Common File Upload Errors and Solutions
When uploading files to TenderB, you may occasionally encounter errors. This guide helps you understand and resolve the most common file upload issues.
Supported File Types
TenderB supports the following file types:
Documents: PDF, DOCX, DOC, TXT, RTF
Spreadsheets: XLSX, XLS, CSV
Presentations: PPTX, PPT
Images: PNG, JPG, JPEG (for technical drawings and diagrams)
Common Upload Errors
File Size Too Large
Error Message: "File exceeds maximum size limit"
Solution: The maximum file size is typically 50MB. If your file is larger:
Compress the PDF using Adobe Acrobat or online tools
Split large documents into smaller sections
Remove unnecessary images or reduce image quality
Unsupported File Format
Error Message: "File type not supported"
Solution:
Convert your file to a supported format (e.g., save as PDF)
Ensure the file extension matches the actual file type
File Corrupted or Damaged
Error Message: "Unable to process file" or "File appears to be corrupted"
Solution:
Try opening the file on your computer to verify it's not corrupted
Re-download the original file if you received it via email
Save a fresh copy from the source application
Network Timeout
Error Message: "Upload failed" or "Connection timeout"
Solution:
Check your internet connection
Try uploading again
If on a slow connection, upload smaller files first
NoSuchKey / File Not Found Error
Error message: "NoSuchKey", "File not found", or a blank/broken download link.
This error means TenderB cannot locate the file in storage. It most often occurs when a file was uploaded during a session that was interrupted, or when a download link has expired.
What to do:
Refresh the page and navigate back to the Files tab to see if the file appears.
If the file is listed but the download link fails, click away and return — download links can expire after a period of inactivity and regenerate on revisit.
If the file does not appear in the list at all, the upload did not complete successfully. Delete the entry if it appears and re-upload the file.
If the error persists after re-uploading, contact support and include the filename and the exact error message shown.
File Downloads Failing (Word, Excel, or AI-Generated Files)
Symptoms: Clicking the download button does nothing, the file opens blank, or the browser shows a download error.
Common causes and solutions:
Browser is blocking the download: Check for a blocked download notification in your browser's address bar or downloads panel. Click "Allow" or "Keep" to permit it.
Pop-up blocker: Some downloads open in a new tab. Allow pop-ups for TenderB in your browser settings, then try again.
File is still being generated: AI-generated Word and Excel files may take a few seconds to finish. Wait for the progress indicator to complete before clicking download.
Corrupted download: If the file downloads but opens blank or shows an error in Word/Excel, delete the downloaded copy and try again. If the issue persists, re-generate the file in TenderB.
Uploaded File Not Visible to Teammates
A file you uploaded appears in your Files tab, but a colleague says they cannot see it.
Most likely causes:
Your colleague is in a different project: Files are project-specific. Confirm that you and your colleague are both viewing the same project.
Your colleague does not have access to the project: Check whether they are a member of the project under Project Settings → Team Members. If not, invite them.
The file was uploaded to the chat, not the Files section: Files dropped directly into the chat are only visible within that conversation. To make a file available to the whole project and team, drag it to the Files panel instead.
Cache or loading issue on your colleague's end: Ask them to refresh the page. If the file still does not appear, ask them to log out and back in.
💡 Tip: If you want a file to be available workspace-wide (not just in one project), add it to the Knowledge Bank rather than to a project's Files section. See How to add company information to the knowledge base.
Upload shows an exclamation mark (⚠) with no error message
If your file appears in the upload list with an exclamation mark or warning icon in a circle next to the filename — but no explicit error message — the upload started but did not complete successfully.
Common causes:
The connection dropped or timed out mid-upload
A browser extension interrupted the upload
The file was very large and the upload was not given enough time to finish
What to do:
Delete the file from the upload list and try uploading it again
Upload only that one file at a time — avoid uploading several files simultaneously
Open TenderB in a private/incognito window to rule out browser extension interference
Make sure your internet connection is stable — switch to a wired connection if possible
Clear your browser cache and cookies, then reload and try again
If the exclamation mark persists after retrying, try a different browser (Chrome or Edge are recommended) and confirm the file opens normally on your computer to rule out a corrupted file.
Best Practices for File Uploads
Use descriptive filenames: Name files clearly (e.g., "Technical_Requirements_Section_3.pdf")
Organize before uploading: Group related files together
Check file quality: Ensure PDFs are searchable (not scanned images)
Upload in batches: For large projects, upload files in logical groups
Still Having Issues?
If you continue to experience upload problems:
Clear your browser cache and cookies
Try a different browser
Disable browser extensions temporarily
Contact support with the specific error message