File Transfers

• File Transfers seem very slow. Why does it take so long to upload files?

• What is the best way possible to Upload a Large amount of files and folders?

• What are the different Upload methods and which one should I use?

• What is the maximum upload file size?

• Are there bandwidth limitations, as to how much I can transfer?

• What is the 2MB limit on downloads during the free trial?

• When downloading, I can "Open" or "Save" the file. Which should I choose?

• My upload/download never finishes, or it shows an error after a long wait

• How do I directly edit documents over the web?

• How can multiple people work directly on a shared folder without clashing edits?

Answers

File Transfers seem very slow. Why does it take so long to transfer files?

Performance of uploads and downloads is directly related to your bandwidth to the Internet.  Our data center supports the highest connection speeds available, so you will always get the best performance that your Internet connection provides.  FilesAnywhere performs ideally from a "broadband" connection: DSL, Cable Modem, and T1 connections. 

Your upstream bandwidth is the single most important factor that affects upload performance and success.

 

Even cable modems and DSL connections can operate at slower than expected speeds for the upstream portion of the connection, and if this is the case you can speak to you ISP about ways to achieve a faster uplink.
  
Test Your True Line Speed
You can test your connection to see your true speed in kilobits per second.  Please click the following link to perform the upstream speed test and measure the actual performance of your connection right now:
 
http://www.speakeasy.net/speedtest  (select "Dallas, TX")

 
Interpreting the Results:
Look at the measurement: "Upload Speed". This is how much file data IN KILOBITS that can be uploaded using your connection each second.  You can divide this number by 8 to get the results in KiloBYTES. KILOBYTES is the how file sizes are shown on your computer, and in FilesAnywhere, and in the upload progress screen.
 

Typical upload speed for high speed DSL or Cable Modem:  300-3000 kbps, or 38-375 KILOBYTES per sec. (1MB file in 3 to 30 sec)

Typical upload speed for a full office T1:  1200 kbps, or 150 KILOBYTES per sec. (1MB file in 6 to 10 sec)
Typical upload speed for high speed Fiber (FiOS):  2 Mbps - 30 Mbps, or 244-3662 KILOBYTES per sec. (1MB file in 1/4 to 4 sec)

Dial-up modem and satellite speeds depend on the connection type. You can expect a 1MB upload to take a few minutes.

 

Stopped uploads, performance less than above speed test results, or errors:
The standard Upload feature on the default Main View page is not recommended for files over 200MB, and will not work at all for files over 2GB in size.  For files over 200MB we recommend using the MultiUpload tab - or better yet use Handy Backup , FTP, SFTP or WebDAV (these methods are all included with WebAdvanced plans).

Try a small file first.  Sometimes what seems to be an error caused by a large file is actually a different problem, such as a connection timeout or a browser setting, which will be easier to troubleshoot by uploading a small sample file.  If a small file is failing, change the Options on your web browser back to Default, and verify your connection.  Also, try restarting your browser and check for available LOCAL disk space, since some temporary local space may be needed during file transfers.
   
We recommend you try the MultiUpload tab for uploads, since a detailed progress indicator displays the calculated time remaining, which make uploads easier to track.  Plus, the MultiUpload Java applet runs in its own window, so it is less prone to interruption on your computer, and you can upload entire folders with ease using drag-n-drop.

For very large uploads (more than 500MB) we recommend the WebAdvanced plan, which offers resume-able uploads, scheduling, background transfers and other benefits.

 

See also:

How to switch to a WebAdvanced Plan

My transfer never finishes or it shows an error after a long wait

1. Verify you are using the latest version of Internet Explorer and have applied all relevant Windows Updates (www.windowsupdate.com).
    

2. Reset your browser settings to clear any settings that may be causing problems. In IE6 for XP Service Pack 2, you can choose "Reset Web Settings" from the Tools menu.  If using a different browser version:

Internet Explorer 6.x Defaults
Internet Explorer 5.x Defaults
AOL Browser Defaults
 

2. Restart your web browser and try again.
    

3. Are you connected using a VPN to your office?  If so, disconnect the VPN and retry the transfer.  VPN routing can cause slow connections and may block transfers altogether if traffic is being routed through the remote VPN proxy instead of directly from your PC to FilesAnywhere.
    

4. Close ANY and ALL other software programs running, especially Firewall programs, ad blockers (we have no ads), and any other software that could be interfering with file uploads and downloads. Once transfers are working, these can be added back one at a time to determine if there is any conflict. If you have already removed known programs, you can take the extra step of removing temporary installed Internet software components: Tools/Internet Options/Settings/View Objects/Delete.
    

5. Ensure you have at least 200MB of free space on all of your local hard drives (since a temp directory is used by Windows in addition to the final destination directory).
    

6. Try uploading, then downloading a very small file (ex: 1KB). Is it only large transfers or is it all transfers that are failing?
    

7. If you are attempting to download the file to a network disk or removable disk - download directly to your local hard drive instead.
    

8. If you are behind a firewall and you are experiencing transfer problems with even medium-sized files (1MB or more) please consult your network engineer to see if there are any other limitations in-effect on your firewall. This is more likely for uploads, rarely for downloads unless the size is very large.
    

9. If you are using a wireless connection whenever download problems arise, narrow the scope of the problem by trying the same downloads while connected directly. If it is only a problem during wireless connections, the wireless router may be imposing settings that are not reliable for large downloads or the connection itself may not be consistent enough for large continuous downloads.
    

10. If the download fails or hangs after a long period of apparent success, consider using a "Download Manager" software program, which will allow you to resume your download if it is interrupted.
    
    See also:
    You can search for popular Download Manager software under the Internet category on CNet's site: www.downloads.com

Nothing Happens When I Click on Download (Macintosh)

If you are a Mac user: in Internet Explorer preferences, change the Download Folder under Download Options, then look for the downloaded files in that folder. If you continue to have problems on the Mac, please try the Firefox browser, which most users find to be trouble-free.

When downloading, I can "Open" or "Save" the file. Which should I choose?

Choose "Save" if you wish to save the file to your local hard drive. Select "Open" if you wish to directly open the downloaded file in the software program that is associated with the file extension. If you wish to make changes and update the file on FilesAnywhere, you will need to save the file with your changes to your local hard drive, then upload the file back to FilesAnywhere.

With a WebAdvanced plan, you get the ability to map a network drive to your FilesAnywhere account.  Once mapped, this means you can directly address your remote files using the drive letter than you have chosen, exactly like the files on your local C drive. 

See also: 

Edit Documents Directly Over the Web using Drive Mapping

How to switch to a WebAdvanced Plan

Why is there a 2MB limit on downloads during the free trial?

There is a download limit on individual file downloads for the 1GB Free Account. We describe this limit during the registration process and on the uploading page, and in the Terms of Use. This limit helps us keep the account free to use as long as you want. Unfortunately, we cannot prevent uploading files that are greater than the limit, because the server does not know how large the upload will be until it is finished.  If you need to download files that are more than the free account limit, please upgrade the account to any regular subscription.  These plans start at just $3.95 and you can activate the upgrade online immediately.  Also, our WebAdvanced plan does have a trial mode for 10-days which does not impose these limits, so you can try out the features without limitations.

Note: This policy enables us to keep our costs in check, keeping our subscription prices low, and continuing the free use as an effective evaluation tool. As a direct result of this policy, FilesAnywhere has never had a price increase on any of its member plans!

See also:
Are there bandwidth limitations, as to how much I can transfer?
 

What is the maximum upload file size?

There is no practical limit to the size of files that can be uploaded.  There are several restrictions to be aware of, however, that may apply to your situation:

1. 1 GB Free Accounts are limited in the file sizes that they are able to download.  Please refer to the Terms of Use for specific limits of the 1GB Free Account.  The free account allows for continuous free use, without advertising, and hopefully you can get some value out of that.
    

2. If any Upload depletes all remaining drive space, then Downloads will cease to function, until files are removed or the plan is upgraded.
    

3. Uploads typically take much longer to complete as compared to Downloads if you have DSL or a Cable modem. This is due to Upload speed limitations imposed by DSL and Cable modem providers. Modem connections can expect significantly long uploads, due to severe data throughput limitations with standard telephone connections. A network connection timeout on the FilesAnywhere servers can be reached if an Upload lasts longer than 24 hours. Thus, due to speed, a maximum file size may be reached. To prevent this, you may have to either reduce the size of what you are uploading or speed up your connection to the Internet.
   
   For large uploads you should consider the WebAdvanced plan, which offers resume-able batch uploads, no time limits on uploads, scheduling and other benefits.
    
   See also:
   How to switch to a WebAdvanced Plan

Are there bandwidth limitations, as to how much I can transfer?

There are no restrictions on the amount of data that can be transferred.  You can upload and download files that are up to the full size of your account storage.

What is the best way to Upload a Large amount of data?

With standard FilesAnywhere Plans, the Multi!Upload page should be used for any large transfers, since it provides more information on the upload progress, and allows entire folders to be transferred.
 
The FilesAnywhere WebAdvanced plans are ideal for uploading large batches of files and folders and even large individual files.  If you do not have a WebAdvanced plan and you need to upload a file or files that are over 1 GB in size, you we highly recommend that you switch to a Remote Backup plan.
  
The WebAdvanced plan comes with a method of uploading that provides the best overall stability for large transfers.  When you subscribe to the WebAdvanced plan, you install the Handy Backup for FilesAnywhere client software, which automates backups and provides folder synchronization.  Both the backup and synchronization job types can resume interrupted transfers, whereas the standard methods of uploading through the FilesAnywhere web interface require a restart from the beginning if there is a problem during the upload.  Uploads using the WebAdvanced software run completely in the Windows background, via the Handy Backup agent, so it provides better stability while you are working on other tasks in Windows.
 

See also:
How to switch to a WebAdvanced Plan

WebFolders User Guide
 

How do I Upload entire folders?

You can upload folders very easily using all of the Upload options except the standard upload tab (the default tab in the main view is only for files).  The easiest method depends on your plan type and your preference. 

Try the MultiUpload tab first, since this is usually the quickest method.  You can drag-and-drop from the Windows File Explorer into the MultiUpload list. Refer to the chart below for details on each Upload type.

See also:

How to switch to a WebAdvanced Plan 
WebFolders User Guide
 

Can I use Drag-and-Drop to upload my files and folders?

Yes, you can use Drag-and-Drop with all of these Upload methods:

1. MultiUpload (available with all plans)
 

• Click the MultiUpload tab. Your have the choice to use a Java applet (recommended for compatibility with all operating systems) or an ActiveX control (for compatibility with Version Control features)

• Open the Windows File Explorer. Arrange window so you also see the MultiUpload tab (restore window to smaller size, then move to the side)

• You can drag-and-drop files or folders into the MultiUpload tab  (if prompted, click Yes to recursively add subdirectories)

• Press the Upload Now button to begin the transfer of all files/folders.
  
   

2. Map Network Drive (available with all WebAdvanced plans and Private Sites)

PERSISTENT MAPPING
In addition to the shortcut method above, you can map a permanent link to your account, for use inside your applications and throughput Windows.  We recommend the WebFolder mapping below, but you can also map an actual drive letter:
 

• Step-by-Step WebFolder Instructions

Using any of the above methods, you can work with your files as if they were on your local PC.  You can open and save files directly from within your applications. 

Note: some database applications may not function on a Web-based network drive exactly like they do on a standard local area network drive.  To be certain, ask your software vendor about how their particular software is supported accessing data files through a "WebDAV " connection.
 

3. Handy Backup (available with all WebAdvanced plans)

WebAdvanced plans come with the desktop client application called "Handy Backup for FilesAnywhere".  When defining the backup job, or after it is defined, you can drag-and-drop any folders or files onto the backup job item to add these to the backup definition.  These will be uploaded the next time the backup job runs.  How to switch to a WebAdvanced Plan

4. FTP (available with all WebAdvanced plans, you can also use any 3rd-party FTP tool)

WebAdvanced plans come with FTP access to your account files.  You can use the Windows File Explorer to open the FTP location and drag-and-drop files or folders to your account. Here's how:

• Open the Windows File Explorer  (keyboard shortcut:  + E).

• Make sure you have the Address Bar visible at the top (View/Toolbars/Address Bar).

• Type "ftp://backup.filesanywhere.com/" in the Address Bar then press Enter.

• Enter your username and password, check "Save Password" then click "Login".

• Now you can drag-and-drop any files or folders exactly like you do on your local computer.
  
   

What are the different Upload methods and which one should I use?

This list summarizes the types of uploads that are possible, the security available with each, and which situations they are most useful:
 

How do I map a network drive to directly edit files over the web?

With a WebAdvanced plan, you get the ability to map a network drive to your FilesAnywhere account.  

See also:
How to switch to a WebAdvanced Plan
WebFolders User Guide

 

Once mapped, this means you can directly address your remote files using the drive letter than you have chosen, exactly like the files on your local C drive.

SIMPLE SHORTCUT METHOD

Here is a simple way to Download or Upload multiple files/folders using a WebFolder mapping to your account, and directly open/edit/save files in Microsoft Windows:

1. Login to your account using INTERNET EXPLORER (this method does not work in Firefox)

2. On the main Upload screen, do you see the Upload button?  Right below that, look for "WebFolder Shortcut (secure): A shortcut on your Desktop...."  Just click there on the icon or on the blue link "Click here and Save to Desktop".

3. Choose "Open" to immediately open the account in a window - from this window you can copy and paste, drag/drop, and do most everything you can do with a local drive.  

Tip:  Choose "Save" instead of Open after clicking this link, then save the link as a shortcut on your desktop, for quick easy access in the future.

4. To download multiple files, simply select them from the window, right-click, and choose COPY.  Then go to your "My Computer" folders and locate the destination where you want the files, right-click and choose PASTE.

PERSISTENT MAPPING
In addition to the shortcut method above, you can map a permanent link to your account, for use inside your applications and throughput Windows.  We recommend the WebFolder mapping below, but you can also map an actual drive letter:
 

• Step-by-Step WebFolder Mapping Instructions

Using any of the above methods, you can work with your files as if they were on your local PC.  You can open and save files directly from within your applications. 

Note: some database applications may not function on a Web-based network drive exactly like they do on a standard local area network drive.  To be certain, ask your software vendor about how their particular software is supported accessing data files through a "WebDAV " connection.
 

Can multiple people work directly on a shared folder without clashing edits?

Some popular applications support multi-user file locking, such as Microsoft Excel.  Using Web Folders, you can open a spreadsheet for editing directly.  When another person with access to the same shared folder attempts to open the file, they will get a warning that the file is already opened for editing.  The file can then be opened read-only, while the other person finishes their updates.

How to try this: open a free trial account and try accessing the same file from both computers with a WebFolder mapping to the remote account on each computer.  Also, you can ask your software vendor about how their specific software is supported when accessing files through a "WebDAV " connection.

Another method is available to you, which prevents editing clashes in 100% of file types: Version Control .

FilesAnywhere has a built-in feature called "Version Control ", perfect for multi-user editing if you want to prevent duplicate work on the same document at the same time.  This feature forces users to "Check out" a file for editing, which puts a red checkmark on the file icon and prevents any other user from changing the file, until it is checked back in.  This process automatically records file activity in a log, so you can review a log of each file change at anytime, and even get email alerts!  Version Control is only available for use via the web interface (web login).  Please see the link below for details on this reliable group-editing feature:
 

More Information on Multi-User Version Control