How-To Guides:
Sending and Opening Attachments within WebCT

For Macintosh and Windows Users

The WebCT email program allows users to send attachments to each other as well as exchange text messages.

Tips on Attachments

  1. Before sending an attachment in WebCT, make sure the file has the correct 'extension' at the end of it. Extensions are usually added automatically for Windows users, but Macintosh users must add extensions manually. (Office 2001 and PhotoShop are two programs with checkboxes in the saving dialog window that offer to append the file extension). Different extensions include:
  2. If you just need to send text, consider copying and pasting the text from your document into the email message instead of attaching a file. This makes it easier and faster for other users to read your message / content.
  3. Include in the text of your email the type of file you are attaching ('this is a Word file,' 'this is a scanned JPG picture,' etc.)
  4. If you are scanning and attaching image files, take a look at the page "Scanning Tips" for suggestions about limiting filesize for faster transmission and easier viewing.

Sending Attachments

Instructions about sending attachments within WebCT are available on this page about Composing messages from the TLTC.

Downloading Attachments

  1. Click on MAIL in WebCT to enter the email area.

  2. Click on a message to open it:
  3. If a file has been attached, there will be a paper clip to the left of the message. Click on the paperclip (which is titled SEE ATTACHMENT) to display the attachment download window:
  4. Click the radio button next to the file you want to download, then click DOWNLOAD.
  5. If your web browser is configured properly to handle files of this type (the 'helper application' settings are in place), the file should download and open on your computer.
  6. If the file does not start downloading and open, choose to save the file to your computer's hard drive:
    1. Macintosh users should click SAVE FILE AS:
    2. Windows users using Internet Explorer should click SAVE:
  7. NAME THE FILE. This can be a complicated part.
    1. For some reason, after you choose to save the file on your computer, WebCT may give the file a strange name with a .pl file extension. (This is due to the program making the download take place, but it can be confusing). Mac users may see a screen like this one: Windows users may see a screen like this:
    2. Optionally, you can create a new folder to save the file in. It is a good idea to make this on the desktop.
    3. Give the file an appropriate name, including the correct three character file extension (discussed above).
    4. Click SAVE. (either saving the file in the new folder you created, or just in an existing folder you specified / the desktop)
  8. Minimize / Hide your web browser and WebCT.

Opening Attachments

  1. Find the file in the folder where you saved it (or on the desktop). Verify that the file extension on the document is correct. If it is not (in Windows it may have an icon like this: ,) -- rename it (In windows, right click and choose RENAME.)
  2. Double click it.
  3. If it does not open in an application automatically, you will have to choose the correct application.
  4. If you know what type of file it is, select the correct program: . THIS IS WHY IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE CORRECT FILE EXTENSION ON YOUR ATTACHMENTS, AND TELL THEM THE FILE TYPE IN THE EMAIL TEXT! If people don't know what type of file you are sending, they will have to guess on this dialog box!
  5. Good guesses (if you have to guess) are 'iexplore' (Internet Explorer) for most image files, or 'Word' for word processing documents.

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