How It Works FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions.
Click on the question(s) to see the answer.

About the Service
Q. Why multiple users on an account?
Q. What does it cost to add additional users?
Q. How to add users to my account?
Q. How to remove users from my account?
Q. How do I use a Workspace?
Q. How do I access a Workspace?
Q. What is a Secure Message?
Q. What is a Secure Workspace?
Q. Why not just use email?
Q. Why not FTP?
Q. Does Bit Weld replace email?
Q. How secure is my data?
Q. How does Bit Weld protect my privacy?

File Delivery Questions
Q. How do I send a file?
Q. How does my guest send files to me?
Q. Why send versus share a file?
Q. Can I send any type of file?
Q. When is my file ready for download?
Q. How long is my delivery available for download?
Q. Can I send multiple files?
Q. What is the maximum file size?
Q. How many files can I send?
Q. How can I insure the correct recipients?
Q. How do I track receipt?
Q. How do I know when the recipient has downloaded my files?

File Receipt Questions
Q. How do I receive a file?
Q. How long is a file available for download?

Workspace Settings
Q. What permissions do others have with the workspace I’ve created?
Q. Can I change settings after a workspace is created?

Accounts
Q. How do I cancel my account?
Q. What if I forgot my password?
Q. How do I reset my password?
Q. How do I upgrade my account?
Q. How do I downgrade my account?

System Requirements
Q. What browsers to you support?
Q. Do you support Macs, Windows, Linux?
Why multiple users on an account?

Just as most employees have their own email address but share email services, it makes sense to have multiple employees on the same shared Bit Weld account. Each user has their own account login, messages, and workspaces. But they share billing, branding, usage, and other account services. Bit Weld includes numerous features to simplify usage, reporting, and administration.

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What does it cost to add additional users?

For plans supporting multiple users, there is no per-user fee.

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How to add users to my account?

Users may be added to the account by the account user(s) with administrative permissions.

1. When logged in, hover the mouse over your account name in the upper right corner for a menu.
2. Select "New User" from the menu.
3. Follow the instructions to finish adding the new user.

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How to remove users from my account?

Users may be removed from the account or disabled by the account user(s) with administrative permissions. Disabling an account is strongly prefered as the user's workspaces and account properties are not lost. A disabled account blocks the user from logging in and accessing their workspaces. The account administrator may still view, remove, or change any workspaces, include those for disabled users, in the account.

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How do I use a Workspace?

A Secure Workspace is intended to be a flexible, secure, online location for files. Here are some of the more common uses:

  • Share a file or collection of files.
  • Securely store files online for anywhere, anytime access.
  • Send a secure message with confidential information.
  • Share files within a team.
  • Maintain an ongoing team discussion; tasks, schedule, notes, etc.
  • Store files for access from any location and any computer.
  • Secure bulletin board.
  • A private discussion thread.
  • A convenient shared portal.

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How do I access a Workspace?

Owner: The Workspace owner or the organization's administration may easily access from a logged in account.

Visitors: Others, called Workspace users, may access the Workspace using the browser link or tracking ID as provided by the owner. If the Workspace owner has setup access controls, Workspace users may need a password or signature to gain access.

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What is a Secure Message?

Similar to email, sending a Secure Message is a simple, one-way transaction. Send a confidential message with any size attachments. The recipient(s) are notified of the message via email and retrieve the contents using their browser. Receive Secure Messages via a dropbox. Once a Secure Message is sent, it is locked and cannot be changed (however it can be deleted).

Get optional email alerts when a Message is sent or received. Track access to the Secure Message.

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What is a Secure Workspace?

A Secure Workspace is an online repository for files. Files can be organized into directories and sub-directories. The contents and access controls can be changed at any time by the owner. It can be optionally configured to allow others to make changes.

Get optional email alerts when a Workspace is accessed or updated. Track visitor access to the Secure Workspace.

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Why not just use email?

Like most tools, email is effective for certain tasks. However, email has a number of limitations:

  • Most email systems limit attachments to 10 MB. The sender may have a slightly higher limit, but the recipient may not.
  • Many email systems block certain file types as attachments.
  • Sending an email is similar to sending a postcard. There is minimal privacy. An email may reside in clear text on any email servers between the sender and recipient, making it easy for others to search & browse email.
  • Sending a private attachment by email results in multiple copies. So private information can be copied and kept on multiple email servers and multiple email boxes.
  • Mailbox storage limits are a common business issue. It helps to keep attachments separate.

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Why not FTP?

FTP is a traditional means for transfering files. But the cost of FTP administration is a challenge.

  • Ease of Setup. FTP sites require technical expertise to configure and remove.
  • Many IT groups limit the frequency and number of FTP changes.
  • Internet Access. Firewall issues are common in accessing FTP across the Internet.
  • East of Use: Non-technical users typically need to install an FTP client.

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Does Bit Weld replace email?

Bit Weld complements email, but doesn't replace email. For example, Bit Weld solves limitations with email privacy.

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How secure is my data?

Data security is a key service principle. Data protection is integrated into the service to provide peace of mind and regulatory compliance.

  • SAS-70 Type II Data Center Certification This auditing control is a strong indicator internal data center & security controls.
  • 256 bit SSL Encryption Network transmission is highly protected through 256 bit SSL.
  • Security Access Controls Easy-to-apply security controls restrict who can access which messages or files. Set controls per message or per workspace. Tightly restrict and track access, or allow wide-open access
  • Email Alerts Know about user access & changes via email alerts.
  • Tracking Know who accessed what information and when. Click to view history per Message or Workspace.

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How does Bit Weld protect my privacy?

We take our customer's privacy seriously and collect data as needed to configure, operate, and support the service on our customer's behalf. Note per our privacy policy that the conditions for sharing customer information are highly restricted.

Bit Weld posts its privacy policy on its website. Bit Weld's policy is to comply with the US Department of Commerce's safe harbor program.

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How do I send a file?

From your personal home page, click "Send Message"

1. Fill in the form.
2. Click send. Your recipients will be notified of the secure message via email.

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How does my guest send files to me?

Bit Weld provides a dropbox feature, allowing a user's guest to send files back to the user. This feature may be activated in account settings.

Setup the Dropbox:

1. User: When logged in, hover the mouse over your account name in the upper right corner for a menu. Select "Settings".
2. User: Select the "Secure Dropbox" tab.
3. User: Follow the instructions to provide the dropbox link to your guest.

Use the Dropbox:

1. Guest: Click the dropbox link or button.
2. Guest: Insert a secure note or upload files. Click send.
3. User (Recipient): Receive an email notification of the Secure Message. Log-in to view the Message.

Hint: Provide guests with your secure dropbox via a link, or a button on your website or blog. One popular option is to include your dropbox link (labeled "My Secure Dropbox") in your email signature.

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Why send versus share a file?

Bit Weld offers both send and share capabilities to address different needs.

  • Send a Secure Message Similar to email, sending a Secure Message is a simple, one-way transaction. Once a Secure Message is sent, it is locked and cannot be changed (however it can be deleted). Use Secure Messages to quickly get a message or files to any recipient(s). Or use your dropbox to receive Secure Messages from anyone.

    • Example: Send a Large File Use a Secure Message to send any file to any recipient.
    • Example: Send a Confidiential Note Use a Secure Message to send a private note to any recipient.

  • Share a Secure Workspace Secure Workspaces are best for either long-term or two-way interactions. Files can be replaced or removed. One can even allow recipients to make changes. Use Secure Workspaces an an online location to deliver or share files with recipients.

    • Example: Shared Online File Repository Share a collection of files with any recipient.
    • Example: Shared Online Data Room Create a private virtual data room for a project.


It's easy to transition between Secure Messages and Secure Workspaces. Why do this?

Example 1: A client sends a Secure Message via your dropbox. Since you will be working with this client for several weeks on a task and you want to update documents, you convert the Message to a Workspace.

Example 2: Maintain an online repository of documents. Create a Secure Message and send a few documents from the respository to a recipient. No uploading required.

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Can I send any type of file?

Yes, there are no restrictions on file names or types.

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When is my file ready for download?

A file is ready for download immediately after it has been uploaded.

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How long is my delivery available for download?

Bit Weld makes it easy to send and share with anyone. Since visitors and recipients need not have a Bit Weld account, it's important to set access controls per message or per share.

Bit Weld offers several options for managing user access and controlling file downloads. Easily control access through any combination of controls. Or allow unrestricted access with no controls.


  • Restrict Access Per Message or Per Workspace Restrict recipients though access controls.

    • Password. Set a password specfic to the Message or Workspace. All users must know this password to access the content.
    • Signatures. A signature allows one to track who accessed content when. It can be a name, email address, or custom identifier. Accept any or specific signatures
    • Authorized users. Tightly restrict access only to specific account users
    • Organization. Allow only users within your immediate Bit Weld account

  • Online / Offline Mode The Workspace may be toggled between online and offline mode. An offline Workspace is highly secure and visible only to the logged in owner.

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Can I send multiple files?

Yes, there is no enforced limit on the number of files in a Workspace.

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What is the maximum file size?

The maximum size per file is 2 GB. There is no enforced limit on the size of a Workspace.

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How many files can I send?

There is no enforced limit on the number of files in a Workspace, or the number or workspaces used.

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How can I insure the correct recipients?

Use access permissions to control who has access to a Workspace and when. There are several options for controlling access and downloads, as follows:
  • Restrict Access Restrict recipients though access controls.
    • Password. Set a password specfic to the Workspace.
    • Signatures. Accept any or specific signatures
    • Authorized users. Allow only specific account users
    • Organization. Allow only users within your immediate Bit Weld account

  • Online / Offline Mode The Workspace may be toggled between online and offline mode. An offline Workspace is only visible to the logged in owner.

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How do I track receipt?

Tracking is available at any time for any Workspace, showing details on access, downloads, changes, etc.

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How do I know when the recipient has downloaded my files?

Use alerts to get notifications as downloads occur or tracking to view history.

  • Alerts Alerts can be set per Workspace to notify the owner on downloads or changes. Notifications are delivered via email.
  • Tracking Tracking is available at any time for any Workspace, showing details on access, downloads, changes, etc.

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How do I receive a file?

One can receive files as a Bit Weld user or as a guest.

  • User Enter the URL to access the Workspace. Log on to the service. You now have access to the Workspace and it's saved as a recently access workspace on your home page.
  • Guest Enter the URL to access the workspace. You may need to know a workspace password or enter a signature.

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How long is a file available for download?

A file is available for download as long as the workspace owner chooses it to be available.

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What permissions do others have with the workspace I’ve created?

If a visitor has been given modify priviledges, they may add, change, replace, or delete any workspace content, including files or notes. They may not change workspace settings, including the name, access permissions, or status.

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Can I change settings after a workspace is created?

Yes, any workspace setting may be changed at any time after a workspace is created. If the workspace is locked, no changes may be made until it is unlocked.

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How do I cancel my account?

Contact support@bitweld.com to request an account be cancelled.

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What if I forgot my password?

Automatically email yourself your password hint from the log-on page.

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How do I reset my password?

Contact support@bitweld.com to request a password reset.

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How do I upgrade my account?

Contact support@bitweld.com to upgrade your account.

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How do I downgrade my account?

Contact support@bitweld.com to downgrade your account.

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What browsers to you support?

Bit Weld supports Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, Opera, and Google Chrome.

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Do you support Macs, Windows, Linux?

Yes, use any computer that has a browser

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