FAQ
What is Filelocker?
Filelocker allows you to share files with other people both inside and outside of Virginia Commonwealth University. It is a temporary and secure storage system for sharing files and data. You can send files to anyone with a valid email address.
Who can use Filelocker?
Files are typically shared with anyone who has a VCU eID. However, Filelocker also allows sharing with individuals outside the university.
Can people outside of VCU send me files?
If you need a file from someone who doesn't have a VCU eID, you can email them an Upload Request.
Will my files always be available?
No. Uploaded files are stored for 2 weeks, after which they are automatically deleted. Files may be set to expire sooner.
Is there a limit to the number of files I can store?
There is no limit to the number of files that can be uploaded - only a file size limit and overall storage limit. To have your storage quota increased, please submit an IT Support request.
What is the largest file size that can be uploaded?
The maximum file size may not exceed the remaining free space associated with your account and must be less than 4GB. Quotas are now 2GB by default. Once you have exceeded your storage quota, existing files will need to be removed before new files can be uploaded. You may have your storage quota increased upon request within reason and with a good reason. Please submit an IT Support request to do so.
Can I send files containing sensitive data through Filelocker?
Yes. Filelocker can be used to handle Category I information such as medical information and student educational records. Additionally, AES-256 encryption is implemented during file transfer and storage.
File share links are valid for one-time use only, after which they need to be re-shared. This helps protection the download link from being shared multiple times. Files that need to be shared multiple times require password protection. There are also options to set expiry dates on files, which defaults to a 2 week period.
Files are also scanned for viruses when uploaded and downloaded.
Can I send files to a listserv using Filelocker?
Yes, but you cannot share directly from within Filelocker, since messages are sent from Filelocker using an email address that does not have any listserv permissions. The solution is to share the file publicly, but allow multiple downloads. Then, grab the public share link and email it to the listserv.
Can I track which individuals have downloaded files?
Yes. Each file has download statistics. You can optionally select "Notify Me on Download" to be notified via email whenever the file is downloaded. Of course, if the file is shared publicly, you will not know the exact individuals who've downloaded the files - only a count of the individuals.
Can I send more than one file per message?
Yes, but this requires you to compress (e.g. zip) the files first. See Sharing Multiple Files for details.
Zipping can reduce file sizes, which makes for shorter upload and download times as well as more efficient use of account space.
Are the files I send through Filelocker backed up or stored permanently?
No. Filelocker is not a backup service. Think of it more like FedEx, but the packages you send are retained permanently at your end (and at your recipients end once they download them). Filelocker simply provides the transmission and tracking. If your files are deleted from Filelocker, you can always resend the files because they are saved on your computer.
This article was updated: 01/7/2020