Files Already On Server - how do you select?

[jimmyjones]

Hi,

My mp3 files are already on the server but all I can see is an option to upload the files, but they are already uploaded they
just need to be selected.




Can this be done? Jimmy

[ColinM]

Hi
The basic answer to your question is Yes.  Before suggesting a way forward for you it is perhaps helpful to give a bit of background.

The normal root for the jD Categories (directories) and the downloadable files in the those categories is the Directory jdownloads.

Now a Download consists of many parts, one of which is of course the downloadable file.  The other parts include such things as the title, description, any licence condition, and so on which are held in the database. Audio and Video previews are also in principle stored on the server file system.  But when creating a Download that has an audio or video file as its downloadable file then jD will also use that as the preview.

Further if you just create a sub directory structure with a root in jdownloads directory, and put the downloadable files in relevant sub directories then the auto monitor function of jD will automatically create the basic Downloads.

So you should find the jdownloads root directory in your Joomla! main directory.  Before copying or creating any sub directories of jdownloads first go to jD Configuration and in the Monitoring tab turn Auto Monitoring OFF.  The reason for this is that if you place a large number of files and directories in as sub dirs of the jdownloads dir then it can take a bit of time to create the Downloads.  This may not complete before you php engine runs out of its time allocation which in turn can cause a messy recovery.

Also in Config - Pictures tab ensure field 'Default Images for Downloads' is blank, that will then automatically get the symbol pic related to the file extension.

Note also that the Directories  the jdownloads directory are the Top Level Categories. 

So Now put a few directories and sub directories as a tree starting at jdownloads.  You could also move some files into the relevant directory using your web server control panel file manager or one of the Joomla! components such as eXplorer.

When you have done some of these then go to the jD Control panel and select the Status tab.  In there you will see 'Check Download Area now'. So click on that and it will create the relevant categories and Downloads.
You can obviously repeat with other directories and files.

There are other ways, one of which is changing where the jD Config points to the 'root' but that may have unexpected side effects subsequently.  Also you could load the files into the jdownloads directory and allocate them to categories using the main Files picture button on the jD conrol panel.  But the method described earlier is probably the best and simplest overall even if it is a bit tedious.

Colin

[jimmyjones]

Thanks for the in dept answer.

Could you break it down to a simpler answer like do A B C etc. I am a bit lost with your answer, sorry.

[ColinM]

Hi
I would be pleased to put it in a step by step form.  To make it more meaningful it would help if you could first give some hints about the way you want your downloads organised into categories.  For example you might want top level categories such as Classical, Pop, Light, Jazz.  You might then say split the Jazz category int sub categories Traditional and Modern.

I have also sent you a PM (Private Message) so you can send me anything confidential if needed.

How many files are involved?
The process is quite simple but depends on your familiarity with your sites file system.

First are you able to look at the directory and file structure of your site?  This could be through using your sites control panel - usually cPanel, or by a suitable FTP program like FileZilla or by using a Joomla! extension such as  eXtplorer.  All of these have the ability to create directories and to move files from one place to another directory.

Initially please goto the jD Control panel in the backend and select the Monitor Tab. Set field 'Download directory monitoring?' to No by using the pull down. Also set field 'Automatically publish Downloads?' to Yes. Then Save. After the Save go to tab Pictures and check that field 'Default image for Downloads:' is blank.  If it is not blank then highlight the very top entry of the pull down (the one above 7z) which is blank. Then Save & Close.

Note: If you are uncomfortable with the following then by PM send me super user logon details and describe how you want your categories organised and which of your existing files are to go into which sub category.  Also of course the dir of where your present files are located.

Then
EITHER
Go to jD Control panel and select Categories. Then create your categories and their sub categories directly. If you are not familiar with working at the directory level this is simpler but a bit more time consuming
OR
The next step is to locate the jdownloads directory using one of the methods noted above.  This is in the root of your Joomla! system.
Now in the jdownloads directory create some or all of the top those directories that are to correspond to your top level Categories. You must have at least one!
For each of your top level directories create any directories that are to be the first level sub categories.
You can then repeat for any second level sub categories. I would anticipate at this stage maybe say 20 categories. More may be added at any time.
In order to get these created as jD Cats and subcats etc please go to the jD Control Panel.  On the right of the screen you should see a panel with various tabs.  Select theStatus tab.  In there you will see 'Check Download Area now'. So click on that and it will create the relevant categories.  It will report what is being done.
Look at result by using the Categories Panel.

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Our next step is to move the files from their present location  to their target category or sub category.  Suppose some files are in directory /images/myfiles/music/trad-jazz then move those to directory  /jdownloads/jazz/traditional  You could move say fifty files and the do the manual monitor as describe above.  This time it will show you w the progress of creating the Downloads.
You can of course edit the Downloads to add descriptions and so on.

Colin