A) If you tried to upload or download a maple file and it came out looking like this ... then read on, McDuff!

In a nutshell, Maple seems to be storing its information in XML format. When the Bb server hands you the file, it thinks it is XML, so it tries to hand it to the browser that way. So, Maple doesn't realize that it is supposed to launch and run the file. So, you basicaly CAN'T just launch the maple file off the Bb page - you will HAVE to save it locally (and make sure you pass the right file extension).

B) So, when you see the link for the maple file - you can't double click on it .. you must right-click and choose the "save target as ..." type option.

C) Now, the default file extension (from the Bb server) will be .XML .. we don't want that, because Maple won't realize that it is supposed to launch.

So, change the file extension to MW which is the extension for Maple worksheets and put it wherever you want on the harddrive.

D) TaDa! Maple can correctly see the file we just saved - whew!!

B) If you are going to upload the file (or files) - first ZIP it .. easiest way it to right click on the file in Windows Explorer, and use the WinZip context menu and send it to a zip file with the same name. [If you have multiple files - you can select as many as you want by holding the CTRL key down and clicking on them individually. When you get to the right-click menu, it will default to the name of the folder instead of an individual filename .. as long as you don't already have a zip file called that .. you are good to go!]

(You could change the name by selecting the first item on the context list .. but this way is easier. Or, use the first item if you have a collection and want a specific name.)

Note - the LTU laptops have winzip enabled this way .. if you are reading this from the outside world .. your mileage may vary!

C1) So, if you are a faculty member .. you might add the file as part of an ITEM in some content area.

I might suggest adding some text to remind people that they CAN'T just open the zip file when they download it .. they have to SAVE it [another quirk ... if you try to "open" the file in place, I think Bb plays games, because you just see a blank zip file .. no maple files inside!].

C2) You might be a student (or a faculty member) that wants to put the file in the digital dropbox ... same principle applies (notice that I didn't include the "SAVE" warning here though ... bad, Dr. Scott, bad, bad ...)

D1) Ok .. you found the link on the Bb page, and you want to get to the Maple file that is there ... well, you have to SAVE THE ZIP FILE. One way to do this is to right-click on the link and say "Save Target As ..." and then go find a place for it.

D2) ... or, if you just click on the link, you might get a message like this ... don't try to OPEN it (you'll find winzip opens on .. nothing?) - SAVE it and go find a place for the file.

E) Ok, we've saved the file locally - now go open it from Windows Explorer ... double-click on the zip file, and then double-click on the maple file that is inside .... Finally, Maple will be able to correctly see the maple-encoded file!

(Or, if it is a collection of files, you could unzip them all to a particular location.)

F) TaDa! Maple can correctly see the file inside - whew!!