Moodle File Upload Errors: Diagnosis and Fixes

Uploading files is one of the core functions of Moodle, whether you’re adding PDFs for course reading, SCORM packages for interactive learning, or video lectures to enhance engagement. When the upload fails, it can grind progress to a halt and frustrate educators and learners alike. In this article, we’ll walk through common causes and effective fixes when you’re unable to upload files to Moodle, particularly focusing on standard file types like PDF, H5P, SCORM, IMCC, and video formats.

Outline

• Common Symptoms of the File Upload Issue

• Why Moodle Won’t Let You Upload Files: Root Causes

• Troubleshooting and Fixes

• Preventive Maintenance Tips

• Benefits of Hiring Moodle Expert Developers

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

I recently migrated my site to Mindfield from another host, and the experience couldn’t have been better. Mindfield kept working until they were certain that my site was operating as well as it was before, and they even helped clean up a few issues to improve my site’s performance – issues my prior host never mentioned. I also found Mindfield’s communication to be excellent. Before the migration, they prepared me for what to expect, and during the migration they kept me well-informed. No small feat considering that changing hosts is inherently stressful! They also provided clear and concise explanations when required. I’d highly recommend Mindfield if you’re looking for an IT consultant, developer, or host.

 

Jim Benedek

Owner, Student First Media Inc.

Review Source: Google Reviews

Common Symptoms of the File Upload Issue

Before diving into solutions, it’s helpful to recognize the typical signs of a file upload problem in Moodle. Here’s what users often experience:

• Error message like “File upload failed.”
• Files loading indefinitely with no success
• File appears to upload but doesn’t save
• Specific file types (e.g. H5P or SCORM) fail while others succeed
• Upload limit messages even for small files

Why Moodle Won’t Let You Upload Files: Root Causes

Understanding the underlying causes is key to applying the right fix. These issues typically stem from server settings, browser problems, or permission restrictions:

1. Server-Side File Size Restrictions
   • PHP configuration settings (upload_max_filesize, post_max_size) are too low.
   • Moodle site settings restrict file upload size.
   • File size exceeds course or activity limits.
2. Incorrect File Permissions
   • The Moodle moodledata directory doesn’t have write permissions.
   • Web server user (e.g., www-data) cannot create temporary files.
3. Browser or Connection Issues
   • Upload interrupted by unstable internet connection.
   • Browser caching errors or cookie issues.
4. Unsupported or Misconfigured Plugins
   • SCORM and H5P packages might require plugin updates.
   • IMCC file formats need custom handlers which may not be installed.
5. Incorrect MIME Types or Blocked Extensions
   • Some servers block specific MIME types or extensions by default.
   • Moodle administrator might have restricted uploads to specific file types.
6. Course or User Role Restrictions
   • Instructors or students lack permissions to upload certain file types.
   • Course settings prevent certain resource types from being added.

Troubleshooting and Fixes

Once you’ve identified the possible cause, use these targeted solutions to resolve the issue and get file uploads working again:

1. Check File Size Settings

• Navigate to: Site administration > Security > Site policies
• Increase “Maximum uploaded file size” if needed.
• Check PHP settings using phpinfo() or contact your hosting provider to update:
  upload_max_filesize = 100M
post_max_size = 100M
max_execution_time = 300

2. Correct File Permissions

• Make sure your moodledata directory is writable:
  sudo chown -R www-data:www-data /path/to/moodledata
sudo chmod -R 755 /path/to/moodledata
• Clear the Moodle cache after changes.

3. Browser and Connection Checks

• Clear browser cache and cookies.
• Try a different browser or incognito mode.
• Ensure stable internet during upload.

4. Validate and Update Plugins

• Visit Site administration > Plugins > Plugins overview.
• Update SCORM and H5P libraries.
• Reinstall IMCC handler if custom.
• Check plugin compatibility with your Moodle version.

5. Allow Necessary MIME Types and Extensions

• Go to Site administration > Server > File types
• Add missing types (e.g., .h5p, .mp4, .zip, .imcc).
• Confirm your hosting provider doesn’t block these MIME types.

6. Review Course and Role Permissions

• Verify permissions in: Site administration > Users > Permissions > Define roles
• Ensure your role has rights to upload files and create resources.

Preventative Maintenance Tips

To avoid future file upload issues, take proactive steps to maintain your Moodle site’s health:

• Regularly update Moodle core and plugins
• Monitor error logs (/var/log/apache2/error.log or Moodle logs)
• Create a test course to validate new plugins or formats before enabling them sitewide

Benefits of Hiring Moodle Expert Developers

Moodle experts bring invaluable expertise to institutions seeking to optimize their Learning Management System (LMS) through custom Moodle plugins, advanced integrations, and tailored solutions. Whether addressing limitations in existing Moodle plugins like Recompletion, enabling bulk enrollment with conditional access, or developing one-click emergency export functionalities, Moodle experts can craft bespoke solutions that align with an institution’s unique needs. Their deep understanding of Moodle’s architecture ensures seamless Moodle plugin development, dashboard enhancements, and automation processes that improve user experience and streamline administrative workflows. By leveraging expert support, institutions can enhance learning outcomes, maintain system stability, and future-proof their Moodle platforms for evolving educational demands.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)