Creating a Course Archive File

A course archive file makes a copy of the course content (teaching materials, assignments, quizzes, etc.) and includes student activity and grade information. Archive files can only be restored by a Blackboard administrator. They are most commonly created by administrators to keep a complete copy of a course on file in case an issue arises in the future.

• Instructions - Ultra Course View
• Instructions - Original Course View

Ultra Course View - How to create an Archive File of a Blackboard Course

1. Instructions coming soon...

Original Course View - How to create an Archive File of a Blackboard Course

1. First, navigate into the course you'd like to create the export file for.

2. On the course menu to the left, under Control Panel, choose Packages and Utilities >> Export/Archive Course
   
    

3. On the Export/Archive Course page you will see two buttons. Click the button that says Archive Course.
   
    

4. On the Archive Course page, check the box that says "Include Grade Center History"
   
    

5. Next, choose the following options under File Attachments:

   • Course Files Default Directory: Copy links and include copies of the files in the course default directory

   • Files Outside of the Course Default Directory: Copy links and include copies of the files outside of the course default directory
     
      

6. Click the Submit button at the bottom of the page. 

   • Upon clicking Submit, you will be shown a success message at the top of your screen letting you know that you will receive an email when the process is complete. Please be sure you receive this email before continuing.
      

7. Once the backup is complete, return to the Export/Archive course page where you will now see a .zip file listed with a timestamp that matches when the process was run. Right click on the .zip file name and choose Save Link As. (The phrasing may be different if you're using a browser other than Chrome.)

   • Be sure you right click on the name of the file. Right clicking on the blank white space around the file name won't result in the correct prompt, and neither will using the small drop down menu beside the file name. 
     
     
      

8. Save the file to a location on your computer where you will be able to find it later. (Suggestion: consider saving the file to your RCSJ Microsoft OneDrive account.)

Note: Do not attempt to click on the file to open it. This type of file can only be used to restore into the Blackboard system.