DynaFile Support Guide Support Guide

DynaFile Companion App

DynaFile Companion is an update to the now deprecated Save To DynaFile utility.  This Windows-based utility allows for users to install a "virtual folder" on their computer that automatically and securely uploads files to the DynaFile document management system.

While this document is very detailed to assist you in the process of installing/upgrading to DynaFile Companion, the entire process should take less than 5 minutes to complete.  Should you encounter issues during the process, please reach out to your DynaFile account manager and we'll be happy to assist you.

Use the links below to jump directly to specific sections of this guide:

Benefits of DynaFile Companion vs. Save To DynaFile
 

  • The utility is installed to the user's profile, mitigating the need for administrative credentials to be provided to install it.
  • Users can authenticate to DynaFile using Single Sign-On (SSO) providers.
  • The upload directory that is monitored is now located directly in the user's "Documents" folder instead of a hidden temporary folder.
  • Uploading to multiple DynaFile sites can now be configured.
  • Issues where the Save To DynaFile window would appear offscreen or the service would randomly stop are fixed.
  • History tracking of all uploads is maintained and reviewable.
  • The application automatically and silently updates to ensure the most recent version is always installed.
  • Security of the uploads is enhanced to meet the latest standards.
  • DynaFile Companion will be compatible with the new V4 version of DynaFile due out shortly.
  • Future updates to the utility will include mass uploading and even mass downloading of documents through this utility.

Removal of Save To DynaFile

 
If your user's have Save To DynaFile installed, they must uninstall it prior to installing DynaFile Companion (it is not an in-place update).  Removing Save To DynaFile will require administrative permissions, so if IT support was required to install it, it will be required to uninstall it.  Below are the steps to perform that process:

  1. Right-click on Save To DynaFile icon in System Tray and click “Exit”
  2. On your Windows computer, click Start
  3. Type in: Add or Remove Programs
  4. Scroll down to Save To DynaFile and click Uninstall

Installation of DynaFile Companion


To install DynaFile Companion, the entire process should take just a few minutes and can be performed by any user registered in your DynaFile system without the need for any Windows administrative credentials. 

In order to validate a user’s credentials, you must be logged into the same DynaFile’s user account and Windows desktop account which you want to update.

  1. When logged into DynaFile, in the top menu, go to [Prefs] then click on the [Apps] tab
  2. Click the download icon next to the "recommended" Companion download
  3. Once downloaded, click on [Run] to perform the installation

 

 

 

 

  1. If a Windows Defender window appears, click the “More info” link and then [Run anyway] button
  2. Complete the installation process using all the default selections

Configuration of DynaFile Companion


The final step of the installation process is to download a configuration file that provides DynaFile Companion with the user to authenticate and security tokens that validate that authentication.

  1. Again, from the [Prefs] > [Apps] screen, click on the [Create Configuration] button
  2. The browser should automatically prompt to download the configuration file
  3. Click the [Open] option in the download dialog

  4. A few seconds after downloading, a Windows notification will appear stating that "Identity Verification is Required" and the Companion window should appear (or be flashing in the task bar)
  5. Click the DynaFile icon in the task bar () which will display the DynaFile login screen
  6. Login to DynaFile as you would through the browser interface
  7. Once identity verification succeeds, DynaFile Companion is ready to use

Using DynaFile Companion


Once these steps above are completed, you will now have a new folder under your "Documents" folder named "DynaFile (your-site-name)" along with a link under Quick Access.  This folder replaces the old Save To DynaFile drive in the root of “This PC”.

If needed, you can also drag the folder under Quick Access to the desktop to create a shortcut.

Using DynaFile Companion is almost identical to Save To DynaFile.

  • Saving (or dragging) files to the root of that folder uploads the document(s) to your Upload Queue in DynaFile and you will be prompted to register them as before
  • Saving (or dragging) files to either the Barcode Processing or Batch Processing folders will upload those files to the respective queues in DynaFile for processing within the DynaFile UI as previously used in Save To DynaFile