Uploading errors: Timeouts and disconnections

Misty Flowers

January 11, 2017 14:31

This article covers file upload timeouts and disconnections in Finalsite, including the common causes of these errors and steps to resolve them.

💡 Quick answers

Why does an upload time out? The file is too large or the connection too slow to complete before the session timeout window closes. Compressing the file or switching to a wired connection often resolves this.
What size should images be for upload? Keep images under 2 MB. See Optimizing images for upload for guidance.
Can videos be uploaded directly? Direct video uploads are large and frequently time out. Upload the video to YouTube or Vimeo first, then embed the link in Finalsite.
What if timeouts occur on every upload? A misconfigured proxy server on the school network may be interfering. Have the network administrator contact Finalsite Support.

Why uploads time out

When a file upload takes longer than the session timeout window allows, the connection drops and the upload fails. This typically happens with large files, slow internet connections, or high network traffic.

In some cases, a misconfigured proxy server on the school network can interfere with uploads regardless of file size or connection speed. See Uploading errors: timeouts and disconnections (proxy server) for more information on proxy-related issues.

Resolve upload timeouts

Compress or resize the file before uploading

Large files are the most common cause of upload timeouts. Reducing file size before uploading improves reliability and reduces the chance of a dropped connection.

Keep images under 2 MB. See Optimizing images for upload and Resources upload size for size limits by file type.
Use image editing software to reduce dimensions or lower compression quality before uploading to Finalsite.

Use an embed for video content

Direct video uploads are large and frequently exceed the session timeout window. Embedding from a video hosting platform is the recommended approach for video content.

Upload the video to YouTube or Vimeo first.
Embed the link in Finalsite rather than uploading the video file directly.
See Upload a resource for guidance on adding embedded media to Finalsite.

Upload from a wired connection during off-peak hours

Connection stability and speed significantly affect upload reliability. Two adjustments can reduce the likelihood of a timeout.

Use a wired (ethernet) connection instead of Wi-Fi for a more stable, consistent upload speed.
Upload during off-peak hours, such as early morning or evening, to reduce network congestion.

Contact the network administrator if timeouts persist

If uploads time out consistently across all file types and sizes, the issue may not be file-related. A misconfigured proxy server on the school network can interfere with uploads at the network level, regardless of the file or connection being used.

Have the network administrator review the school's proxy server configuration.
Direct the network administrator to contact Finalsite Support with details about the proxy setup for further troubleshooting.

Contact Finalsite Support

If upload timeouts persist after following the steps above, contact Finalsite Support. When reaching out, include the file type, approximate file size, and a description of the network environment, such as whether a proxy server is in use, to help expedite troubleshooting.