Uploading Using the XNAT Desktop Client (DXM)

Overview

The XNAT Desktop Client, also known as the Data Transfer Manager (DXM), is a standalone application used to upload and download imaging session data to CNDA (powered by XNAT).

It supports XNAT 1.7.5 and later and is available for:

Windows
Mac OS
Linux

The client is designed to anonymize and securely upload imaging sessions directly to CNDA.

Downloading the Client

Download the latest version from:

https://download.xnat.org/desktop-client/

Under Get the XNAT Desktop Client, choose the version that matches your operating system.

If you are unsure which version to install, contact your IT department.

Download Page

Installing the Client

Installation steps vary by operating system.
You can read the official installation guide here in case needed:

https://wiki.xnat.org/xnat-tools/xnat-desktop-client-dxm/installing-the-xnat-desktop-client

Installing on Windows

The Windows version includes an embedded Java Runtime Environment.

For best results, install on a native Windows system rather than a virtual environment.

Installation Steps

Download the .exe installer.
Open the installer from your Downloads folder.
Click Yes if prompted to allow changes.
Complete the setup wizard.
Click Finish.

Windows Setup

After installation, the client will launch.

Client Landing Page

First-Time Setup

When launching the client for the first time, you must add the CNDA server.

Click Add New XNAT Server.

Add Server

Enter:

Server:   cnda.wustl.edu
Username: your CNDA username
Password: your CNDA password

Note: server should always be exactly cnda.wustl.edu

Click Login.

Your connection settings will be saved for future sessions.

Recommended Configuration

Run as Administrator (Windows)

For improved stability:

Right-click the desktop icon
Select Run as Administrator

If administrator access is not available, continue normally.

Adjust Upload Concurrency

Reducing concurrency can prevent freezing during upload.

Click the Settings (gear icon) in the top right.
Select User Settings.
Locate Upload Concurrency.
Change the value to 1.
Click Save.

Concurrency Setting

This forces uploads to run as a single stream.

Proxy or Network Issues

The client uploads data via HTTPS to:

https://cnda.wustl.edu

If Uploads Freeze or Fail

If your upload freezes or fails to start:

Ask your IT team to whitelist cnda.wustl.edu
Ensure outbound HTTPS traffic is not blocked or routed through a restrictive proxy
Review troubleshooting steps here:
Desktop Uploader Troubleshooting Guideopen in new window
If issues persist, contact: cnda-help@wustl.edu

Uploading an Imaging Session

Launch the Client

Open the XNAT Desktop Client and log in.

Client Icon

The Home page will display.

Home Menu

Start Upload

Click Upload Files.

Upload Button

Select the destination Project.
Only projects you have access to will appear.

Select Project

Message About Missing Anonymization Script

When selecting your project during upload, you may see this warning:

Warning: No anonymization scripts found!
Anonymization scripts are not set for this site or this project. Do you want to continue?

For most users, this message is expected and not an error.

It simply means that a server-side anonymization script is not configured for that project.
This does not prevent uploading and does not indicate a problem.

You may safely click Continue and proceed with the upload.

Note: If you are unsure whether your project should have an anonymization script, contact the CNDA team.