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Can we expand the allowed file types?

Posted: Tue Jan 14, 2014 4:18 pm
by acknak
The restriction on what file types are allowed for attachments cause undue problems. I think they should be removed entirely--or at least expanded to include .csv and .txt text files.

The restrictions don't help: it's a simple test on the file name; a moderately sophisticated user can already attach any type of file just by changing the file name.

If someone attaches an inappropriate file, we can handle it by notifications and a moderator can delete the file--just as we already do.

The restrictions complicate and confuse new/beginning users when we ask them to attach a file; for example:
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=66947

If the user needs to attach a text file, we have to explain and they have to figure out how to zip the file, or change the name.

As far as I can see, the change(s) can be made through the admin control panel (no sysadmin needed) but I don't understand the permissions screen(s) clearly to do it myself. I don't see any single setting that says "allow any file" but maybe I missed it.

It might be possible for a bad actor to attach a malicious file of some kind by editing an old post; I don't know if that change would bump the post/thread up to the "new/changed" threads where someone would be likely to see it. But that's already possible so it's no worse at least.

Re: Can we expand the allowed file types?

Posted: Tue Jan 14, 2014 5:08 pm
by floris v
Good idea. You can change those options in the admin panel, but I had to search a while for the right pane. ;)
Third tab - Messages (I have the Dutch language interface, so bear with me, I will get some of the captions wrong).
In the left navigation area, select Organize Extension groups (third below Attachments).
That lists
- Documents - Allowed,
- Plain text - Not allowed.
Click the green gear to change options for plain text and tick Allowed and Allowed in private messages.

Re: Can we expand the allowed file types?

Posted: Tue Jan 14, 2014 5:09 pm
by RoryOF
+1

As acknak says, we can quickly remove any objectionable file. It at least would make sense that the main file types of the suite could be uploaded.

Re: Can we expand the allowed file types?

Posted: Tue Jan 14, 2014 5:30 pm
by thomasjk
+1

Re: Can we expand the allowed file types?

Posted: Tue Jan 14, 2014 10:12 pm
by Hagar Delest
+1.

I've allowed all extensions except: Flash, Real media (ram, rm) and Windows media (wma, wmv).

Re: Can we expand the allowed file types?

Posted: Tue Jan 14, 2014 10:32 pm
by floris v
To be done for all other language forums as well, I suppose?

Re: Can we expand the allowed file types?

Posted: Tue Jan 14, 2014 10:57 pm
by Hagar Delest
Indeed. I've PMed the NL_admin group with this message:
Hi All,

For the record, we have decided to allow the file extensions that can be uploaded in the English board. This restriction was more counter-productive than protecting against supposed threats.

For further information, see: viewtopic.php?f=102&t=66950

Don't hesitate to allow more extensions on your own boards if you feel that the restriction could lead to bad user experience regarding the forum.

Kind regards,
Hagar

Re: Can we expand the allowed file types?

Posted: Tue Jan 14, 2014 11:45 pm
by acknak
Hagar Delest wrote:I've allowed all extensions except: ...
Lovely! Thanks, Hagar.

And, of course, if some unforeseen problem turns up, we can undo the change.

Re: Can we expand the allowed file types?

Posted: Wed Jan 15, 2014 9:30 am
by r4zoli
+1
Changed in Hungarian forum.

Re: Can we expand the allowed file types?

Posted: Wed Jan 15, 2014 10:36 am
by Villeroy
Thank you.

Re: Can we expand the allowed file types?

Posted: Thu Jan 16, 2014 11:45 am
by Jan_J
Thanks, seems OK