I tried to upload my assignment submission file to a D2L dropbox, but it said "Oops, you file couldn't be uploaded."  What do I do now?

Examples: galvezessay2.docx, turnerwork4.docx, albahrainfinal.docx, or mkg4april.docx.

D2L's dropbox system doesn't accept many special keyboard characters.  Depending on the computer or device you are using it might not accept spaces, either.  While many IT systems do accept these (and they're a great idea for strong passwords!) many systems still do not.  So name your files with letters or numbers, and keep them under about eighteen characters long (before the extension, such as .docx.)  

Microsoft Word will suggest using some characters from the first line of your file, and may add special characters.  Instead of accepting that, choose a better name according to the simple guidelines above.  

And don't change the file extention (.docx). 

My Professor won't accept my chosen file format. 

You may like using .pages or Google Docs, or perhaps prefer to save your finished work as .pdf.  And for your own purposes, that's great.  But Microsoft Word's format, .docx, is a universal business standard.  If your professor insists that you submit work in that format, she or he is doing you a favor: preparing you for the professional worlds of business, government, education and healthcare where this is an (often unspoken) expectation.  Luckily, Apple's Pages, Google Docs, and various other word processors allow you to save in .docx format.  

I try uploading a file but D2L says "Invalid file type"

Your instructor may have decided to restrict the types of files that the D2L Dropbox will accept. No worries! Just check the Allowed File Extensions and make sure you are uploading the proper file type. Also refer to the syllabus for acceptable file types.

I did not get the D2L Dropbox Receipt Email

Sometimes, D2L may take a few minutes to upload your file and/or send the Dropbox Receipt Email, especially on slower WiFi or Internet connections. Wait a few minutes and see if you receive the D2L Dropbox Receipt email. If not, you should assume that the upload to the Dropbox was unsuccessful and should try again.

A few other tips:

• If you are on a slower WiFi, try to switch to a faster/stronger one or go to a place with better WiFi. If D2L cannot upload your file within a few minutes, it may seem like it is still trying to upload your file, but it actually cannot. The same is true for spotty WiFi. 
• If you are on spotty WiFi, try to directly connect to the modem using an Ethernet cable instead. Since you are not using WiFi, this will provide the best possible internet, uninterrupted, internet connection.
• Always remember to save your D2L Dropbox Receipt emails, at least until the end of the semester. This will help to provide proof that D2L successfully uploaded your file to the Dropbox and provide a date and time.

<<Back to D2L Self-Paced Training for Students | Next to D2L Tutorial for Students: View Quiz Feedback>>