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Revision as of 13:40, 9 December 2009

4shared (site 4shared.com) - one of the leading online storage and file delivery service. 4shared was founded in 2005 by Alex Lunkov and Sergey Chudnovsky. Nowadays it continues gaining popularity among the Internet users all over the world. With 4shared service users can upload, store and download music, video, photo, documents, and any other types of files.

Anyone can create a 4shared account and get 10 GB of free space for storing and sharing files. This page describes how to use the site either with free or with Premium account or without it. You'll find here all necessary information concerning the download and upload processes, managing your files and folders.

General questions

How long the files are stored

Your Free account and all your files will be removed from 4shared only if you do not log into the account for 30 days.

Where are the files stored

The files you upload are hosted on our high-speed servers. Your individual virtual drive is set up for you when you register. As soon as you become a registered user you can create your own folders and upload files.

What is expiry date

Expiration date will be postponed on 30 days every time you log in your account (for some countries this term is extended to 60 and 90 days) In case you do not log in for 30 days, all your files within account will be deleted. If you use your account regularly, you will be able to save your files as long as you wish. However please note this term is extended for popular files which are actively downloaded.

Security of the files

We are taking security very seriously. Please take a look at 4shared security overview.

Why do you need to sign up

We require a registration to create your account and set up your virtual drive, allowing you access to your files from any PC connected to the Internet, just by entering your email and password. Your files are kept safe within your account until you decide to share them, and there is no need to remember long links to your files.

Registration is free, simple, and takes seconds to complete. There is no need to enter your credit card details.

How to cancel your account

Your account will be de-activated automatically in case you have not logged into it for 30 days.

In case you would like to have the account cancelled immediately, please contact 4shared Support Team (support@4shared.com).

How to reach 4shared Forum

You can join 4shared forum discuss any topic you wish with the Forum Members. Please see below the requirements your personal data have to meet to register an account with our forum:

• Username:any name you would like to choose
• E-mail address: your e-mail associated with your 4shared account
• 4shared ID: your e-mail associated with your 4shared account
• Password: your 4shared account password
• Confirm password: your 4shared account password

4shared Forum

Managing your account

How to log in

To log into your 4shared account please enter your e-mail as log-in into this simple sign-in form .

How to sign out

There is a small red button on the top right hand of your account screen. If you'd like to be able to sign out anytime you are surfing the site, please take a look at the top side of each download page where there is an appropriate 'sign out' option indicated in brackets together with your email address.

How to change your profile picture

Please go to the 'Settings' section > 'Public Profile' tab, where you will see 'Browse' button near the heading 'Your image'. Click on it and choose the image on your computer. After that, click 'Upload' and then 'Save changes'.

How to remove e-mail from your profile

If you need to remove any reference to your e-mail from 4shared download pages, you need to change the 'Publisher' name in your account settings. Please click on the 'Settings' icon at the top right-hand corner of your account screen and then go to the 'Public Profile'. Enter new publisher name into the corresponding field and click on the 'Save' button. You can also make other changes in this

How to change your account password

Please go to Settings at the right top hand of your account and select General tab. There you'll see three fields such as:

• Current password
• New password
• Confirm password

After you have filled in these three fields please push 'Update password'.

How to change your e-mail

Please contact 4shared Support Team concerning the issue (support@4shared.com)

Forgotten password

If you forgot your password, please, use this page remind password to get the link, that will allow you to set the new password for your account.

If you had requested a new password and have not received the automatically sent e-mail with the instructions, please send 4shared Support Team combination of digits or letters (at least 6), they will generate it for you manually.

How can to create a photo album

To create a photo album open the folder that contains photos that you are going to include into your photo album. Click on the 'Thumbnails' button on the toolbar to make the photos shown in the preview mode. If you decide to disable the photo album, click on the 'Thumbnails' button once again.

Search

How to search for a file

Please use our Search service to find the files you need

You can also use our advanced search form

You can also join the 4shared Forum and discuss any topic you wish with the Forum Members. You can join the forum using your account login and password.

How to do search from your account

If you are logged into your account, the best way to search is to click on the word Search in the top right corner of your account. You will automatically be taken to search system where you can easily download any file you need or simply add it to your account.

What is advanced search

You can use our advanced search form to search for the file. You need to indicate the file type and the file size there. It makes your search process easier and quicker.

Search for one word or a part of the word

You can insert a part of a phrase or a part of a word from the file title. Our system will show you all possible combinations with these letters.

What files are shown in search results

All shared files are shown in search results.

Why can’t you find the files in search results

Our system does not include files into the search service results if their names include certain words which might indicate illegal use of 4shared. Our automatic filter prevents some files from being displayed in search service results even if the files are not illegal at all. Most probably the file(s) name(s) include words which are forbidden with our service since many files which have these words in their name break our Terms of Use or were reported as copyright infringements.

How can to make your files available for public search

Make sure that your files are shared and are included to Search results. To add your files to Search results, go to the Settings, in tab General activate 'Allow the showing of my files in public search results' (if it is not selected). Mind that it takes 24-48 hours for the files to appear in Search results.

The files made enabled for public search are not shown on search results

4shared users can search among your files only if you allow them to. To make your files from a particular folder available for public search, tick the checkbox 'Public search' when sharing the folder. If you want to make all files from your account accessible for public search choose the tab Settings' in My Account and then tick the checkbox 'Allow to show my files in public search results'. Note: It takes 24-48 hours to index the files for the search system.

Link doesn’t work

The most probable reasons for that are:

the file was deleted by the publisher

the file was deleted automatically due to publisher's FREE account 30 day inactivity

the file was blocked as illegal or copyrighted material

The error message can also mean that the file has been damaged somehow and is no longer available for download.

Download files

How to download

Please use our Search service to find the files you need You can also use our advanced search form.

Once you find the desirable file, click on it and you'll be taken to the file download page. There you should click on the 'Download Now' link and then wait for a few moments until the file download link appears. Then you will be able to download file by pressing on the 'Click here to download this file' link.

How to download multiple files

From now on the multiple download option is available for free users. You need to install 4shared Desktop tool. You can download all of your files at once and the files of other users. Mind that the size of each file of other users should not exceed 5 MB. Please select the files you want to download from your account and click on 'Download selected' on the toolbar. If you want to download the files of other users, click on 'URLs Download' tab and paste all the desirable links.

Number of downloads per file

The number of downloads is not limited. You can download as many files as you like.

How to download files using a download manager

We offer you a special feature 'Direct link', which is available for you if you are a subscriber of the Premium Plan. Click on the name of a file to get to the file info page. In the 'Direct link' field copy a link which allows you to download the file and then paste it to the corresponding field of your download manager.

Also, you can download a file by clicking on the 'Download' icon opposite the name of the file

No download link appears

If the download link doesn't appear it can mean that your browser does not allow javascript execution. Secondly your firewall may not allow files to be downloaded from certain web sites or even cancels all incoming files, so please check your firewall settings. For that matter please make sure you don't have any specific add-ons installed on your browser (e.g. NoScript in Firefox) which may interfere with the download.

Upload files

How to upload

To upload a file to your virtual drive, please log into your account and use the 'Upload files' tab at the bottom of your account screen. Click on the 'Browse' button and select a file from your computer to upload, then click on the 'Upload' button. In a few minutes the file upload will be completed. You can also use 4shared Desktop tool to upload the files.

4shared Desktop tool

This tool helps to prevent many problems with file upload since it enables you to resume interrupted uploads, upload whole folders and multiple files etc. To upload a file, you need to log in your account through 4shared Desktop tool. Go to the 'Upload' tab and click on 'Select' button to locate files or folders on your computer that you wish to upload. Please note that when selecting a folder it will be added to the list with all included files and subfolders. Once you chose the files they are ready for uploading. Click the 'Upload' button to start the process. You can also stop the upload process by clicking the 'Stop' button in the lower right corner of the window during uploading.

Max size of the files to upload

Free users can upload files up to 500 MB. Your files must not exceed the limit as, otherwise, they will be rejected.

If the size of the file is more than 500 MB, you can split the file into smaller parts and upload them separately using the multi-upload feature.

Files that can be uploaded and stored

You can upload any files that meet our Terms of use , i.e. you can not share illegal, pornographic, copyrighted materials, etc.

Here are the most popular types of files that may be shared:

• document file (*.doc, *.txt, *.pdf, *.rtf, *.xls)
• music file (*.mp3, *.ogg, *.wav, *.mid)
• video file (*.avi, *.mpg, *.mpeg)
• image file (*.jpg, *.gif, *.bmp, *.png)
• zip file (*.zip, *.rar, *.arj)
• any other types

Number of files that may be uploaded per user

There are no restrictions on the amount of data that can be transferred. You can upload and download files that do not exceed the size of your account space.

How to upload several files at once

To upload several files at once you should use 'Multi upload' tab in the bottom of your account. Click the 'browse' button and select the files you need from your computer, press 'Upload' after that. You'll be able to see the upload progress in the same tab. Save uploaded files after that by pressing 'OK'.

You can also upload files using 4shared Desktop tool. Go to the 'Upload' tab and click on 'Select' button to locate files on your computer that you wish to upload. Once you chose the files they are ready for uploading. Click the 'Upload' button to start the process. You can also stop the upload process by clicking the 'Stop' button in the lower right corner of the window during uploading.

How to upload a folder

To upload a folder you should use 'Multi upload' tab in the bottom of your account. Click the 'browse' button and select the folder you need from your computer, press 'Upload' after that. You'll be able to see the upload progress in the same tab. Save uploaded files after that by pressing 'OK'.

You can also upload a folders using 4shared Desktop tool. Go to the 'Upload' tab and click on 'Select' button to locate folder or folders on your computer that you wish to upload. Please note that when selecting a folder it will be added to the list with all included files and subfolders. Once you chose the folder it is ready for uploading. Click the 'Upload' button to start the process. You can also stop the upload process by clicking the 'Stop' button in the lower right corner of the window during uploading.

4shared Desktop tool

What is 4shared Desktop tool

This easy to use software is designed specifically to help manage multiple file uploads and downloads. It prevents many problems concerning with file upload since it enables you to resume interrupted uploads, upload whole folders and multiple files etc.

How to use 4shared Desktop

To be able to upload and download files, you need to log in your account through 4shared Desktop. You'll see the Login window after opening the program. On this window you should fill in the login and password of your account that you were using during the registration to 4shared service. If you do not have 4shared account you should click the "Sign up now" link at the bottom of the window to create a new account.

Tick the "Remember me" check box if you want the application to remember the login and password and log in your account automatically when it starts.

Once you felt in the fields click the 'Login' button to open your account. If the login or password is incorrect you will stay on this screen. In case you forgot your password you should click the 'Forgot your password?'link in the lower right corner of the Login window.

To learn more about 4shared Desktop tool click here.

What to do if I get an error: Access violation in LoginThread

If you use Windows Vista, please check the 'Data Execution Prevention' options. Probably you have it turned on for all applications and it is preventing the Uploader from running properly. If you use Windows XP I would recommend you to deactivate firewall when you try to upload files. To disable Windows Firewall, follow these steps: Click Start, click Run, type Firewall.cpl, and then click OK. On the General tab, click Off (not recommended). Click OK.

4shared Desktop

Sharing files and folders

How to share files with other users

Your files can be shared with anyone, including non registered users. As soon as you upload your files on 4shared you will be able to share your file with others using an access link. You can email the link, place it on your web page, or publish it on forums or blogs.

However, if you don't want your file to be seen by everyone, you should share your link confidentially, with certain people only. As the link is generated securely, it is absolutely impossible to access the file.

How to share a folder

To share a folder you need to get a sharing link that will allow people who know it to access the folder. The easiest way to get the link is to open the folder you are going to share, and then click on the ' Activate' button next to the address bar on the top of the page.

Another way to share your folder is to open it and click on the 'Share current folder' button on the toolbar. In the opened window choose the 'Share this folder' radio button, and then click on the 'Save' button to activate the sharing link. As soon as the link is activated you will be able to see it in the address bar on the top of the page where your shared folder is. Click on the 'Back' button to get there.

How to protect a folder with a password

You can protect your shared folder from unauthorized access by setting a password for it. To set a password open a folder you want to share with a password protection. Click on the 'Share current folder' button on the toolbar and choose the 'Share this folder' radio button. Tick 'Add password' in the 'Link and Security' section, and type a chosen password in the 'Password' and 'Confirm password' fields. Note that both fields are case sensitive, so you should type absolutely the same password twice. Click on the 'Save changes' button to complete setting the password. Keep the password a secret, and let it be known only to those people with whom you want to share your folder.

Where to check the number of downloads of the file

Please log in your account, tick the file you need and check the number of downloads in the column 'downloads' next the file (the second column from your right).

How can to prevent users from changing files in the shared folder

The FolderShare feature allows you to share any of your folders with anyone by setting different access permissions on the folder. Similar to a shared file, you can send a web-based link to your shared folder.

If the shared folder has Read-only access, people can only download files from the folder.

If you don't want certain files from your shared folder to be visible for other people, you should set up ' View only public files' option and tick the files in the folder as 'private' or ' public' correspondingly.

If your folder has 'Delete or rename files' or 'Moderator' permissions, then 4shared visitors can change your files. So don't set these permissions if you want to prevent your files from changes.

If your shared folder has a 'Moderator' access, other users get all functionality within this folder.

Where to get a sharing link to a file/folder

The easiest way to get the sharing link to a folder is to open the folder you are going to share, and then click on the 'Activate' button next to the address bar on the top of the page.

Another way to share your folder is to open it and click on the 'Share current folder' button on the toolbar. In the opened window choose the 'Share this folder' radio button, and then click on the 'Save' button to activate the sharing link. As soon as the link is activated you will be able to see it in the address bar on the top of the page where your shared folder is. Click on the 'Back' button to get there.

To get a sharing link to a file, right-click it and press 'get a link to a file'.

Where to leave the links to the files

You can leave the links to your file on various sites, forums, blogs. The examples of the links could be found in the download page of the file.

How to share a folder which stores both public and private files

Open the folder you want to share and click on the 'Activate' button next to the sharing link or on the "Share current folder" button on the toolbar. In the last case, you have clicked 'Share current folder' and on the opened page choose the 'Share this folder' radio button. Then choose the 'view only 'public' files' option in the "Permissions' section and click on the 'Save' button to share the folder. After you click on the 'Back' button in the 'Access' column you will see that all files from the shared folder have a private status. This means that none of them will be shown to other people. To make some files shared tick them, and then click on the 'Mark selected files as public' button on the toolbar. Thus, only the public files in your shared folder will be available for others whereas the private files will be invisible.

How to invite someone to upload files into the shared folder

You just need to set the 'Upload files' permission on the folder, and send him/her a link to the folder. The user will be able to upload any files that fit the file size upload limit and your drive free space.

How to email a sharing link to the file

You can email sharing links only. Firstly, you should tick the files you want to share by email. Then click on the 'Email selected files' button on the toolbar. Type an email address in the 'To:' field, but please note that there should not be more than one addressee. Fill in the 'Subject' field and type the text of the message if needed. Click on the 'Send' button in the lower right corner to send your email. The links to the attached files will be added to the end of the message.

What files can be shared

You can upload any files that meet our Terms of use , i.e. you can not share illegal, pornographic, copyrighted materials, etc.

Here are the most popular types of files that may be shared:

• document file (*.doc, *.txt, *.pdf, *.rtf, *.xls)
• music file (*.mp3, *.ogg, *.wav, *.mid)
• video file (*.avi, *.mpg, *.mpeg)
• image file (*.jpg, *.gif, *.bmp, *.png)
• zip file (*.zip, *.rar, *.arj)
• any other types

How to create a folder

You can create a new folder or a new subfolder. To create a new folder open the My4shared folder and click on the 'Create a new folder' button on the toolbar, then name the new folder and click on the 'OK' button to complete creating the folder. If you plan to create a subfolder, start your actions by opening the parent folder.

How to make a folder not shared

If you do not need to share your files with others, please, take into consideration these features:

• Exclude your files from search results

To exclude your files from Search results, go to the Settings, in tab General activate Allow the showing of my files in public search results (if it is selected).

• Protect your shared folder with password

You can protect your shared folder from unauthorized access by setting a password on it. To set a password for a folder, please log into your account, open a folder and right-click on the folder name in the directory tree on the left. Select the 'Sharing and Security' command. You will be taken to the page where you need to select the 'Share this folder' option and tick 'Add password' in the 'Link and Security' section. Type a chosen password in the 'Password' and 'Confirm password' fields. Note that both fields are case sensitive, so you should type absolutely the same password twice. Click on the 'Save changes' button to complete setting the password. After that you need to get back to the folder and copy the folder sharing link from your account tool-bar. You can pass this link along with the password to your friends and colleagues with whom you would like to share the files from the shared folder.

• Allow download for the file publisher only

To allow download for the file publisher only, please right-click on the file and select 'Properties'. You will be taken to the 'File Properties' page where you need to tick the 'Allow downloading for publisher only' check box and click on the 'Save' button.

How to change password on a protected folder

You need to log in your account, right-click the folder you need in the directory tree and choose 'Sharing and security'. You'll see the section 'Link and security' in the 'General' tab. Insert new password to the box 'Password' and confirm it below.

Managing files and folders

How to delete a file

Please log into your account and tick off the file(s) you'd like to remove. Then press the 'Delete selected' button on your account tool bar. Another way is to right-click on each file and pick up the 'Delete' option suggested from the drop-down list. There is also a little 'recycle bin' icon opposite to each file if they are arranged as a list or on the file thumbnail if they are organized in that way.

How to delete a folder

Tick of the folder you want to delete, press the 'Delete selected' button on your account tool bar. You can also right-click the folder and pick up the 'Delete' option suggested from the drop-down list. There is also a little 'recycle bin' icon opposite to each folder if they are arranged as a list or on the file thumbnail if they are organized in that way.

What happens with the files after deletion

All the files are moved to the 'Recycle Bin' after deletion. They do not disappear form your account and affect your account storage space. You can restore the files from the 'Recycle Bin' or delete them from your account. If you do not clear your 'Recycle Bin' for some time, the file are deleted automatically without further restoring.

How to rename a folder

Please tick off the folder you need to rename, right-click on it and choose 'rename' from the list. Insert the title you want and press 'ok'.

What is WebDav and how to use it

WebDav is a convenient way to store and retrieve files between your computer and your 4shared account using the built-in functions in the Microsoft Windows Explorer that you do with your local drives.

Our webdav address is: http://webdav.4shared.com:80/wa.

Follow the instructions to set up WebFolder in Microsoft Windows XP

• Click 'Start' and then choose 'My Computer'
• Choose 'Tools' Option (from the top of window)
• Click 'Map Network Drive' from the list
• Click 'Sign up for online storage or connect to a network server' at the bottom of the window
• Click 'Next'
• Select 'Choose another network location' then click 'Next >' again
• In the address field you will type http://webdav.4shared.com:80/wa
• Enter your 4shared account login and password
• Click 'Next'
• Click 'Finish'

You may drag the WebFolder on your desktop from 'My Network Places', to create a Desktop Shortcut You can now Copy/Paste or Drag/Drop files into and out of this new directory structure. At the moment we are still testing the feature and there could be troubles with setting it up in Windows Vista and Windows 7. Sorry for the temporary inconveniences.

How to create a folder

You can create a new folder or a new subfolder. To create a new folder open the My4shared folder and click on the 'Create a new folder' button on the toolbar, then name the new folder and click on the 'OK' button to complete creating the folder. If you plan to create a subfolder, start your actions by opening the parent folder.

How to change the description of a file

To change the file description, click on the name of a file to get to the file info page, and type a new file description in the 'Description' field at the bottom of the page. To save this change, click on the 'Save' button. Your new file name can be seen on the download page of the file.

How to stream video and audio files

To play an audio/video file online you should click on the 'Stream media file' icon next to the name of the file. The small preview window will be opened.

How to delete a subfolder

First of all, open the parent folder of a subfolder you want to delete. Then click on the 'Delete' button opposite the subfolder and press 'OK' to confirm deleting the subfolder.

How to set a subdomain to a folder

To share all your account materials through a nice link like myfolder.4shared.com, right-click on the 'My 4shared' folder in the directory tree on the left and select 'Sharing and Security'. You will be taken to the page where you need to select the 'Share this folder' option. On the same page you can customize the link to your shared folder so that it looks like myfolder.4shared.com. This can be implemented in the 'Sub-domain' section. Just enter the name for the sub-domain and check if it is available.

You can use one sub-domain for free for any shared folder in your account.

How to change a subdomain

Right-click on the folder in the directory tree on the left and select 'Sharing and Security'. You will be taken to the page where you need to select the 'Share this folder' option. Go to 'Sub-domain' section. Just enter the new name for the sub-domain and check if it is available.

You can use one sub-domain for free for any shared folder in your account.

How to review comments to the files

You need to log in your account, click on the file you want to review comments and press the 'comments' button in the left upper corner of your account page. Or you can right-click the file and chose 'review comments' from the list.

How to get direct download link

Click on the name of a file to get to the file info page. In the 'Direct link' field copy a link which allows you to download the file with premium advantages.

Premium account

How to upgrade for a Premium account

You can choose this subscription on the 'Upgrade' tab of your Account. The easiest way to get there is to click on the 'Upgrade' button in the upper right corner on your virtual drive. Also, you can open the tab by clicking on the 'My Account' button in the upper right corner on your virtual drive and by choosing the 'Upgrade' tab. Choose the subscription plan you want to buy and click on the 'Purchase' button.

How to activate Premium account via sms

How to pay for Premium account

What happens with files after the end of Premium subscription

Your account will be converted to Free type and advanced features set included into the paid package will be no longer available to you. However, you will be still able to access your account and files stored in it. In case you do not log into it for more than 30 days, it will be automatically de-activated.

Bandwidth limitations for traffic

You have 100 GB of traffic to download the files with Premium advantages. This traffic is updating every month. If you exceed 100 GB you can still download the files but as a free user.

How to upload files directly from the web

We call this feature 'Web Grab', and you can use it if only you are a subscriber of the Premium Plan.

To use this feature go to a folder where you are going to upload a file from the web, and chose the 'Web Grab' tab on the uploading panel in the lower right corner of the page. Type the URL address of the file that expected be uploaded and click on the 'Grab' button to start uploading the file to your account.

Premium download traffic

Premium download traffic indicates the amount of files downloaded by yourself from 4shared.com with premium advantages.

Outcome traffic

Outcome traffic includes all the files which were downloaded form your account by other users.

How to pay without credit card

How can i receive refund

Refund rights and obligations are regulated in the USA by Fair Trading Act 1999 and the Trade Practices Act 1974.

According to these laws:

A customer has a right to ask for a refund if the goods:

• do not do the job the customer was led to believe they would (the product is unfit for its purpose)
• have a fault that the customer could not have known about at the time of

purchase

• do not match a sample the customer was shown are not as they were described

Rights of traders: Trader doesn’t have to provide the refund if:

• no proof of purchase is offered
• the customer simply changes their mind
• the customer finds the good cheaper elsewhere
• the customer knew of a particular fault before buying the goods
• the goods were damaged after the purchase, unless the damage is a result

of the normal, recommended use of the goods

If you want to have a refund, please contact our Sales Department (sales@4shared.com)

How to become 4shared reseller

How can i cancel subscription

If you need to cancel your Premium subscription, please contact the 4shared support Team (support@4shared.com).

How can i get premium account for free

We can present you with a Premium account for 6 months, in case you are using your account for more than 6 months, you've never broken our Terms of use and one of your files was downloaded by other users for more than 1 000 times.

Policy of the site

Service abuse

If you receive an e-mail with a subject 'Service abuse' it means that some of your files contain unlicensed copies of some works, or are engaged in other unauthorized activities relating to copyrighted works. You need to delete such files from your account as soon as you get such a notification.

Abusive files

All pornographic material is marked as adult content and access to this material is restricted. We ban accounts which are created to distribute pornographic or other illegal material.

Copyright violation

All the files which violate someone's copyright are deactivated.

Files containing viruses

If you are distributing or transmitting any software or other computer files that contain a virus or other harmful component, your account will be banned without further reactivation.

How to make your account unbanned

To have your account re-activated, please delete the file(s) from the 'Abuse' folder and let us know when this is done.

Where are the abusive files moved from the account

All the files that are breaking our terms of use and contain illegal or abusive information are moved to 'Abuse' folder in your account.

30 days – files removed

Your files will be removed automatically in case you do not logged into your account for 30 days.