File Size Limitations in D2L

While there is no actual "limit" to the file size that can be uploaded to the dropbox or locker in D2L, there are several practical limitations to consider, including the kind of internet connection being used (wireless/hardwire, dialup/dsl/cable/campus) and the possibility that a large file might upload fine but be too large to subsequently download.

For this reason, we recommend keeping files smaller than about 10-15 MB, to avoid running into problems.

There is also a new known issue (click on the link to read the details) related to cumulative size of all dropbox submissions -https://atjira.doit.wisc.edu/KnownIssuesList/RequestController?issueId=21649&stylesheet=knownissues.css

Limits on Path Length Affect Many Tools

Limits on Path Length Affect Many Tools

NOTE: Regardless of the local user's platform (Mac or PC) or operating system, Desire2Learn runs on a Microsoft Windows platform at the server level. Therefore, the following information applies to all users.

There is a new character limit for path names, due to a change imposed by Microsoft Windows at the server level. Folder names are now limited to 50 characters and file names are limited to 128 characters.

As a result of this limitation, actions that would lead to a path length longer than about 200 characters will either fail with no error message (file creation) or result in a 500 error (subfolder creation).

These failures may be seen when character limits are exceeded in the following situations:

• creating course content,
• copying course components,
• importing a course,
• saving dropbox files or feedback,
• saving locker files, or
• creating ePortfolio content.

For this reason, users are encouraged to use shorter file and folder names, particularly when nesting folders.

When troubleshooting 500 errors and failures related to file creation or copying, please consider whether path length restrictions might be the cause.

Note: The vendor has created a feature request to display an informative message when an operation fails because of path length. However, there is no estimate for when this warning message might be deployed in D2L.

"Special characters" spell TROUBLE

Many problems in D2L begin with a simple, innocent mistake: using special characters.

"What," you may ask, "*are* they? Where will they cause trouble, and how can I avoid becoming involved with these unsavory characters?"

As a rule, D2L has no trouble with English letters and standard number characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9). Dashes and underscores have not been known to cause issues.

Beyond that -- watch out!

Both students and instructors should avoid the use of special characters, especially in file names. Instructors would also be well advised to inform their students of the best practices for submitting files to a dropbox and other areas in D2L.

Special characters have been found to be the cause of problems with:

- Login
- Content
- Dropbox
- Discussions
- Locker
- Searches

Here is a list of "special character" issues from the University of Wisconsin System D2L Knowledgebase. Click on any link for more detail.

Submitting Files to a Dropbox

Special Characters for File and Folder Names

Possible Problems Uploading Files with Invalid Characters in File Names

Unable to View Content Topics in Course

User Receives Internal Server Error When Attempting to Logon

Trouble-shooting Problems when Accessing Files from the Locker

Avoid Using Apostrophes in Search Text Fields

Special Characters in Role Type Names