Problems with large SCORM files on Moodle

[mhathaway]

I'm having difficulties uploading large (200MB-1.9GB) SCORM files to my Moodle (2.4.1-weekly on a 6GB Linux VPS).

It appears to be successfully uploading the SCORM file, through the file picker. This was the first hurdle I overcame - by tweaking the PHP settings, e.g. upload_max_filesize, etc. The problem occurs when I get to the final "Save and Return" button. It spends 1-2 mins loading/processing/thinking about it, but finally ends up returning an "Error: zero-sized reply" message.

This issue affects all the large (200MB+) SCORMs I have, including from different producers. SCORMs smaller than 150MB have been successfully installed, including on the most recent Moodle 2.4.1+.

I've been trying to debug this for so long I cannot see the wood for the trees anymore. It's an issue that gets raised again and again on the Moodle forum, but never properly answered. Does anyone have an insight into this problem, or have any helpful suggestions.

[penfold_99]

I'm having difficulties uploading large (200MB-1.9GB) SCORM files to my Moodle (2.4.1-weekly on a 6GB Linux VPS).

It appears to be successfully uploading the SCORM file, through the file picker. This was the first hurdle I overcame - by tweaking the PHP settings, e.g. upload_max_filesize, etc. The problem occurs when I get to the final "Save and Return" button. It spends 1-2 mins loading/processing/thinking about it, but finally ends up returning an "Error: zero-sized reply" message.

This issue affects all the large (200MB+) SCORMs I have, including from different producers. SCORMs smaller than 150MB have been successfully installed, including on the most recent Moodle 2.4.1+.

I've been trying to debug this for so long I cannot see the wood for the trees anymore. It's an issue that gets raised again and again on the Moodle forum, but never properly answered. Does anyone have an insight into this problem, or have any helpful suggestions.

 

What is max_post_size set in your php config?

 

I could be timeout on upload, have a look at execution timeout.

[CyberNerd]

I've been having the same issue on 2.3 - the upload works fine then it takes ages to unpack it.

My theory is its because they changed from the unzip utility in the O/S to a php one that doesn't seem as efficient.

 

The 'workaround' (assuming you php.ini is correct) is just to leave it unpacking and letting it error - it does eventually unpack larger SCORM files.

You might need to increase the time you allow scripts to run as well.

[mhathaway]

post_max_size is 2048M

upload_max_filesize is 2048M

 

max_execution_time is 60

 

I'm not sure the max_execution_time is applicable though, because it definitely spends longer than 60-secs before it times out. As I'm already clutching at straws, I will try doubling the execution time.

[CyberNerd]

I kept increasing max_execution_time, until it worked. I'm on about 15min now!

[InterwebsGuy]

You might also hit problems with files approaching 2GB due to PHP's x86 limitations.

 

We suffer many headaches with courses exceeding 2GB!

[mhathaway]

I followed CyberNerd's advice and kept increasing the max_execution_time until it worked. 15mins was correct.

[penfold_99]

I've been having the same issue on 2.3 - the upload works fine then it takes ages to unpack it.

My theory is its because they changed from the unzip utility in the O/S to a php one that doesn't seem as efficient.

 

The 'workaround' (assuming you php.ini is correct) is just to leave it unpacking and letting it error - it does eventually unpack larger SCORM files.

You might need to increase the time you allow scripts to run as well.

 

You can always force moodle to use an external zip application

 

under Administration > Server > System Paths, you can set the path the zip executable (if installed)

 

On linux it would be /usr/bin/zip

On Windows it would be c:\program files\gnuwin32\bin\zip.exe

[CyberNerd]

You can always force moodle to use an external zip application

 

under Administration > Server > System Paths, you can set the path the zip executable (if installed)

 

On linux it would be /usr/bin/zip

On Windows it would be c:\program files\gnuwin32\bin\zip.exe

 

 

The zip file path is not in 2.3. Did they put it back in on 2.4? I hope so!

[penfold_99]

@CyberNerd.

 

Have a look at this plugin,

 

https://moodle.org/plugins/view.php?plugin=local_externalzip

 

It puts the option back.

[CyberNerd]

Thanks - that looks like a much better fix.