Tuesday 4 January 2011

Help For WiFi File Explorer and SECuRET LiveStream Users


I often receive similar emails asking for help with 2 of my applications, WiFi File Explorer and SECuRET LiveStream, so I thought I would write a post that I can point users in the direction of to help answer their common queries. I should point out that the huge majority of users suffer no problems whatsoever with these applications – it is only a small handful of users that get caught out with this issue.

Both applications are similar in that they both require you to connect your Android device to a WiFi network and then when they start, you are prompted to enter a web address into a browser on a computer which is connected to that same WiFi network. Without going into too much technical detail, both WiFi File Explorer and SECuRET LiveStream are custom web servers that allow you to interface with your Android device using a web browser.

So the common problem is that users will start either one of the applications on the Android device, it will prompt them to enter an address into a web browser and then ... massive letdown - nothing will happen in the web browser; it will just display a connection error, or timeout. This leads to the inevitable poorly spelt, “Dis app sux – don’t even work. Uninstalling.” comment ... by the way, why do so many people include, ‘uninstalling’ in their comments? Do other people really care if they uninstalled the application or not?

Ah, but the applications don’t ‘sux’! The applications are actually pretty nifty and work perfectly, as proven by the thousands of happy customers that parted with cold hard cash to purchase them, or the 4.5 star rating of each one, of the high chart positions (not blowing my own trumpet or anything ;) ). The problem is down to user error or the network configuration; you know, all the stuff that is beyond my control, but I still get blamed for it anyway!

Now, to try and help the users that have difficulty using WiFi File Explorer and SECuRET LiveStream, I am going to give a few pointers below that should help you find the cause of the problem. Remember though, I don’t know how your network is configured, what network equipment you are using or how reliable it is, what security measures you have in place, or what you had for breakfast – I just write the applications, and I can only support them ... I won’t be your network administrator :P

Pointers are listed below ...

1) Is the web browser you are typing the address into on a computer that is on the same WiFi network as the Android device? This is essential and the most basic step of all, so if you can’t confirm this you may as well quit right here!

2) Are you typing in the address in the exact way it was given to you by the application? Make sure you haven’t made any typos or left out a colon or a slash. This one catches a lot of people out, so make sure you double check, and triple check and then check again, before you move on. It should look like http://192.168.0.4:8000/.

3) What is the IP address of your computer and what is the IP address of your Android device? Are they on the same subnet? Assuming you have a default subnet mask, then the subnet is the 3rd part of your IP address, e.g. an IP address of 192.168.20.1 is on subnet 20. If the subnets do not match, then the computer and Android device cannot communicate with each other. Look up on Google how to find your IP address ;)

4) Are there any other applications on your Android device that is trying to use the same port? By default, both applications use port 8000, so if you are aware that other apps are using this port, then stop them or reconfigure them. By the way, the port being used is the part of the address after the last colon, e.g. an address of http://192.168.0.4:8000/ is using port 8000.

5) Are you running any antivirus applications on your Android device that may be preventing incoming connections? Remember, both WiFi File Explorer and SECuRET LiveStream are essentially web servers, so some antivirus applications (most of which are garbage, in my opinion) may be blocking them.

6) Are you running any security or firewall configurations anywhere on your network? Are there any ‘rules’ you may have setup that could be blocking a web server from running on your network? Is it a ‘work’ network – if it is, then I would suggest it could be fairly tightly controlled – you may find the applications work at home, but not at work?

7) What security protocol are you using to encrypt your network? I have had one user state that he could only get it to work when using WEP ... so try using WEP, or another one – have a fiddle ;)

8) Still not working? Well, it’s down to you now – anything up until point 7 should have remedied the problem. If it is still not working, then you have configured you network in such a way (either on purpose or accidentally) that your computer cannot communicate with the Android device ... but remember, the application is definitely working – you just can’t get to it on your network!

I hope this helps you out (as well as saving me from writing the same email reply over and over again). Let me know if it does, or feel free to leave any comments below with any other tips or tricks you found to get either of the applications working on your network.

112 comments:

  1. didnt help =)
    1) sure it is...
    2) yes, checked more than twice
    3) yep. its 192.168.0.101 to ....0.1
    4) not that i know of.. ;)
    5) no..
    6) no rules, no software firewalls. btw a hardware firewall would block the outer world... ;)
    7) i tried with wep.. i tried even without.
    8) still not working.
    ...and yes you are right... i have to go on and search myself.. had the hope for a hint in your post :D

    =)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am a retired Microsoft support engineer. I missed the part about the colon...at first I thought about requesting, a refund...THEN I RTFMed...read the fine "manual," that is the very well written help page. Tadaa..it worked. People always wonder how I could master a piece of software quickly. My answer? I CHEAT...I read the blasted manual FIRST. Try it, you'll like it. Stop blaming the programmed, RTFM!

      Delete
    2. Some routers don't allow p2p traffic on all ports between endpoints. Always worth checking your router settings.

      Delete
    3. This may not matter, but I've used pro for years, today http://192.168.0.189:8000 will only do a search in Chrome, all 3 versions. In reading on about not just going to the ip address typed in the url window is because Chrome is now set up just to search. Lots of workarounds offered, but most no longer work. This really sucks.

      Delete
  2. how do you get this thing to quit?

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  3. Hi doublou,

    I've bought WiFi File Explorer PRO, and unfortunately it seems to be incompatible with DroidWall. With the firewall disabled it works flawlessly, but with the firewall enabled, it loads the header but nothing else.

    Do you know what could be causing this, and/or how to fix it?

    Thanks!

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  4. No idea I am afraid. WiFi File Explorer is basically a web server, so DroidWall is most likely blocking some connections from being made.

    I don't put a lot of faith in all these firewall and antivirus apps, but that's just my own opinion ;) They seem to cause more problems then they are worth.

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  5. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  6. Well, I bought it, tried it, followed the steps listed, and still get nothing but a black screen. Any suggestions to actually be able to use my Phone's camera over WiFi, or have I just wasted money?

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  7. @Alexander, please email me at pauldyble82@gmail.com and I can give you support.

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  8. my subnet mask is 222. But the phone is showing 2. I assume this is why they don't communicate as you said they need to be the same. Is there a way to change the one on the phone to match the one on the computer?

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  9. Yes, a different subnet means they can't see each other. Best thing to do is lookup on Google how to change the settings for your particular router/computer/phone combination.

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  10. Alright, had same problem as you others.
    If internal ip doesnt work.

    Go to http://www.whatsmyip.org/
    And use your External Ip adress.
    83.639.233.xxx

    Dont forget to port forward your phones internal ip. 192.168.0.xxx

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  11. I successfully used Wifi File Expl. a week or so ago, but now I can't connect with it on the same network that has had no changes to it. I've used two different computers on the network. I connected to my router through my browser and router's status screen shows the phone with the right IP address, so I know the phone is on the network. But I have double checked the IP number, even killed all apps on the phone to make sure nothing was using port 8000, and still nothing. Any ideas why I WAS able to connect before, but not now? any ideas on other checks?

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  12. @David, no mores ideas or checks I am afraid. At least you know it was working, so it isn't the app that is at fault. Have you tried the tip in the comment above yours?

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  13. @Max, it is a VERY simple app to use so I can't write much more help that I have here. As I have said, the app works on all Android devices, but I can't be responsible for how your network is administered - that's down to you to understand.

    Have you tried it on someone elses WiFi Network at all?

    If you want a refund, please email me.

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  14. Continuing from my previous post...

    I also tried to ping the phone's IP address when it was serving, but the ping timed out. of course I don't know if a simple ping would find it even if everything iw working. I did try the external IP method, but I am not sure about how to oport forward the phone. If you could post how to do it I would love to try it to get this working again. Thanks in advance.

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  15. @David, please email me at pauldyble82@gmail.com and I can give you support.

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  16. Hi, would like to know if you can use it when your phone is turned to "tethering" feature, so your phone IS the wifi access point AND the "server" in the same time? (am i clear enough??)

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  17. @Steve, at the moment it won't work in tethering mode, but is something I plan to look into.

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  18. Just want to update everyone. I got the app working after much investigating. Turns out that my phone's Wifi connection was visible to my network's router, but there was no actual communication, whether WiFi File Explorer was running or not. Powering off my phone corrected the problem, which was with the phone, not the program. I think the problem was caused by a malfunctioning wireless router that my phone had earlier unsuccessfully tried to connect to. Somehow, that bad connection attempt left my phone's network connection messed up. I discovered this problem by trying to Ping my phone from my computer and never being able to reach it. Wifi File Explorer now works as promised. Thanks, Paul, for the support.

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  19. Quote: "Powering off my phone corrected the problem..." Ah yes...I can hear Roy answering the phones now on "The IT Crowd" :)
    Glad to hear you got it fixed!

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  20. juz discover a trick with the DHCP setting in the home router. Previously, i reserve my phone mac with the reserve DHCP ip in the router and its not work at all with WiFi File Explorer even Live Stream. After that, i reset my router and let it auto DHCP ip on my phone, and its work for both apps. So, mayb juz use the dynamic ip wil work for it..???

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  21. All the networking is spot on, same wifi network, same subnet, gateway, netmask etc. Can ping the android device from any other host on the network just fine. Still can't get past Unable to Connect error however on Livestream. None of other suggestions above help. any more ideas?

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  22. @Phil ... make sure you enter the "http://" part of the address. Also, try switching off your firewall on your computer briefly - it may be blocking the connection. Switch it back on afterwards obviously ;)

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  23. Turn off "ap isolation" in your wireless router, if that is on, WFE is unable to connect to the other devices in the network.

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  24. It is very simple and I can help if you want. Want a refund then?

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  25. "Turn off "ap isolation" in your wireless router, if that is on, WFE is unable to connect to the other devices in the network." - Worked for me.

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  26. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  27. The pro version works great for me. I use it for uploading files to my android phone without needing the cable. My only comment is that there is no Exit/Quit button. I found that to exit or quit this App without leaving it running in the background you have to use the Back button not the Home button.

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  28. I tried every trick to exit pro wifi on my Xoom, but it will NOT stop unless I shut down the OS. Any suggestions?

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  29. Make sure you download the latest version from the place you purchased it, then you just press back to exit.

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  30. I connected phone to wifi, opened up the program and it is not giving me an ip address to connect to???

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  31. @Stephen, if your phone hasn't got an IP address then the WiFi connection on your phone has failed somewhere along the way. Either disable WiFi and then enable it again, or the best thing to do would be to turn your phone off and then back on again to ensure any errors in the network stack are resolved.

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  32. How do I upload multiple files from my comp
    To my phone?

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  33. @matt rad, see here http://dooblou.blogspot.com/2011/07/wifi-file-explorer-batch-transfers_06.html

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  34. I was having some trouble connecting. After viewing the tips it got me thinking about the port assignments on the PC. Worked for me using Samsung Galaxy S. Thanks for the blog.

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  35. This is BY FAR one of the most useful apps you'll find for your android device. I use it all the time & I've found it to be very reliable - so much, in fact, that I use it on a daily basis.
    Like so many others I started with the free version, however I found it so useful I eventually decided to purchase the pro edition & my faith in this app has only grown with time. Buying the pro version only bolstered my belief that this is money well spent. If you're considering this app, remember that many of the poor reviews (though few & far between) must be considered only at face value. Anyone who has the time to write a review should take the time to write it intelligently & not butcher the English language then expect people to take their opinion into account. Ex: "this app sux" doesn't help anyone, but does serve to convince me the author is a moron who's opinion doesn't matter.

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  36. it rocks. works perfectly on my HTC legend. Can view with firefox.

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  37. Experience sharing.
    After buying and installing the software from Androind Market, i failed to connect using my laptop's Mozilla Firefox. Disabling antivirus and firewall also didn't help.

    Then I went into router and checked the advance setting. The 'User Isolation' was OFF, and everything else is normal. I then manually turned it ON ( the User Isolation) and apply/save. Then I turned it OFF again, and apply/save.

    Now everything is working fine. I am happy using this software, no need to use SD card reader or USB cable anymore.

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  38. I cant use it! I have reseted my D-link 524 and re-configured it. The only thing I couldn't find was this "ap/user isolation", any ideias of where should it be?

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  39. Just got the Kindle Fire and got the pro version. I've done everything as suggested, even shut down the firewall and anti-virus. Any suggestions?

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  40. @Remnant Ron, can you email me at pauldyble82@gmail.com and we'll get you up and running :)

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  41. This app was bloody brilliant when I first got it, since then further updates it's got EVEN BETTER! Any problems I've had before have been the result of crappy router firmware. I've found that rebooting the router has resolved any problems.

    If only there was a way to stop idiots posting 1 star reviews. I just hope the momentum behind this app drowns out their whiny voices.

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  42. How do you turn off multi files being zipped? All of my transferred pictures lost their original created on date. Please help, thank you.

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  43. Hi doublou,

    the connection from my PC to my Samsung S5660 works perfectly. I can see all Data stored on my phone.
    But I cannot get into my PC using my phone.
    How to manage this???

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  44. I keep getting server io error on the same file. what is this and how do I fx it?

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  45. Hi Dooblou.
    First, thanks for the help. But I have a "problem" and I think that this can't be fixed following this pointers. I can access to my droid from another computer of my network but when I try to view the files of another computer in my droid, I can't. Under my SSID I get "starting...". Why do you think it happen?

    Thanks for your time, and I expect my poor english can explain of my issue.

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  46. I had some problems today with my new phone. After few hours turned off WAP and problem was solved.

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  47. I have a different problem. Overall I think that Wifi File Explorer Pro is an excellent app. I installed it on my Blackberry PlayBook. When I copied files from my PC to the PlayBook, some files can be opened okay on the PlayBook whilst others cannot.

    Looking at the files in a file manager it shows the file permissions, and on the ones I can open the permissions are set to RW- and for the ones that don't open, the permissions are ---, i.e. no permissions to read or write.

    Is this a bug in Wifi File Explorer or is it an issue with the PlayBook?

    I tried recopying the files I could not open but I still get the same problem, yet with some files of the same type and similar size they are okay and can be opened on the PlayBook.

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  48. I have used Wifi Explorer for a year with no problems. I just upgraded to an HTCEVOV4G running ICS 4.0.3. Now when I upload files to /mnt/sdcard/Music it creates the file in the root directory and prepend "Music" to the filename. I end up with something like "Music04 - Silence.mp3" (without the quotes).

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  49. I got connected to my SGS III in tethering mode. it works fine while browsing with Opera browser 12 but when i tried to upload a file to my music folder it timed out with error "server (io) error" can you help on this one?

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  50. @Malcolm, please contact me via email for support. Thanks.

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  51. There only a select files option and really there should be a way to select a whole folder too....

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  52. After dowmloading files to my computer I keep getting popups on my Blackberry playbook advising that the downloads are complete . I delete the popups and theykeep coming back--forever!! How can I stop this. otherwise great app.

    Dave

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  53. @canuck, The app simply doesn't have any functionality that would create a popup saying a download is complete, so they would not be coming from WiFi File Explorer, but rather some other app or the OS. Feel free to email me if you have any other questions.

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  54. Brilliant. I can link from my pc to my kindle flame HD but cannot download from my kindle to my pc Any advice please.
    kind regards
    Tony Prodger

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  55. @Tony, please email me and I will try and support you.

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  56. hi Paul
    brand new to all this so hope this works
    Tony

    ReplyDelete
  57. Hi Paul. im having trouble browsing things on my computer. i can browse through whats on my kindle, but how do i browse items on my computer?

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  58. @ru55lee, the app is designed to manage the files on your Android device, not your PC.

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  59. I use this right on my sorta-android device itself. in otherwords I have it installed on my Blackberry tablet and by typing the address in my tablet's browser I can use this full featured file manager on the tablet's files. Of course it works great from any pc or device on the subnet.

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  60. hi, I did not used the pro version... but may I still ask a question? I installed the app to my Blackberry Playbook, I have installed it for some times andmy playbook been using a tethered internet with my other blackberry phone. so this is the first time the app suddenly running and connected to my blackberry playbook and then I tried to browse my blackberry phone through it, I think it kinda slow, and why can't I scroll down or right or left? it seems that it just stuck there. and I can't exit or terminate the app either...

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  61. the first time I entered the numbers ... it worked. now I can't get it to work at all. please help!

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  62. the WiFi explorer It's working fine for me. my only question is if i can have access to my pc from my phone and how?

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  63. SECuRET LiveStream just bought it, everything works fine except the video recording. Records just a black screen. My lg p990 video recording is ok but through your program records black screen.

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  64. I both app but i want money back as is not compatible with my hostspot. Pls write me here emanuelep85@hotmail.com

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  65. GREAT APP! And for any of you NON-Android, NON-Apple people, like me ;) it will even work with your BlackBerry Playbook!!!! It Rocks!

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  66. Thanks for your great post.. I have got some new information for my android apps that's really help me lot. see more: http://www.droidologist.com/android-firewall-apps-for-added-control/

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  67. Everything looked like it was set right for me, until I realized that I was logged into my corporate VPN and it was pulling a separate IP address through the VPN. Turned off my VPN and it works flawlessly!!! Thanks for a great program that does NOT 'sux' at all. :)

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  68. I connected just fine. 15 of the 19 pdf files downloaded, but 4 will not download. I have even tried to download them separately. Nothing. What is wrong?

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  69. So far the has worked flawlessly. GREAT!

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  70. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  71. Doublou
    I highly recommend you writing a tutorial about your advice #1. Many people have no idea what to check and where. If you explain what to do in XP and Windows 7, you will have less complaints.

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  72. This app works great I have used on my Android phone and just installed on my BlackBerry 10 OS and it works great!!! Thank you for making such a great app!!!

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  73. I'm unable to upload mp.3 files to my android and when I upload picture files it looks like complete but there're no file in my folder D:

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  74. Can I use a fixed ip every time I start the program?

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    Replies
    1. You would need to set the Android device to use a fixed IP in the system WiFi settings

      Delete
  75. works great very good app thank you

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  76. I have just purchased the PRO version and it installed for e on my cell. However, when entering the assigned IP address in my browser on my computer, I still get the FREE version. Any thoughts.

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    Replies
    1. See here http://dooblou.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/but-i-have-already-upgraded.html

      Delete
    2. Just uninstal the free version from ur droid . Then relaunch pro version (u can tel from the difference in colour) . N ur good to go

      Delete
  77. Unable to open wifi file explore in my laptop which connected to same portable hotspot, to which my device connected.

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  78. Wow! This is the perfect blog I am looking this type of blog its awesome blog here , share great information about this topic. This informative blog helps many readers with their decision-making regarding the situation. Great articles and will look forward for more!
    Lenovo Storage S2200 Dual Controller

    ReplyDelete
  79. I need to save non-sdcard files that need root but this app seems unable to display such (e.g. /data) files.
    Is this possible?

    I realise that I could probably fiddle such files into a /sdcard directory and copy from there, but I hope this is not needed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. BUMP, or any other cry for attention that could get a reply to this unanswered plea...
      Is this app capable of transferring 'non-sdcard' files??

      Delete
    2. This app does not support operations that require root user permissions

      Delete
  80. It is working perfectly for me. Iand I don't need to configure WiFi direct on my pc now. That's ... a wonderful app. I have already recommended it to my frends n family

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  81. Hi, i'm using xperia z3 compact. I would like to use app to transfer photos to my pc. Unfortunately app does not see external sd card on my phone. Is there a way to fix it? Thanks

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  82. Hi, i'm using xperia z3 compact. I would like to use app to transfer photos to my pc. Unfortunately app does not see external sd card on my phone. Is there a way to fix it? Thanks

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  83. This app used to work without any problems in the past but after a couple of firmware updates and then having to revert to factory and reroot I can't copy any files from PC to tablet. The process of either dropping or selecting a file on the PC works without complaint but the file just doesn't transfer. Must have something to do with permissions on the external card on the tablet. What a pity. Just easier to plug the tablet into the computer and manually transfer the file.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Finally the penny dropped and just missed my toes. Found setting in this app to set permissions and it works. I was trying to do it with another app before.

      Delete
  84. Hey, thanks for such a great product. It's refreshing to be able to use an app that actually works. I'm also in love with the UI. WiFi File Explorer is perfect.

    It worked the first time I used it and it continues to work well. I don't mind paying for something that works.

    I hope you create more apps. I'm a fan 🙃

    ReplyDelete
  85. Hello I have been using the Pro version of this app for years without problem so I doubt that the problem that I now have is the app's fault. The app works when I transfer files between my cellphone and my PC. But I just got a Chromebook and when I try to transfer files between it and my PC the app gives me an IP address that doesn't match the IP address of my router. The Chromebook accesses the internet through the router with no trouble. I do not recognize the IP address that the app on the Chromebook furnishes and it isn't a network that appears in the Chromebook's device settings. Of course when I enter the IP address that the app supplies into the browser on my PC it doesn't work. How can I resolve this problem? Thanks

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  87. Does it require actual internet connection?

    ReplyDelete
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