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Using WebDAV

The WebDAV (Web-based Distributed Authoring and Versioning) protocol enables a user to perform bulk uploading and downloading of files using the Map a Web Folder feature. It also allows the user to use Windows Explorer to view the Publisher folder hierarchy and open file content items for editing.

WebDAV is required for using the WebEdit feature. WebEdit simplifies the process of editing a content file property in Publisher. Using this feature a user can edit a Microsoft Office document file property “in place,” without having to perform uploads and downloads.

This chapter includes the following topics:

 

Enabling WebEdit

The WebEdit feature is implemented using the WebDAV protocol. By default, the Publisher installer installs the WebDAV protocol and sets values specific to WebEdit in the content.properties file. WebDAV supports the same security settings applied to the folders in the Publisher.

Client Security Settings

The first time users attempt to use the WebEdit feature, they are prompted to install and run a web editing object. They must select Yes in order to be able to use the WebEdit feature.

End users must also configure their browsers to enable or prompt for Microsoft ActiveX controls in order to use this feature.

 

Enabling the Map a Web Folder Feature

The Map a Web Folder feature allows users to map a Network Place on their local Microsoft Windows computer to the Publisher directory. This allows the user to view the Publisher folder hierarchy using Windows Explorer. Folders and file content items on Publisher appear as folders and files in Explorer.

Note: Only file content items appear in Windows Explorer. Other Publisher objects, like Publisher-created content items, Presentation Templates, and so forth, do not appear.
Note: If you use the Map a Web Folder feature to view the Publisher directory using Windows Explorer, you should avoid using folder names that include the following characters: \ / : * ? " < >. Windows Explorer does not allow file or folder names that include these characters, and any such folders will not appear in the Publisher directory when viewed with Windows Explorer.

Mapping a Folder

This section describes the procedures an end user must perform to use the Map a Web Folder feature. You should perform these procedures to test this feature before rolling out a production version of Publisher.

  1. Open Publisher Explorer.
  2. Select New | Web Folder.
  3. Map the Web folder.

    4. To map a Web folder in Windows 2000:

    1. Copy the URL in the Web Folder Location text box.
    2. Open My Network Places on your desktop.
    3. Double-click Add Network Place. The Add Network Place wizard appears.
    4. In the Type the location of the Network Place text box, paste the URL. Then click Next.
    5. If prompted, enter your name and password. Then click OK.
    6. In the Enter a name for this Network Place text box, type a name. Then click Finish.

      7. A new network place will be created and your Publisher is now mapped on Windows Explorer.

      To map a Web folder in Windows XP:

    7. Copy the URL in the Web Folder Location text box.
    8. Open My Network Places on your desktop.
    9. Double-click Add Network Place. The Add Network Place wizard appears.
    10. Click Next.
    11. Select Choose another network location.
    12. In the Internet or network address text box, paste the URL; then click Next.
    13. If prompted, enter your name and password, then click OK.
    14. In the Type a name for this network place text box, type a name, then click Finish.

      15. A new network place will be created and your Publisher is now mapped on Windows Explorer.

 

Configuring WebDAV Settings

You can perform advanced configuration for WebDAV by doing the following:

Enabling and Disabling WebDAV Features Using Content.Properties

You can enable and disable WebDAV features by setting the following properties in the content.properties file:

Table 5-1 WebDAV Configuration
Configuration Property
Setting
Explanation
WebDavClientAccessEnabled =
true
Enables the Map a Web Folder feature.
WebDavClientAccessIsGatewayed =
true
Access to the Publisher WebDAV server will go though the gateway. Gatewaying the Publisher items is a more secure way to view them, but it will lower the performance.
WebDavInPlaceEditingEnabled =
true
Enables the WebEdit feature.
WebDavInPlaceEditingIsGatewayed =
true
Access to the Publisher WebDAVserver will go though the gateway when using the WebEdit feature.

Enabling and Disabling WebEdit by File Types

You can enable the WebEdit feature for certain file types based on their file extensions. You do this in the content.properties file.

Table 5-2 File Type Configuration
Configuration Property
Extensions
Explanation
WebDavMSWordExtensions =
.doc
.dot
.wiz
Lists file extensions for files that should be opened with Microsoft Word.
WebDavMsExcelExtensions =
.xls
.xlb
Lists file extensions for files that should be opened with Microsoft Excel.
WebDavMSPowerPointExtensions =
.pot
.ppa
.pps
.ppz
.pwz
.ppt
Lists file extensions for files that should be opened with Microsoft Power Point.

Note: You can specify additional extensions to open files in Word, Excel, or Power Point, but not additional lines for other applications. WebEdit supports only Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point applications.

Configuring IIS

If you are using the Map a Web Folder feature when the portal is running IIS, you must ensure that the Front Page server extensions are disabled on the IIS web site where the portal is deployed.

  1. Choose Start | Programs | Administrative Tools | Internet Service Manager.
  2. Right-click on the web site used by the portal.
  3. Select Properties.
  4. Select the Server Extensions tab.

    5. If you receive a message stating that the server has not been configured to use server extensions, then IIS is configured correctly.

    If the Enable authoring check box exists, ensure that it is not selected.


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