There are two major issues regarding using Windows Vista’s WebDAV system within Blackboard.

Firstly, in order for WebDAV to function properly with Vista your computer must have Microsoft’s Software Update for Web Folders (KB907306) installed. To install this update click on this link:

Once it has been downloaded, run the patch to update your machine and then delete the executable file (you only have to run the patch once). Then follow the following steps:
1. Enter your Blackboard course and make sure the Build tab is selected.
2. Click the File Manager icon on the ‘Designer Tools’ Menu.
3. Click the ActionLinks menu beside the ‘File Manager’ heading. Then click on View WebDAV Info.
4. A window opens, with the web address of the course folder highlighted. Ctrl-C this web address to the clipboard.
5. To create the WebDAV folder click the Windows Start button, and right click on the Computer item and select Map Network Drive.
6. A window appears. Click the link Connect to a Web site that you use to store your documents and pictures.
7. The Add Network Location Wizard appears. Click the Next button.
8. Click Choose a custom network location.
9. Click the Next button.
10. Paste in the address from step 4 (above).
11. Click the Next button.
12. Enter your username and password.
13. Type in a name, which will be the title of the new folder on your desktop.
l4. Click the Next button.
15. Click the Finish button.

Click on the following link to view an excellent visual guide to the above, presented in PDF format from the University of GUELPH:

webdav_blackboard

The second issue involves a bug in Vista (i.e. it works fine if using Windows XP) regarding the ability to use the Open as Web Folder function within the File Manager action link. Regardless of whether you download and install the KB907306-ENU Microsoft update, you will only see a new window that is blank (whereas you should expect a username password prompt, followed by a display of the files contained within the Web Folder).