Frequently Asked Questions

What is GFileStorage?
How much does GFileStorage cost?
How do I run GFileStorage?
Do I need to create my own Gmail account?
Does GFileStorage violate Gmails terms of use?
How large of a file can I upload?
Can I encrypt my files?
How much storage space does GFileStorage offer?
Why is GFileStorage running slow?
Why is GFileStorage not working?
Where can I request a feature?
Why can I not login to GFileStorage?

What is GFileStorage?
answer: GFileStorage is an online storage solution that does not have the restrictions other online storage sites carry. GFileStorage is designed to be accessible, private, and contain a rich feature set.

How much does GFileStorage cost?
answer: Absolutely free, along with no advertisements.

How do I run GFileStorage?
answer: You can download our no install executable from here, or run GFileStorage from your web browser here. When running from the web browser you will be prompted to accept a security certificate. Rest assured GFileStorage is completely free of any malware, and that GFileStorage does not collect any of your file transfer activities. (View our rock solid privacy policy)


Do I need to create my own Gmail account?
answer: Yes, GFileStorage uses your Gmail accounts to store your files. You will also need to enable IMAP on your Gmail account. View our How To for assistance.
It's recommended that you create new Gmail accounts for GFileStorage, but if you use existing accounts here is a simple filter to apply *|*|* .

Does GFileStorage violate Gmails terms of use?
answer: That is a hard question to answer. I personally have read the terms of use and can find no violations in using GFileStorage, but I am not a lawyer and could very well be wrong. Google also states that at anytime they can change the terms of use, or revoke your account without cause. (View Gmails terms of use) If you decide to use GFileStorage, like any backup solution, I would recommend a redundant alternative.

How large of a file can I upload?
answer: GFileStorage can upload any file size as long as the account it dynamically selects has the space. Currently Gmail is offering just under 7 GB of storage per account. A version of GFileStorage allowing file size uploads up to the maximum storage space off all accounts combined was implemented and can be released if enough demand exists.

Can I encrypt my files?
answer: GFileStorage transfers your files via Transport Layer Security (TLS) and its predecessor Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), which prevent eavesdropping and tampering. GFileStorage also provides added encryption (if the user desires) prior to an upload which also persists on Google's server further preventing eavesdropping. Warning If the added encryption is selected then the GFileStorage application will be the only means to decrypt your file. Thus preventing you from using it meaningfully if you download it directly from Gmail.

How much storage space does GFileStorage offer?
answer: GFileStorage offers as much space as you throw at it. For every Gmail account you link, you gain just under 7GB of storage space.

Why is GFileStorage running slow?
answer: GFileStorage will upload and download as fast as Gmail's SMTP(Upload) and IMAP(Download) coupled with your local connection allow. GFileStorage has minimal overhead with downloads, but uploads will typically incur an extra 2 seconds to update its manifest. Along with your internet connection speed your processing power will effect performance when sending the manifest, and processing requests to send vast amounts of files.

Why is GFileStorage not working?
answer: It could be a lot of things;
a. Internet Connection, make sure your connection is established
b. Firewall, GFileStorage uses port 993(IMAP) and 465(SMTP)
c. Is Java 6 installed?
d. For the web based runner you will need to have a java enabled browser. (Firefox, and Internet Explorer both are (32bit))
e. A critical error occurred within GFileStorage, to check this click the Log tab from within the application (Looks like a lady bug). If you see a message that seems like a complicated error report its possible a serious issue was encountered. You can copy the error and report it to our bug tracker, or send us an e-mail at support@gfilestorage.com . We are constantly testing, but GFileStorage is still in Beta and undoubtedly will contain bugs. Please report any issues you might have so that we can fix them asap.

Where can I request a feature?
answer: You may request a feature, report a bug, or simply discuss things at our forum.

Why can I not login to GFileStorage?
answer: Many causes can prevent you from being able to log into GFIleStorage:
  1. Make sure you have the right username and password.
  2. Make sure IMAP is enabled - you can view our How To for instructions on how to set up IMAP
  3. If the above two steps are set up properly its possible Google is requiring you to verify your account information. You can do that via Gmails web interface.
  4. If the above three steps have been satisfied, then your account might be temporarily locked (24 hours), this can happen when you exceed the daily quota of 500 uploads. You can prevent this from happening by linking in additional accounts.
  5. Its possible Gmail is having issues(SMTP, IMAP). Gmail is still beta and I personally have encountered various issues with the service. If this is the case be patient, Gmail is a great product and its downtime should be brief.