Dreamweaver FAQs

The following are common questions and problems people have when working through with Dreamweaver:

1. I can't seem to connect and upload my website.
2. I make changes in Dreamweaver, but the changes are not reflected in my website.
3. I upload my files, but the images appear as red X's or the links don't work.
4. What if I just can't get it?

I can't seem to connect and upload my website

Start from the beginning and carefully go step by step through the website setup instructions including editing/setting up your site. Remember if you misspell or use capital letters instead of lower-case the system will not allow you to connect. You will either need to set up your site each time you use a computer or export and import your site each time you use a public computer (Site > Edit Site > Export or Site > Edit Site > Import). Also, make sure to use your standard Calvin username and password.

I make changes in Dreamweaver, but the changes are not reflected in my website.

• Upload the changed files to the Web server. Every time you make changes on your local machine, you need to reconnect and upload the files to the remote computer. Follow the instructions on how to upload files.
• Refresh your browser. The network cache may be showing the "old" version of your files. Hit the Refresh button or hold down Shift while you press Refresh to get the most recently uploaded webpage.

I upload my files, but the images appear as red X's or the links don't work.

• Did you move a file or rename it. If you move or rename a file or folder, you need to tell the webpage what the new filename is or where it is now located. For images you can click on the image and browse to the appropriate location/file. For relative links within your document, you can select Link in the property inspector and then browse to the appropriate file.
  
• Make sure you take into account relative links when you transfer files. When you "insert" images in Dreamweaver you are actually creating a relative reference to the file. With links to pages within your site (as opposed to external webpages), you are creating a relative reference to the other webpage. When you upload your site, all your files need to stay in the same relative position. For example, if the file gettingaround.htm has a relative link to the image Excellayout.gif in both the remote and local computers it needs to go into the Images folder at the same level as it is at and then find the file. See diagram below. To imagine more concretely, if in the local site you have to open the door in the room and go down the hall 10 steps to find the file you need, when you go to the remote site you need to open the door and go down the hall 10 steps to find the file.
  
  Best Way to Correct This: Delete the files from your remote computer and transfer your entire site folder from the local computer into public_html on your remote computer.

What if I just can't get it?

If there is an aspect of Dreamweaver that you do not understand:

• Take a break and/or try to go through the instructions carefully step by step again. Sometimes when learning a new skill it is easy to skip a step.
• Ask a classmate, friend, or peer for assistance. This may include working through the tutorial at the same time as someone else taking the class. If you get stuck, have someone demonstrate how to do it, then do it a few times yourself.
• Look up your problem in the Help Menu. Take advantage of the help resources offered in Dreamweaver and on their website.
• Ask an ITC staff member for assistance. While the ITC staff are not able to do your homework, they can demonstrate if you get stuck on a particular skill. Their job is not to teach you the entire tutorial. One objective of RIT is to teach you how to learn independently.
• Ask your professor. Your professor will be able to answer questions for you if you get stuck or recommend further resources. Be prepared to show your professor what you have tried so far.

Last updated July 15, 2004
Contact: rit@calvin.edu