Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most queried topics...
Q: Is there a user manual?
A: Yes, click here to download our PDF manual (or right click and choose Save As to store a copy)
Q: What is a Filebox?
A: A Filebox is an online space on a BigFilebox server that lets you upload and distribute electronic files of every type. It's always on and always available.
Q: What is Java?
A: Java is a plugin for your browser that can run specialised programs inside your web browser.
Q: Do I have to trust the Java applet when asked?
A: We use a Java applet to allow your browser to interact with your local filesystem. This makes it possible to upload multiple files and folders in one go. By default, your browser is set to not allow any access to your local files. For the applet to do its work and copy the files you select to the Filebox, you must click Trust or Yes when asked if you want to trust the applet.
Q: I've sent the wrong token to the wrong person, what do I do?
A: You can log into your filebox and delete the token from the token list. This will immediately block access to your Filebox for anyone using that token. If you have shared the token with other people, you will need to generate a new token and send it to the correct people.
Q: Who should I give a user account to?
A: When you give someone a user account, you are allowing them to administer the Filebox. They can add and remove files and folders, and issue and delete tokens. Usually, you would issue tokens to people internal to your organisation. We recommend you issues tokens to everyone else wishing to use a Filebox. You should always keep your account password secret and sharing it with someone else is against the terms of use of the site.
Q: Who should I give a token to?
A: Tokens are the best way of allowing access to a Filebox for people outside your organisation. A Read/Write token will allow someone up create folders, upload files and folders, download files and folders and delete the contents of a Filebox. A Read Only token only allows someone to download files.
Q: What is a project?
A: A project is an organisational structure for gathering together related Fileboxes. It doesn't convey any security information, it simply makes it easier to administer groups of projects. The account manager of a BigFilebox can delegate responsibility for managing Fileboxes within a project to users within the organisation.
Q: Who can create projects?
A: Only the account administrators can create or delete projects.
Q: Who can create Fileboxes?
A: The account administrators can create or delete Fileboxes. Users assigned as project managers can also create or delete Fileboxes within the projects they manage.
Q: I can't see any projects?
A: Only certain plans have projects - other plans organise Fileboxes into a single default project, which is not visible to users. You may also be logged into a Filebox instead of being logged in as an account administrator or project manager.
Q: Where do I see my account details?
A: All of the information about your account, including number of Fileboxes used, storage and bandwidth used, and billing information is available in the "My Account" page. Only someone logged in as the account administrator can see this information.
Q: Do you charge VAT?
A: The prices shown are exclusive of VAT. Customers within the EU area will be charged VAT at the UK rate of 20%.
Q: How does my bandwidth allocation work?
A: We measure the size in bytes of the files you upload and download. We add your uploads and downloads together to calculate the amount of transfer you have done in your billing period. If you reach the limit of your account, you cannot upload or download files until the start of your next billing cycle. You can if you wish upgrade to the next plan, which will give you an extra allowance right away. Note that if you choose to ZIP up your files before download, in some cases you can substantially reduce the amount of bandwidth you use. For files that are already compressed, making a ZIP file may not decrease their size by very much.
Q: How do I rebrand my BigFilebox for added professionalism?
A: If you are on a plan which allows you to brand your BigFilebox, you can upload an image in GIF, JPEG or PNG format which will then be displayed in the header of your BigFilebox. Look on your My Account page to see how to upload the image.
Q: Where is my data stored? Is it safe?
A: Your data is stored on our servers which are housed in professional data centers. However, remember that BigFilebox is a file exchange service, and you shouldn't use it as a long term storage service or as the only place where you have a copy of a file.
Q: Is my data backed up?
A: We have our own internal backup processes which allow us to restore your data in the case of a problem with our system. However, if you or one of your users removes a file or folder, we are not able to restore that for you.
Q: I have been sent a token for content I consider offensive/illegal. What should I do?
A: In the first instance you should contact the individual who sent you the token, as to maintain customer privacy we do not monitor or view the content stored in Fileboxes. If you have reason to believe that the content is illegal, report it to the the relevant local law enforcement authority.
Q: What file types can I upload?
A: You can upload any type of file. Whilst we support very large files, you may find it easier to keep files organised as collections of smaller files, simply because of the time required to upload and download them. Our service never looks at the content of a file, so any file format can be stored in a BigFilebox.
Q: Am I at risk from viruses?
A: We use a virus scanning system which is constantly updated, but this is no substitute for your own virus scanning software on your own network.
Q: I've forgotten my password, what do I do?
A: If you are the account owner, there is a link on the login page that will allow you to reset your password. If you are logging into a Filebox or Project, you should contact your local administrator, who can reset these passwords for you.
Q: What is a token?
A: A token is a web link that can be forwarded by email and embedded into documents. It allows a user to log into a Filebox by simply clicking the link. Be aware that having a copy of a token is the same as having a password - make sure you keep tokens secret in the same way that you keep passwords secure. Don't forward a token to anyone who you don't want to have access to a Filebox.
Q: Can I change my password?
A: An account owner can change their password on the My Account page. Project Managers and Filebox administrators should contact the account owner to have their passwords changed.
Q: Can I move files between Fileboxes?
A: Yes, you can copy or move files or folders between Fileboxes..
Q: Can I rename Fileboxes?
A: Yes, you can rename files, folders, fileboxes or projects.