Using the Website Browser
How to manage your files on your website
The Website File Browser allows you to manage your own website files as part of your RightStart basic hosting package.
(Note: Remember that once you start managing your own website files that the RightStart Program is no longer responsible for the function and reliability of your website pages.)
Overview
The Browser is made up of three areas:
- Toolbar - These are actions and commands that allow you to manage your files. (Details on how to use the toolbar will be found below)
- Left directory structure pane - This is the "tree" structure of your website directory. If you want to see the contents of any folder you click the folder and the right pane will display the contents. There are a number of terms of which you should be familar:
- Root Folder - this the main folder for your website
- Parent Folder - This is the folder that contains files and other folders
- Right Folder Content pane - This is the pane that shows the contents of the currently selected/clicked folder. It may also contain other folders.
Tutorial
To access the Website File Browser click the following link.
You will first see the broswer home page with a button "Browser Login". Click this button and that will open up the login window.
You will have received the required login information from your RightStart Program manager. Remember that this information is case sensitive and copy it exactly to the proper fields.
Why so much information required for the login?
This is because of security. You don't want anyone having access to your website and requiring 4 values that must match exactly to our records. Someone accidentally guessing those values will be nearly impossible.
Once you have logged into the browser you will see a window that looks very much like the standard Windows file browser (similar to the picture at the beginning of this article).
There are some differences between this window and a Windows Explorer window. This is because you are using a web browser and therefore the way it works is going to be different. We will be discussing those differences next.
The key to using the Website File Browser is in the Toolbar. The following commands are available:
- Up - this will move your view up ONE folder from it's current location. If your current location is at the parent folder then it will have no effect.
- New folder - First select the parent folder in which you want your new folder to reside in the left pane. Then click "New Folder", a dialog box will appear and then type in the name of the new folder.
- Upload - Click and a standard Explorer file browser will appear. Browse to the select file and clidk "OK". You file will be uploaded to the current "content pane". You can only upload one file at a time.
- Upload/unzip - Before using this command. Zip up the files you want to upload. The click this command and browse to the zip file previously created. Your files will be unziped in the current "content pane"
- Download - Click the "check box" next to the file or folder you want to download. Your files will be zipped up and downloaded with the name "files_from_browser.sonicspider.com.zip". You will need to unzip this file before you can see your files. (Note all files are zipped, even a single file. This insures fast deliver of all downloads)
- Delete - Select the checkbox next to the file you want to delete. Click the Delete command.
What are those files with the "dot underscore" before their name?
These are special files that are considered "hidden" by the underlying Unix operating system. Your browser shows all files, even the hidden ones. You can delete them if you want, but they will not cause problems or affect what you are doing.
I try and do something with a file and nothing seems to happen?
Look just above the browser window and you may see an error message. Write this message down and call the Tech Support number you see in the upper right corner. We will promptly look to the problem or explain why it did not work in the way you expected.
Once you are finished managing your files, be sure and click the "Log out" button found just under the broswer window.
If you require assistance, email your problem to: