Beginning with version 1.0b2, eXist has its own WebDAV implementation. WebDAV makes it possible to manage database collections in eXist just like directories in a file system. You may copy, remove, view or edit files with any application supporting the WebDAV protocol, including, for example, Windows Explorer, cadaver, KDE Konqueror, OxygenXML, XML Spy and many others.
In the default installation, the WebDAV server listens on http://localhost:8080/exist/webdav/db. The implementation is almost complete, however the PROPSET method is missing. MSOffice is reported to have LOCKing issues but most WebDAV clients should work well.
By default, the WebDAV server tries to use HTTP Digest Authentication as required by the standard. However, some Windows clients refuse to accept this, so the server has a fallback option and uses Basic Authentication if the client insists on it.
Be aware that there are multiple versions of webdav Microsoft libraries (and different flavours of bugs). To avoid some frustration if the steps below don't work for you, update windows XP for web folders, or take more information about Web Folder Client (MSDAIPP.DLL) Versions and Issues.
Windows Vista and Windows 7 both restrict access to webdav servers that use Basic HTTP authentication on non-SSL connections. This restriction can be solved by changing a registry key. Read more on MSDN and greenbytes.de.
Perform the following steps in Internet Explorer:
This enables you to access eXist from almost any windowsXP application that supports 'Network Places' in the standard File dialog:
First, go to "My Network Places", click "Add.."
Then select the service provider.
Then fill the URL of exist e.g. http://localhost:8080/exist/webdav/db/.
Finally click on icon to access eXist.
The eXist database can be accessed easily with the MacOsX Finder. First select in the Finder "Go" and "Connect to Server..."
Fill in the webdav url http://localhost:8080/exist/webdav/db/
Enter username and password...
And the database is accessible!
Note on SSL; Probably you'll get the message: Error: sun.security.validator.ValidatorException: PKIX path building failed: sun.security.provider.certpath.SunCertPathBuilderException: unable to find valid certification path to requested target.
You'll need to add the Server certificate to your trusted certificates keystore (more info).
Warning: when saving a document to the WebDAV server via Oxygen, remember to double check if the document path in the File URL field at the top of the dialog does really contain the URL to which you want to save the document. It happens very easily that you click on another folder or resource by mistake and thus overwrite the wrong resource.
Enter an URL like webdav://localhost:8080/exist/webdav/db. Use webdavs:// for webDAV over SSL.
