Agilix Backpack

There is a way to link content to the Blackboard server that causes the download from Blackboard to Backpack to fail. This method is called Xythos, which uses link ids called xlinks. This method probably allows the content to be linked and utilized in a more efficient manner by the server, overall. However, this new method does not work with Backpack, so if the school changes to this linking method then instead of seeing the content in Backpack you will see errors like this:

………………………………………………………………………………..

Document Not Downloaded (Error)

Start (59.4 KB) was not downloaded because of the following server error: Moved Temporarily (Found)

To try to download it again now, click the “Download Now” button below.

………………………………………………………………………………..

Unfortunately, when you click the Download Now button you simply end up in a cycle. The content never shows up.

You can tell if your school is using Xythos by looking at the links to content. If they use Xythos the links will and in xlink ids (something like “xlink_id=XXXX”).

The only solution to this problem at the moment is for the school not to use the new linking method.

Please make sure your system meets the Backpack system requirements. Many times people have problems because their system does not meet these requirements, so double check! You will save lots of time troubleshooting issues if you ensure your system will work.

Minimum Requirements:
32-bit Windows XP SP1 (SP2 for Tablet PCs) or 32-bit Windows Vista
Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0
Microsoft.Ink.dll CLR2.0 Update (KB900722) (for Tablet PCs)
500Mhz processor
256MB RAM
100MB Hard Disk

Recommended Requirements:
32-bit Windows XP SP2 / Vista
Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0
Microsoft.Ink.dll CLR2.0 Update (KB900722) (for Tablet PCs)
1Ghz processor
512MB RAM
200MB Hard Disk

Links for Downloading Required Microsoft Components:

Windows XP SP2 (via Microsoft Update)
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=3646727

Microsoft .NET 2.0
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=0856EACB-4362-4B0D-8EDD-AAB15C5E04F5&displaylang=en

FOR TABLET PC USERS
Microsoft.Ink.dll CLR2.0 Update (KB900722)
Update for Tablet PC Microsoft Ink and .Net Framework 2.0 compatibility.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=84bbefa4-7047-41df-8583-e3bdbf9d805f&DisplayLang=en

Unfortunately, Backpack does NOT work with MAC. It likely never will. Some MAC users have been able to take advantage of the benefits of Backpack by dual-booting their systems with Windows XP using Parallels or Boot Camp. If you are a MAC user then that may be an option for you. If that is not an option then unfortunately, there is no solution or work around.

To students:

Sorry folks, there is no compatibility with Blackboard 9. Blackboard removed the server component that facilitates the connection, called Mobilizer, from that version of the server. It is unlikely that Agilix will be able to re-develop that component as a building block for the new version of the server.

If you are currently using Backpack with Blackboard 7.x or 8.x then be aware that when your school upgrades to version 9 you will no longer be able to connect with Backpack.

To educators:

Agilix does not support the server-side code (”Mobilizer”) that is required to permit the connection between Agilix Backpack and the Blackboard server. That code, managed by Blackboard, Inc., is currently built into Blackboard server versions 7 and 8. However, Blackboard has decided to drop the Mobilizer from version 9, so Backpack will not be able to connect to that version.

Agilix develops others solutions that provide similar functionality, but not on the Blackboard platform. If you would like to learn more you can find more information about the solutions here: http://www.agilix.com/products.html and http://www.brainhoney.com/

There is also an instructor testimonial on YouTube here (this is a high school implementation): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSA3Ug2jXF4

Sorry guys – Backpack does not officially work with 64-bit systems.

If you try to install Backpack on a 64-bit machine you might run into an error 0X800F0214 (or similar).

Unfortunately, there are no current plans for a new release that will install natively on 64-bit systems. However, you might be able to get it to work by setting the 32bit .NET 2.0 runtimes as default fallback. The following link may be helpful:

http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/forums/en-US/phoenix/thread/9a43e9a1-a744-4a1a-bb34-3604254c126b/

NOTE: The link above appears to show you how to set your system to use the 32-bit CLR for .NET; however, other sources that advise against doing that. You will need to do some research and make your own determination.

Officially, Backpack is not compatible with 64-bit systems.

Backpack requires Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0. Most newer machines will have this version or a later version. However, if you do not have .NET 2.0, or if you need to reinstall it, you can find it on the Microsoft website by searching for “.net 2.0 redistributable” in Google. Or just try the link below:

Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=0856EACB-4362-4B0D-8EDD-AAB15C5E04F5&displaylang=en