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Synchronization FAQ
Why does it take that long to synchronize my files?
The synchronization depends on the number and size of the files to synchronize. Also the speed of your internet connection and the load of the SFU vault servers are factors that can slow down synchronization.
The synchronization does not seem to work at all, why?
Make sure you are connected with the Internet and that you are logged in with the right username and password. Try to quit the SFU vault desktop client (by right-clicking the small cloud-logo in the task- or status-bar and choose 'Quit SFU vault') and start it again. However please have some patience - sometimes it just takes some time until the synchronization process starts, since there is no 'Force-Sync' function.
Check in the settings of the SFU vault client in the general tab if you have disabled the synchronization of big folders. Also please make sure that you have the latest SFU vault client installed.
Some files are not synched properly, what should I do?
One of the biggest causes for Vault's syncing problem is the use of special characters in directory and file names.
Symptoms: Desktop clients unable to complete syncing. This can occur on all platforms or selected ones, hence creating confusion as to where the actual cause is.
Remedy: Rename the directory or file name to eliminate the use of special characters. This seems to resolve many of the problems.
Explanation: Although the SFU Vault servers use correct character encoding, occasionally due to the Linux legacy of the underlying Owncloud software, the application is trying to interpret special characters instead of treating them just like any other characters. This has been observed by other operators with German umlauts and reported as software bugs.
Recommendation: As a general precaution to avoid potential problems it’s advisable to refrain from using special characters in directory and file names. This includes: " ! # $ % & ' ( ) * + : \ < > / ?. When these character are bracketed with spaces, the probability of encountering file syncing problems increase.
I've accidentally deleted a file. Can I get it back?
If you've deleted a file you can retrieve it through the web client of SFU vault. Click "Deleted files" on the top-right corner. Select the files or folders you would like to restore and press "Restore".
How do I permanently delete a file or folder?
All files and folders you delete are saved for a certain amount of time, to allow you to restore them. If you would like to permanently delete a file, go to the web client of SFU vault. Next, go to "Deleted files" in the top-right corner. Here you can select the files you would like to permanently remove. Click the "Delete" symbol on the right hand to remove the files permanently.
How do I prevent certain files or folders to be synced with my computer?
This might come in handy if you for instance have a directory with a lot of (large) files, such as "Movies" or "Backup". You might not want to sync these files to every computer you have. To prevent SFU vault from doing this, go to the desktop-client (right-click on the SFU vault symbol ) and press "Settings". In the main-tab on the left you can uncheck the files or folders that should not be synced to your computer. The files are NOT deleted, they are just not synchronized to your computer.
How can I keep a file synchronized on my mobile device?
On Android devices you click on a file and check the box 'Keep file up to date'.
On iOS devices you only need to tap on the file to keep it synchronized.
I am on a limited data plan on my mobile. How can I prevent huge data exchange due to synchronization while on mobile data?
You can prevent SFU vault from using mobile data. This is useful if you are on a data plan that does not allow unlimited data transfer.
On Android devices, go to Settings -> Data usage, and then choose SFU vault and check 'Restrict background data'
On iOS devices, go to Settings -> Cellular, and scroll down to SFU vault and swipe the slider off. If SFU vault is missing in that list, you have to use SFU vault first while on a mobile data network. As soon as some data has been transferred over a mobile data network, SFU vault will be shown on that list.
If vault is down, what happens to my files?
A: The files will still exist on the desktop app of SFU vault, but they will be inaccessible through the web client or mobile apps while the service is temporarily unavailable.
Why don't I see my synchronized file icons on my Mac?
New security features in Mac OS 10.12+ prevent third-party Finder extensions from automatically loading, when the software is installed automatically (like on managed Macs).
To enable these icons, open System Preferences: Extensions: and click ON the "sfuvault" Finder extension.