Importing a course takes hours?

[DeeUmper]

First time importing a course.  I selected the zip file/package that was sent to me by the university where I last taught the course: D2LExport_383062_AI_201_Dev_202332831.zip   Upload was successful.  The 'job" began "running" at 11:06 AM. It's now 4:30 PM, and it's only about 1/2 way done (see attached image.)  Does it usually take this long?  If not, what should I do now?

[DeeUmper · Accepted solution]

BINGO!!!!  There were no files in there, so I did not create a new course.  I just tried to upload again.  What I did do differently was change the name of the zip from "D2LExport_383062_AI_201_Dev_202332831.zip" to "D2L Export.zip," to match the name listed  in the Import Type > Content Type drop down menu.  Oddly, the "Job" name that showed as it uploading and running was the original longer file name. Go figure. Anyway, from the very bottom of my heart, I cannot thank you enough.  By the way, mine is a FFT account.

[Chris_Hofer]

Good morning, @DeeUmper ...

How large (in file size) is the *.zip file that you are trying to import into your Canvas course?  Also, take a look at your course "Settings" page.  If you scroll about half-way down the "Settings" page, you'll see areas for "Default due time" and "Language".  Just below that, there should be a heading for "File Storage".  How many megabytes (MB) does your course show?  Compare that to the size of your *.zip file.  If your *.zip file is larger than the "File Storage" number displayed on your "Settings" screen, my guess is that is why the file isn't fully uploading to Canvas.  You'd need to speak with your school's Canvas administrator to see if they could increase the "File Storage" for that course for you.  If, however, you are using the FFT (Free For Teachers) version of Canvas, then you are only allowed 500 MB of storage per course, and there's no way that I'm aware of to change that.  Check out the linked PDF in this Guide which compares a paid Canvas account vs. a FFT account:

Canvas Free-for-Teacher FAQ (canvaslms.com)

I hope this will be of some help to you.  Sing out if you have any questions...thanks!

[DeeUmper]

MANY thanks for taking to time to reply, and in such detail.  My zip file is 43,161,252 bytes (43.2 MB on disk), so I think it should work size-wise. (The setting says 500 MB.  Do you recommend that I try to upload again?  If so, 1. Should I delete the original  uploading "job? 2. Should I create a new course altogether and upload into that, after deleting the old empty course?

[Chris_Hofer]

@DeeUmper ...

Not a problem to help you!  I enjoy helping troubleshoot issues like this.  43 MB on disk shouldn't be an issue...unless your are close to your 500 MB limit (you could check your "Files" area of your course to determine this).  To answer your first question, there really isn't a way to delete your original "job", but you certainly could try doing it again in the same course.  To answer your second question...yes, you could try creating a blank shell and then uploading that file to the course...just to see what happens.  If it works in the new course shell, then it's safe to delete the first one that wasn't working for you.

Keep us posted, ok?  Thanks!

[DeeUmper]

MANY THANKS, Chris!  (I just saw your name up by your badge? icon?... Love the chipmunk!  lol) I'll give it a shot, then report back. 🐵

[Chris_Hofer]

@DeeUmper ...

The pictures next to our names here in the Community are avatars.  You should be able to change yours (if you want) by clicking on your avatar image at the top right corner of any page here in the Community, and then clicking on the option "My settings".  Then, you'll want to click on the "Avatars" tab...where you can change your avatar.  Mine is a picture of Dale from Disney's Chip and Dale.  🙂

[DeeUmper]

Hahaha!  I watched Chip and Dale.  I find that I have another question.  I just went into my dashboard (image attached) and find two of what appear to be the same course.  1. Why are there two? 2. How can tell if they're identical or different in some way. If the same, I want to delete one of them, which I do know how to do. 🐵

[DeeUmper]

oops... now attached

[DeeUmper · Accepted solution]

BINGO!!!!  There were no files in there, so I did not create a new course.  I just tried to upload again.  What I did do differently was change the name of the zip from "D2LExport_383062_AI_201_Dev_202332831.zip" to "D2L Export.zip," to match the name listed  in the Import Type > Content Type drop down menu.  Oddly, the "Job" name that showed as it uploading and running was the original longer file name. Go figure. Anyway, from the very bottom of my heart, I cannot thank you enough.  By the way, mine is a FFT account.

[DeeUmper]

Hi, Chris!

Are you still out here?  If not, I'll make this a new post. 

After successfully uploading the course, I went into my dashboard and found two (2) of what appear to be the same course (image attached). 

1. Why are there two?

2. How can I tell if they're identical or different in some way.  If they are identical , I want to delete one of them,.

[Chris_Hofer · Accepted solution]

@DeeUmper ...

Yup...I'm still around!  🙂

I'm not sure why you would have two courses still.  I am assuming that you are using the instructions outlined here: How do I import content from Desire 2 Learn (D2L) ... - Instructure Community (canvaslms.com)

The only way I can suggest to see if the two courses are identical would be to have each course open in a separate tab of your web browser.  Then, go through each page to compare the two courses.  When you click on one of the courses on your Dashboard, you'll be taken to the "Home" page.  Look at Course ID number displayed after "/courses/".  The larger number is the newest course in your Canvas environment...if that helps at all.

Good luck!

[DeeUmper]

Thanks, Chris!