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WebFiles Introduction
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Online Manual
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Cal WebFiles FAQ

If you do not find the answers you are looking for, please feel free to send an email to webfiles@berkeley.edu.

FAQ TOPICS


System Requirements

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Technical Issues

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Account, Passwords

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Storage Space, Web Pages

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Getting Help

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Policy Issues

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System Requirements

  • How do I enable cookies on my web browser?
    The answer to this question is that it varies for each browser. Below we provide basic instructions for Netscape and Internet Explorer. Please note that they may not exactly apply to your particular version of the browser. Please do not hesitate to contact us at webfiles@berkeley.edu for detailed instructions specific to your web browser.
    • PC users:
      • Internet Explorer 6: Go to the "Tools" menu, then choose "Internet Options." Click the "Privacy" tab and set the sliding bar to Medium or Medium High.
      • Internet Explorer (previous versions): Go to the "Tools" menu, then choose "Internet Options." Click the "Security" tab, then click the "Custom Level" button. Scroll down until you see the options for cookies. Choose "prompt" or "accept" for "per-session cookies."
      • Netscape: Go to the "Tools" menu, then choose "Options..." Choose "Site Controls" and then check the "Allow Cookies" check box under the "Site List" tab.
    • Macintosh users:
      • Internet Explorer: Go to the "Explorer" menu (or try the "Edit" menu), then choose "Preferences." Choose "Receiving Files" then "cookies." Choose "Never Ask" or "Ask for each site/cookie" when accepting cookies.
      • Netscape: Go to the "Edit" menu, then choose "Preferences." Choose "Advanced" then click the radio button next to one of the "accept cookies" options.

    A cookie is a message that is sent from a web server to your web browser. The cookie is used to identify you as a user of a website and then create customized Web pages for you. If you have any questions about this, please ask.

  • What type of operating system and browser do I need to access WebFiles?
    Supported minimum browser versions (or higher) include:
    Browser Windows 2000/XP Macintosh OS X Unix
    Internet Explorer 5.0, 5.5, 6.0 5.2 n/a
    Firefox 0.9.2 0.9.2 0.9.2
    Mozilla 1.4 1.4 1.4
    Netscape 4.75 4.75 4.75
    Netscape
    (Gecko Engine)    		 7.0 7.0 7.0
    Safari n/a 1.0 n/a
    It is possible to access WebFiles using other browsers and operating systems, but you may experience some difficulties. Any browser you use to access WebFiles is required to accept cookies.
  • What is Drag & Drop (Web Folders, WebDAV)?
    Drag & Drop (MS Web Folders, WebDAV) allows you to view, drag and drop files to and from your WebFiles account as though it was a local folder on your hard drive. More specifically, WebDAV "is a set of extensions to the HTTP protocol which allows users to collaboratively edit and manage files on remote web servers" (from http://www.webdav.org. Please see their website for more detailed information).
  • What are the system requirements for Drag & Drop (Web Folders, WebDAV)?
    • PC users:
      Internet Explorer 5.x or later, Office 2000 or later, and Windows 2000/XP.
    • Macintosh users:
      OS X running 10.4 or later.
      Please note: If you are running 10.3 or below, you can install a WebDAV application like Goliath (http://www.webdav.org/goliath). Goliath is a third-party application and is not supported by WebFiles. As a courtesy, we have detailed instructions on how to install Goliath at http://webfiles-help.berkeley.edu/tutorials/dragdrop-mac.html.

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Technical Issues

  • I get asked for a username and password when I attempt to access my "Web Folders". What username and password do I use?
    This is a bug in the Windows operating system that came about due to a security patch around June 2005. You should notice that you have a WebFiles browser window and a second blank browser window open that should be your web folder session. At this time the only work around is to toggle back to the WebFiles window, without closing the blank second one, and then click the "Web Folders" button again. The blank browser window will start a web folders session allowing you to drag and drop your files and folders. You should also make sure Windows is patched with the most updates as they may release a patch to fix this issue.
  • I want to set up a WebFiles web folder/Network Place/mapped drive in my Windows/Mac operating system. What is the address/username/password?
    • Due to authentication issues the only way to access WebFiles web folders with Windows 2000/XP is by logging in to WebFiless using Internet Explorer 5.x or better. Once you've logged in, click the "Web Folders" button to access the web folder.
    • Mac users can use Goliath to access their files through a web folder. Goliath is a third party product, therefore we cannot provide support for it. Please not that you can start a web folder session using Goliath independently from logging in using a regular web browser session.
  • I tried to create my account today and after I tried to choose a username I saw an error or I got sent back to the WebFiles login page. What's going on?
    You may need our assistance to get started. First check to make sure you have cookies enabled on your web browser before you try again. If you still have this problem, please email WebFiles Support (webfiles@berkeley.edu) the following information:
    1. Did you check that your cookies were enabled?
    2. Did you see any error messages? What were they?
    3. What operating system and web browser are you using?
    4. What is your CalNet (student/staff) ID? Please DO NOT email your passphrase.
    5. What is your WebFiles username?
  • My multimedia file (Quicktime movie, MPEG, MP3, etc.) doesn't play in my browser.
    Depending on the file type, some multimedia files may not automatically play when you click on its corresponding link. Instead of clicking the file link, please download the file to your computer first and then open the file. Right-click the file link you want and select Save Target As... (or Save Link Target As... for Netscape users), select a location, and click Save/Ok. Then, double-click the file to launch the appropriate application to play/use the file.
  • Will I receive a confirmation that my WebFiles configuration settings have been changed?
    WebFiles will not provide a text message confirmation once you click the Update button to save your setting changes. To confirm after clicking the Apply button, please select a different category (Subscriptions, Contacts and Groups, etc.) from the left-hand navigation area and then go back to Preferences to see if your changes were reflected.
  • Why can't I upload my files?
    The most common cause for users not being able to upload their files is due to their account being over quota. This usually occurs to users who upload new versions of their files into their account. Unlike an operating system (Windows, OSX, etc.), WebFiles does not replace your files when you try to overwrite them. Instead, your existing files are moved to the Trash whenever you overwrite them or Delete them. The new version you upload is then copied to where the orignal used to be located. The files in your Trash folder along with the rest of your files are counted against your storage quota. Using the Empty Trash feature will free up more space for you to upload more files. Just make sure you are sure the files in the Trash are no longer needed.
  • I can't upload a 25+ meg mpeg file. The system keeps giving me an error message.
    Please make sure you have enough free space available. Remember, files you mark for deletion are sent to your Trash folder and still count against your quota.
  • WebFiles will be unavailable for daily maintenance from 5-5:15am. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you received this message at another time, please let us know at webfiles@berkeley.edu.
  • Is my data secure?
    You should notice that WebFiles forces your browser to use https instead of http. This is to make sure the data transferred between your computer and WebFiles is done securely using an SSL certificate. Keep in mind though that you should NOT be storing files which contain Social Security numbers, credit card number, or any other type of sensitive information on WebFiles.

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Account, Passwords

  • I was a WebDisk user. Do I need to create a WebFiles account?
    No. WebDisk users do not have to create a WebFiles account. Your WebFiles username is the same one you used for WebDisk.
  • Does a UC Berkeley WebFiles account cost anything?
    No. It is a free service available to current UC Berkeley faculty, staff, and students. You must have a valid CalNet ID to establish a WebFiles account.
  • Is there a difference between a CalNet ID and a WebFiles username?
    Yes. Everyone who uses WebFiles must create a WebFiles username. Your WebFiles username is used to identify yourself to others when you share files or create a web site. For example, if your username was oski your corresponding web site address would be http://webfiles.berkeley.edu/~oski. Your WebFiles username does NOT have a corresponding password that you use to log in. Instead, you will need to use your CalNet ID and passphrase to log in. Your WebFiles username is for WebFiles only. Your CalNet ID is used for many campus services including WebFiles and is not tied to one specific service. For a list of CalNet enabled campus services, please see https://calnet.berkeley.edu/current_apps.html.
  • I tried logging into WebFiles and I couldn't get in. What am I doing wrong?
    You need to create a WebFiles account before you can log on. Keep in mind the username you choose will be displayed in your home page address and in some file sharing activities, should you choose to use those features. We suggest that this username be user-friendly. (Users of our previous online storage service, WebDisk, will retain their old username.)

    You must choose your username according to the following rules:

    • The username must be from three to forty characters long (we highly recommend selecting a username between six to twelve), and it must begin with a letter.
    • Allowable characters are lower case letters, digits and underscores. No blanks or other special characters are permitted.
    • Because of the public and permanent nature of this username, we recommend that you choose a name that is related to your real name. First initial and last name, your initials, first name or last name are desirable, if available.

    If you try to register a name that is not within these parameters or already in use, you'll get an error message.

  • I created an account and I still can't log in. What's going on?
    WebFiles uses a newer version of Kerberos 5 to authenticate users. If you have not changed your CalNet passphrase since October 1999, please reset it here.
  • How do I log into WebFiles?
    Enter your Calnet ID, passphrase, and then hit the GO button. If you do not know what a CalNet ID is, or have not set yours up yet, you will not be able to access WebFiles. For more information about CalNet, including how to set up your account and where to change your passphrase, please see the CalNet website (https://calnet.berkeley.edu/).

    If you are using WebFiles for the first time you will need to create an account. Please follow the instructions for usernames below when you create your username.

  • What am I supposed to use as my username? Are there any restrictions?
    A username is a unique and friendly common name, 3-40 characters (we highly recommend a username between 6-12 characters long), and is normally used in your website URL (i.e http://webfiles.berkeley.edu/~username). Many users use their CalMail login name, for example, as their selected WebFiles username. Your username should not be identical to your CalNet ID because your default CalNet ID is your student/employee ID number. This policy has been put in place to protect your privacy. The only exception would be if your WebFiles username was the same as your "friendly" CalNet ID.

    Those of you who used our previous storage service, WebDisk, will automatically be able to use your old username on WebFiles.

  • I tried to create my account today and after I tried to choose a username I saw an error or I got sent back to the WebFiles login page. What's going on?
    You may need our assistance to get started. First check to make sure you have cookies enabled on your web browser before you try again. If you still have this problem, please email WebFiles Support ( webfiles@berkeley.edu) the following information:
    1. Did you check that your cookies were enabled?
    2. Did you see any error messages? What were they?
    3. What operating system and web browser are you using?
    4. What is your CalNet (student/staff) ID? Please DO NOT email us your passphrase!
  • Is my password secure?
    Yes! Account authentication is handled exclusively on our servers.
  • Do I get a free email account with WebFiles?
    No. WebFiles is a file storage service. It does not include email, newsgroup, or printing capabilities. Students, faculty, and staff can get an email account with the campus email service, CalMail.
  • How long does my WebFiles account last?
    Your WebFiles account will remain active while you are a current student, faculty, or staff member. Once you leave the university, your CalNet ID will be deactivated and you will no longer be able to access WebFiles. Please make sure you back up your files prior to you leaving Cal.
  • What happens to my WebFiles account after I graduate or leave the university?
    Access to WebFiles is limited to current students, faculty and staff only. Once you leave the university your WebFiles account is deleted. Please make sure you retrieve your files prior to your departure.

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Storage Space, Web Pages

  • Is my data secure?
    WebFiles uses an SSL certificate to encrypt the data you transfer between WebFiles and your computer. While this provides some security, we recommend that our users do not store any confidential or sensitive information on WebFiles.
  • Does WebFiles back up my data?
    Yes. We can recover your files for up to 7 days in the unfortunate event you permanently delete a file and need it back.
  • How much storage space do I get?
    Each WebFiles account holder is given 300MiB of storage space.
  • Is there a bandwidth limit on my account?
    Yes, though the bandwidth limit we have placed on each account should be more than sufficient for the majority of users. In the unlikely event you exceed your quota you can email WebFiles support to have your quota reset.
  • What do I need to do to have a home page or web site on WebFiles?
    You need to create an HTML file called index.html or index.htm and upload it to your public_html folder.
  • What is my web address?
    Once you have a file called index.html in your public_html folder, go to http://webfiles.berkeley.edu/~username to see your Web page.
    • Why doesn't my website appear in search engine results?
  • Why doesn't my website appear in search engine results?
    WebFiles is first and foremost a file storage solution for the UC Berkeley community. Allowing search engines to scan WebFiles for websites also opens the door to scanning shared folders. Therefore, search engines who adhere to the rules we have in place will not be able to scan WebFiles for user web sites. We deemed this necessary in order to protect the privacy of our user's data and apologize if you find this an inconvenience.
  • I had a website on WebDisk that I migrated over to WebFiles. What's the new URL?
    The URL to your site on WebFiles will be http://webfiles.berkeley.edu/~username, where username is your WebFiles account name. Please be sure to update any absolute links that reference WebDisk (http://webdisk.berkeley.edu). Also, let people know about your new website address since WebDisk was taken offline at the end of the Fall 2005 semester.
  • Is there a way I can mass notify people about moving my site from WebDisk to WebFiles?
    Anyone attempting to visit your site on WebDisk will be automatically redirected to your site on WebFiles. For example, if someone enters
    • http://webdisk.berkeley.edu/~oski/gobears/ into their browser they will be redirected to https://webfiles.berkeley.edu/~oski/gobears/.
  • Can I run Java-Script on my Web pages?
    Yes.
  • Can I use FTP to upload my files?
    No.
  • Can I run CGI scripts?
    No.
  • My public_html folder contains my html and image files, but I still can't see my site. What's wrong?
    The introductory html file for your site must be named index.html or index.htm. If you need to change the filename, check off the appropriate file, and click Rename.
  • Why is my html file displayed as source code?
    The html file must be assigned a content type of "text/html" in WebFiles for the web browser to display it properly. Sometimes the file is incorrectly assigned a content type of "text/plain" during an upload. To correct the content type of a file, click on the Manage icon next to the respective file.

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Getting Help

  • How can I get help with my WebFiles questions?
    Check out the help section of your WebFiles account. If you still need help, email us at webfiles@berkeley.edu.

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Policy Issues

  • Security Awareness Policy (Storing Personal Information on WebFiles)

    You must protect any important information you store in Webfiles. UC policy requires you to evaluate the data you store online and to "restrict" access to some types, based on the potential harm that might result from a breach or other disclosure.

    Do not store any "restricted" data in Webfiles unless you take measures to encrypt it, both at-rest and in transmission over any non-secure connections. If you are not sure what is required, either in evaluating the types of information you are storing, or in how to protect it, you must obtain advice from your technical support resource.

    Examples of restricted data include: an individual's name in association with Social Security Number, Credit Card Number (with authorization code), or Drivers License Number. Many other types of data that associate sensitive information with individuals' identities also must be protected, such as student, employee, financial, research, or facilities data.

    If you are not sure about how to protect the important information you have, do not put the data into Webfiles.

  • Are there any other policy differences between WebFiles and other campus systems that I should know about?
    No. When you're using WebFiles, please follow the campus Computer Use Policy.

    • To review the policies for yourself, take a look at:
    * Campus Computer Use Policy
    * Using computing & communication resources appropriately

  • Be Nice to the Net!
    Please visit the online home to the Be Nice to the Net project, an ongoing campaign of UC Berkeley's Office of Residential Computing. Their job is to educate users about the realities of the Internet and the consequences that come with misusing it.

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WebFiles Introduction Getting Started Advanced Topics Online Manual WebFiles FAQ Report a Bug Calnet Login Info Campus IT Policies
The University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA
Copyright 2005, The Regents of the University of California
URL: http://webfiles-help.berkeley.edu, last modified: March 24, 2007