to access. The address of that directory on the Xythos server will be "https://xythos.uiowa.edu/<directory_name>", replacing <directory_name> with your HawkID.
Click "Next" to continue.
Provide your new Web folder with a name and then click "Finish".

Return to the Xythos Support Center

Last Updated: 04/24/2008