HFS Frequently Asked Questions (English)
What is HFS?
HFS allows you to easily share files between friends and family using your normal browser (usually, Internet Explorer or Firefox). HFS is so small that it fits on a floppy disk, and can even run from your USB !
How much does HFS cost?
HFS is completely free!
However, if you like the project, consider donating!
Does HFS contain spyware, trojans, or any malicious software?
Of course not! We respect rights and privacy of our users and do not bundle "malware". Indeed, I earn no money through this project. Since HFS is open source, you don't just have to trust us, you can check for yourself.
I need another feature, can you add it?
I use to read requests by users, and they are sometimes accepted. But keep in mind that the main drawback to adding more features is not CPU or memory overload, but usability. Users facing 1000 features spend a lot of time searching for the one they need. Remember too, that some features that seem essential when you are first starting become much less important as you grow more expert. This is part of the reason that HFS has both "Expert" and "Easy" modes.
We defend people's time, our time; not the CPU.
Does HFS work with my dynamic net address (dynamic DNS)?
Yes. The easiest way is to use a service that links a domain name to your IP address. There are several FREE services such as no-ip and dyndns.
Log into your service account, and then use Menu→Dynamic DNS updater.
A good alternative is to upgrade to a static address (static DNS) which can usually be obtained from your ISP.
What protocols does HFS support?
Will HFS support the FTP file transfer protocol?
FTP support is planned, but don't expect it soon. It may come in a major release after 2.0.
Does HFS support server-side scripting such as CGI or PHP?
No, HFS currently does not support popular server-side scripting such as CGI, PHP, or ASP. A simple scripting language was introduced in version 2.3, but keep in mind that HFS is only meant to be a simple file sharing server.
Which Internet browsers does HFS support?
The main point in browser compatibility is the template. If you use the default template, it is supposed to work on all major browsers, like Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Opera, Maxthon, Netcaptor. Some difficulties have been reported with some mobile browsers, like Opera mobile and Blackberry.
By installing a different template, you should check the its compatibility.
I do not like HFS's web interface, how do I change the look?
If you are competent in HTML, you can edit the HTML template by selecting Menu → Edit HTML Template. (only in expert mode) (No WYSIWYG editor is available for editing the HFS template.) You can find many customized templates from our users in the forum, as well as a Template Maker. Be warned, however, you do this at your own risk and there is no guarantee that your template will work in future HFS versions.
HFS reports the error "Cannot open port". What should I do?
This usually means the port that HFS tries is in use by some other application. To fix this, click the OFF button to de-activate the server, specify another port (1-65535) in the port box, and then click the ON button. It is recommended that you pick a port high in the range such as 17019 or 31028, etc. From a Dos window (cmd window) Use "netstat -an" to see what ports are in use, and pick something else, change one number. Any thing different.
What is the difference between Expert and Easy mode?
In Easy mode, a lot of HFS options are hidden for beginning users. If you are fairly knowledgeable about HFS, it is suggested that you use the Expert mode.
My download is interrupted! Does HFS support resuming of partially downloaded files?
Yep! HFS supports HTTP 1.1 download resuming with the help of a download manager.
Which download managers does HFS support?
HFS supports all the most popular download managers, but any download manager should fit.
Do I need to have my computer powered up and to be online?
Yes. Otherwise your friends can't connect to your computer and get files from you.
Your computer does need to be powered up and online. With a standard install of HFS, you will also need to be logged in to be able to run HFS and serve files. But if you register HFS as a service, then you just need to have the computer powered up, but you dont need to be logged in.
Things to remember:
1> To run HFS as a service, try this link
www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=197
2> Before you register the app as a service, do the following:
2.1> save the HTML template to a file (if you want to change the looks)
2.2> save the virtual file system to a file (.vfs).
This is required to be able to make any ongoing changes to the filesystem after you run HFS as a service.
3> Whenever you want to make any changes to HFS (looks or VFS), just open another instance of the HFS and import the template and/or VFS, make your changes and save them back to the same files. Keep this instance switched off.
4> To get the service instance to reflect the changes, restart the Windows service from the service manager.
My friend is uploading to my HFS server, but the upload got interrupted. How could I resume the upload?
Currently, the HTTP 1.1 specification does not include commands for resuming partial uploads. Therefore, this feature will not be implemented in future versions of HFS. (Unless FTP support is implemented.) HFS can be configured to delete partially uploaded files.
How do I protect my files on the HFS server? Are they safe from Internet hackers?
You can set a username and password for a file by right-clicking the file and selecting "Set user/pass". This will not, however, protect your files from prying eyes when they are downloaded by an authorized user since HFS does not encrypt the data that is being sent. For more information, see Secure your server.
What does the "hand" icon represent in the file system tree?
If you see an icon that looks like a hand, it means that HFS could not find/access the original source file. HFS hides the file from the web interface until it can successfully access this file.
I can locally access my HFS server, but when my friend tries to access my HFS server, he gets the "Unable to connect" or "The page cannot be displayed" error. Why?
This problem is most likely caused by a router or a firewall. If you are currently behind a network, make sure that the correct port is forwarded to your computer. (Instructions are available at http://www.portforward.com/ .) Additionally, try disabling software firewalls, or enabling HFS server permissions, if applicable. To simplify this process, use the Self Test feature in HFS. Self Test confirms whether your HFS server is working properly, and is very trustworthy.
How do I allow someone to upload to my server?
In order for someone to be able to upload to your HFS server, you must first create a "real folder" in the HFS file system. To do this, simply drag a folder from Explorer and release it into the HFS window. A prompt asks whether you want the folder to be Virtual or Real. Click Real folder. After the folder is created (red icon), you can set password permissions by right-clicking the folder, and choosing the Upload submenu.
What is the difference between a user account and a user/pass combination?
A user account is basically a shortcut for the user/pass combination since you simply select the user and HFS fills in the user credentials for you. Otherwise, HFS allows you to define user and passwords for different resources freely.
How do I add a comment to the password box that pops up when a user tries to access a password protected resource?
You can specify this comment by right-clicking the resource, and select the Customized realm selection.
I am trying to serve some HTML pages through HFS, and want to define an index page. How do I do that?
Specify the index file mask by right-clicking the home icon, and then click the Default file mask selection.
How do I change the default favorite icon on the HFS web-interface?
If you have a customized favorite icon to use, simply rename that icon to favicon.ico and drag it into the HFS file system. After that, you can hide the file by right-clicking the file and choosing Hide.
I am sharing a lot of files at once. Could I have HFS download multiple files or download the whole folder?
Since version 2.2 HFS supports folder archiving. With a single click you can download all files as a single download, in a TAR file. Windows doesn't handle such files, but any free software archiver does. If you don't know what a software archiver is, you may know WinzipTM (although this one is not free).
Could I upload multiple files or the whole folder at once?
HFS does not support upload of the whole folder at once. However, users can choose to upload multiple items by selecting them one- by- one on the HFS upload page. (By default, multiple upload fields are offered.)
Where is the Log out button?
Nowhere. There is none. The current way HFS identifies users is the method offered by HTTP, and it has no such feature. The only solution is to close your browser and reopen. I hope to make this better in a future release.
How do i configure my firewall / router?
There is no general method that works for all firewall / router combinations. Try searching "port forwarding" in Google. Some methods are listed below, but we need help with this section. (The best way to help is to contribute to the forum http://www.rejetto.com/forum/index.php?board=27.0)
Windows XP SP1 firewall
First, navigate to Network Connections. (Or open it in Control Panel.)
Then see which connection is Firewalled --> displays a little padlock icon in the top right .
Right-click the icon and select Properties .
Go to Advanced.
In the lower right Settings...
If you are using Port 80 which is the default for a Web Server (HTTP), just check the tick box. (But, be warned that some ISPs block port 80, so you may have to choose a different port number.)
If you are not using port 80 you have to Add... it yourself.
Description of service: HFS
Name or IP address: "You computer name as used by Windows"
External/Internal Port number for this server: "Any Port you set your HFS to"
Click OK to complete.
You may have to reboot or restart the connection for the new settings to take effect.
Instructions for some routers.
How can i change the port?
Just switch the server off, so you can edit the port box. To switch the server off, you have to click the ON button.
Internal IP address works, but when I use my external one it does not, any help?
It is normal, don't panic. you can't use internally your external address. Just don't. You should use localhost, or simply click the Browse button to watch what your users will see.
If your purpose is just to test that your server is working over the Internet, you must use the self test. Trust it.
Alternatively, you can access your server's external address by using a proxy/proxified connection, such as via anonymouse.
Does HFS work on Linux?
It is not designed to do so, but using latest Wine version has been reported to work fine by many users. Wine normally comes with your Linux distribution.