Koofr Desktop Clients Help

Getting started

Koofr offers you an easy way of synchronsing data and accessing files and folders on remote systems via web application and a desktop client that you can install on your Windows, Linux or macOS system. The Desktop client allows you to automatically synchronise files/folders from your computer or access them directly from our application with ease. Create a simple two-way synchronisation from your computer (Windows, macOS or Linux) with the help of the Koofr desktop client.

Installing the Koofr desktop clients

Installing the Koofr desktop client for Windows

To start accessing and synchronising data on your remote computers, you must first install the Koofr desktop client for Windows.

To download the Koofr desktop client:

  • Sign-in to Koofr web application
  • In the Main menu on the left-hand side click on Link this computer
  • Click the Download button
  • This action will start the download of the Koofr desktop client for Windows
  • When the download completes, run the Koofr setup application by clicking on the downloaded .exe file.
  • Note: If you get the Windows User Account Control warning, click on Yes when prompted, to let Koofr install necessary components on your computer. If you get a safety warning from your anti-virus program, confirm the Koofr installer as safe.
  • When Koofr Setup window appears, click the Next button to go ahead with the installation
  • In Choose Components window you can choose Koofr components you want to install or uncheck the unwanted components and click Next
  • In Choose Start Menu Folder window, choose a Start Menu folder for the Koofr shortcuts or check the Do not create shortcuts checkbox
  • Click Install to complete the installation

Note: You can download the Koofr desktop client without the sign-in step here.

Installing Koofr desktop client for macOS

Sign-in to the Koofr web application and click on Link This Computer in the Main menu on the left-hand side and click the Download button. When the download completes, double-click the .dmg file that you downloaded.

When the folder with Koofr opens, open Finder and drag the downloaded Koofr icon into your Applications folder.

Right-click on Koofr and select Open from the right-click menu.

Note: Do not try opening Koofr by double-clicking on it.

You'll get a warning message Koofr is an application downloaded from the internet. Are you sure you want to open it? from your macOS. Click on the Open button.

Note: You only need to do this the first time you are trying to open the Koofr desktop client.

The Koofr desktop app will open and you can start using it.

Note: If you are trying to install the desktop client on macOS Catalina or macOS Mojave, you will need to manually allow the desktop client to install. In both of these operating systems, when an app fails to install because it hasn’t been notarised or is from an unidentified developer, it will appear in System Preferences > Security & Privacy, under the General tab. Click Open Anyway to confirm your intent to open or install the application.

Note: Koofr desktop app should work on MacOS from version 10.13 on (High Sierra).

Installing the Koofr desktop client for Linux

To start accessing and synchronsing data on your remote computers, you must first install the Koofr desktop client for Linux.

To download the Koofr desktop client:

  • Sign-in to Koofr web application
  • In the Main menu on the left-hand side click on Link this computer.
  • Click the Download button
  • This action will start the download of either Linux(64bit) or Linux(32bit) setup
  • When the download completes, run the Koofr setup package
  • Open the terminal, change directory to the extracted folder and install the Koofr client by typing ./installer.sh-

Note: If you are using KDE be sure to install the gvfs package and dependancies in the terminal with this command apt install gvfs gvfs-fuse gvfs-backends.

How to install the Koofr desktop client on macOS Mojave and newer?

Koofr desktop client is signed with Apple's certificate and can be installed on macOS Mojave, macOS Catalina, macOS Big Sur, macOS Monterey, macOS Ventura. But, since Koofr desktop client is not downloaded from the Mac App store/iTunes you will need to manually allow our application to install.

In macOS Catalina, macOS Mojave and all of the newer macOS operating systems, when an application fails to install because it hasn’t been notarised or is from an unidentified developer, it will appear in System Preferences > Security & Privacy, under the General tab. Click Open Anyway to confirm your intent to open or install the application.

How do I uninstall the Koofr Desktop Client for Linux?

There is no uninstaller for the Koofr Desktop Client on Linux, but you can achieve the same result by running the following commands:

First remove the autostart entry:

rm $HOME/.config/autostart/koofr.desktop Remove the Koofr desktop client installation:

rm -r $HOME/.koofr-dist Optionally you can also remove the application settings by running:

rm -r $HOME/.koofr

Synchronise your files

How to start synchronising data with Koofr?

The first synchronisation has already been created for you as soon as you set up the Koofr desktop client. You will find a folder named Koofr on your desktop. Whatever you put into this folder will automatically be backed up to Koofr to a folder named My desktop sync. Your files will always be accessible through web and mobile applications.

Note for Windows users: If you are a Windows user and you get an Invalid filename syncing error you should rename the files you are trying to sync so they do not include characters that are incompatible with the Windows file system (< - less then, > - greater then, : - colon, " - double quote, | - vertical bar or pipe, ? - question mark, * - asterisk, . - period or a space at the end of a file/folder name).

How to create new syncs to Koofr?

You can create new syncs manually by opening Syncs in the menu on the left and clicking on Create new. You can select any folder on your computer and sync it to the selected folder on Koofr. This way, you can keep your files safe and still keep them in the desired location on your hard drive. You can add as many synchronisations as needed.

Note: It is not recommended to Sync your whole system drive (usually your C: drive) or any Windows/macOS/Linux system folders, because their change or deletion can lead to a system crash.

How to create Syncs across multiple devices?

The easiest way to synchronise your files across different devices into the same folder on Koofr is to use default sync option in the Koofr desktop app on each device.

If you've never used the Koofr desktop client before, start by downloading the Koofr desktop app. The first synchronsation will be created as soon as you set up the Koofr desktop client. A folder named Koofr folder will appear on your desktop, and anything you put in this folder will automatically sync to Koofr in a folder named My desktop sync. Repeat the process on other devices and everything will be synced across them.

If you’re already using the Koofr desktop app, simply put your files in the Koofr folder on your desktop (on different devices), and our software will automatically ensure all content is synchronised across devices as soon as they come online. You will find your files in the My desktop sync folder on Koofr and in the Koofr folder on your various devices.

Note: Any content already present in the Koofr folder on your computer will be synced to all other computers as well.

Another way to synchronise your files is to create a sync on each device and direct each one to the same folder on Koofr. Read more about custom syncs from multiple computers to the same folder on Koofr.

How can I manage my Syncs?

You can check the info on your sync, pause synchronising or remove it completely.

To pause Syncs:

  • Click on Syncs in the menu on the left
  • Click on the pencil icon in the top right corner of the sync you want to manage
  • Click the Pause button
  • You’ll see the status icon of the connection change to yellow and status will switch from to Paused.

To resume syncing, click the pencil icon in the top right corner of the sync and click on Resume to resume syncing.

To remove a Sync:

  • click the pencil icon in the top right corner of the Sync
  • click on Remove

To check the info on your Sync:

  • click the pencil icon in the top right corner of the Sync
  • You can see between which folders the synchronisation is done
  • You can see the synchronised folder size
  • You can see the number of synchronised files

What files will not be synced?

Koofr will not sync files whose names match the following patterns:

  • desktop.ini
  • Desktop.ini
  • Thumbs.db
  • System Volume Information
  • .DS_Store
  • icon\r
  • Icon\r
  • .syncignore
  • .~*
  • .~$*
  • ~*.tmp
  • *.part
  • .part-*
  • *.crdownload
  • $RECYCLE.BIN
  • *.lnk
  • *.syncState
  • *.ffs_tmp
  • .Spotlight-V100
  • .fseventsd
  • .Trashes
  • .cache
  • SyncTrash

These are temporary files, system-specific files, or system-locked files.

Note: some other folder like types will also not be synced, these may include softlinks, symbolic links, network folders, shortcuts, hardlinks, etc.

What is the SyncTrash folder that is automatically created inside Koofr folder?

When files are removed locally during synchronisation, they are not deleted but moved into the SyncTrash folder. You can remove files from there whenever you wish if you are sure you do not need them anymore. SyncTrash is the Koofr version of cross-OS compatible Recycle bin. It exists so users can avoid losing files when they accidentally delete something on the server and sync deletes it locally afterwards.

Note: Files from SyncTrash are automatically deleted after 30 days.

What does enabling Sync icons in the Settings do?

The Koofr desktop app makes sure that the folders on your computer are synced with your Koofr WebApp. If you go into Settings, find Sync icons and press Enable, you will see the sync icons over the files that will tell you the status of the synchronisation. The status is either synced, syncing or error, which is visible from the icon which appears over the files).

Note: When you enable Sync icons you need to reboot your computer for it to start working. This only works for Syncs. This is a Windows-only feature.

Note: This is a Windows-only feature.

What happens to my synced files on Koofr if I uninstall Koofr Desktop client?

The files stay on Koofr but the folders no longer sync.

What happens to my files on Koofr if I remove a synchronisation?

If you remove a synchronisation, the synchronisation will be removed. Do not worry, your files will still be safely stored and available in your Koofr web application account, but the files and folders will no longer be synchronising.

Can I use the Koofr desktop app to sync to the connected cloud storage services?

No. You cannot use the Koofr desktop app to sync to the external, connected Dropbox, Google Grive or OneDrive cloud storage accounts.

How do I exclude files from sync?

First, you need to create a .syncignore file in the root of the folder that is being synced in the Koofr desktop app. You can do that by creating a new text file, deleting its extension and renaming it to .syncignore. Inside the .syncignore file, write one exclusion/inclusion rule per line using the glob format (e.g., exclude a file type from syncing, exclude a specific file type in a certain folder from sync, sync only a specific file type etc.).

Note: The .syncignore file that is not at the root level of the folder that is being synced, will be ignored. If you have multiple synchronisations set-up, you will need a separate .syncignore file in each of the sync's root folders.

Note: You need to exit and start the desktop app after every modification of syncignore.

Note: It is smart to first create the .syncignore file inside the folder you wish to sync and then create the synchronisation to Koofr. If you create a .syncignore file later and add it to an already existing sync, the files that were already synchronised will not be affected by syncignore.

What is an "Invalid filename" syncing error?

The Invalid filename syncing error means that this the filename of the file or folder you are trying to sync contains one or more characters that are incompatible with your computer’s file system or with Koofr. Rename your file or folder and the Koofr desktop app will automatically start syncing it again.

If you are a Windows user and you see an Invalid filename syncing error in your Koofr desktop client, you should rename the files you are trying to sync, so they do not include characters that are incompatible with the Windows file system (< - less than, > - greater than, : - colon, " - double quote, | - vertical bar or pipe, ? - question mark, *- asterisk, . - period, emojis or a space at the end of a file/folder name). Please note that \ - back slash and / - slash are also forbidden on all platforms.

When I try to sync my files to Koofr, I get an “Error!” message and the sync stops. Where can I view the type of error?

If you are trying to sync your files or folders from your computer to Koofr and receive an Error! sign, and your sync stops, click on the “Error!” sign to see more information about the exact cause of the error. There are two common types of errors:

  • Invalid filename: this means that the filename contains one or more characters that are incompatible with your computer’s file system or with Koofr. Rename your file or folder and the Koofr desktop app will automatically start syncing it again. Read more about this in What is an "Invalid filename" syncing error.
  • Network error: this indicates that you’ve lost your internet connection during the synchronisation of a file or folder. Once your internet connection is re-established, the Koofr desktop app will automatically resume syncing your file or folder after some time.

What is a "Network error" that appears during syncing?

A Network error indicates that you’ve lost your internet connection during the synchronisation of a file or folder. The sync will try again after some time if the internet connection is restored. The duration of the disruption depends on how long the internet is unavailable. The longer the network is down, the longer it may take to recover later. However, it should never take more than one hour after the internet connection is restored.

Alternatively, you can pause and start the sync manually to force a recheck for connection.

I’m getting a "Permission denied" error when trying to sync files to Koofr. What does this mean?

Permission denied error means your operating system or some other service prevented Koofr from accessing files you are trying to sync.

Local Folders

What are Local folders and how do I connect them?

With Koofr you can effortlessly access files and folders on your remote computer. Additionally, you can also share and organise data you choose to remotely access.

To start remote access of files and folders:

  • Locate the Koofr client icon on your desktop and double-click on it
  • Click on Local Folders
  • Click on Connect a local Folder
  • When you connect a local folder, you will be able to access this folder from any device. No files will be transferred to Koofr. But, when this computer is offline your local folder will not be available.
  • Choose the existing folder you want to connect or create a new one and click Next
  • Enter a name under which the folder will appear in your Koofr account and click Next
  • Click Finish to confirm your action

You are now finished connecting a local folder. You can access this folder from any device with an Internet connection as long as the computer where the local folder is located is online. You can find the remote connection you created in the Koofr Main menu, under a name you selected in the process of creating the local folder.

Note: All changes you make on your chosen local folder, are made directly on your computer. Be careful when deleting files and doing other changes.

Note: The Local Folders option is only available in the paid Koofr accounts.

How to manage my Local folder connections?

You can pause the remote connection or disconnect it completely.

To pause the remote connection:

  • Click on Local folders in the menu on the left
  • Click on the pencil icon in the top right corner of the connection
  • Click the Pause button
  • You’ll see the status icon of the connection change to yellow and status will switch from Connected to Paused.

To resume syncing, click the pencil icon in the top right corner of the remote connection and click on Resume to switch the status back to Connected.

To disconnect the remote connection:

  • Click on Local folders in the menu on the left
  • Click on the pencil icon in the top right corner of the connection
  • Click the Disconnect icon and confirm by clicking on the Disconnect button
  • The local folder will be disconnected

If the folder is still visible after you disconnected it, you can remove it from Koofr by clicking on your Profile picture icon in the upper right-hand side corner. Select Places, choose your Local folder and click Remove.

You cannot change the path of the remote connection. You can create a new path and delete the previous one.

Note: The Local Folders option is only available in the paid Koofr accounts.

Network drive

How do I map Koofr as a network drive?

The easiest and Koofr recommended way to set up Koofr as a network drive is by installing the Koofr desktop client and enabling the Network Drive in the desktop client Settings. This will take care of everything, from generating a separate app password to mapping Koofr as a network drive on your computer.

If you are an advanced user, you can also connect Koofr as a network drive manually. Read more about connecting Koofr as a network drive manually on Windows, Linux and macOS.

Why I can't enable the Network drive in Koofr desktop client Settings?

If you already set up the WebDAV protocol manually, you will not be able to do it in the desktop client Settings.

Other

How can I use the desktop clients to edit the documents I have stored on Koofr?

First, you need to Enable the Network drive in Koofr desktop client Settings. Read more about it here. Mapping Koofr as a network drive allows you to access Koofr directly from your computer. Koofr will appear as a disk drive on your computer. This way you can edit documents on your computer, with your usual document editor and this will be directly reflected in Koofr WebApp.

I use Ubuntu 18.04 with Gnome Shell and Koofr icon has disappeared. Why?

Gnome Shell 2.26 removed support for App Indicator icons. Please install KStatusNotifierItem/AppIndicator Support Gnome extension to get the icons back.

How to generate an application-specific password in Koofr?

Click on your Profile picture icon the top-right corner of the Koofr web app. When the Account menu opens, click on Preferences and select Password from the menu on the left. Scroll down to App passwords, type in a new password name into the Generate new password text box and click on Generate.

What is a Unicode encoding conflict?

A Unicode encoding conflict happens when two files/folders with the same name are saved in the same location in your Koofr account. This conflict occurs with file/folder names containing characters that are encoded with Unicode. If the two file/folder names look the same but are encoded differently, Koofr will interpret them to have the same file name.

To resolve this, Koofr will rename one of the files/folders, adding the words (Unicode Encoding Conflict) to its name.

If one of your files/folders is renamed with the words (Unicode Encoding Conflict), you can resolve the conflict with either of the following options:

  • Leave both of the files/folders alone, and let one of them keep using the name with added (Unicode Encoding Conflict)
  • Rename one of the files or folders

If you’d like to avoid Unicode encoding conflicts in the future, don’t create a file/folder with the same name as another file/folder in the same location in your Koofr account.

Is it possible to move the location of the Koofr folder on my computer?

No, changing or moving the default sync folder to another drive is not possible. But, you can create any number of syncs with our app, so you are not limited to the default location. You can remove the default synchronisation, create a new sync folder somewhere else on your computer and link it to Koofr.

Is it possible to prevent the Koofr desktop application from opening automatically upon starting the computer?

Yes, you can use the Silent start option. Open Koofr desktop app, click on Settings and tick the box at the Silent start section. Koofr desktop application won’t open automatically at startup.

I downloaded the desktop client but it does not show any of the cloud-based storage services I use. Why?

You cannot see the cloud-based storage services you use in the desktop client. You can connect them in the Main menu in the Koofr WebApp and see them there.