Explorer Help

Before diving into this help section, we recommend taking the WhistleBox Tour available from the Explorer help menu. The Tour visually demonstrates the key features of the WhistleBox explorer and will make the information below easier to understand.

Getting Started

How do I get started with my first upload?

You will first need to obtain the uploading party's email address. Then, to have them upload a document to your Box:

  • Click the Upload Request button on the Menu Bar.
  • Fill out the request form with their email address and click send. This sends them a WhistleLink to your upload page.

The process is simple, and uploaders don't need a WhistleBox account.

Where can I find my WhistleBox Address?
Your WhistleBox Address follows the format username/boxname. You can view and copy it by hovering over the Address icon in the folder pane.
Can I use my email address as my WhistleBox Address?
Yes. In Account Options, you can change your WhistleBox Address format. If you select "Email" or "Username and Email," you can use your email in your WhistleBox Address. This is useful if you want to keep your username private.

File Management

What do the file symbols mean?
Hover your mouse pointer over any symbol to see an explanatory tooltip.
Can I store my own documents in my Box?
Yes. When signed in, click the upload icon above your File Pane to upload documents to your selected folder.
Can I change the Box name?

Yes, and this is a security feature. Your WhistleBox Address consists of your username (which cannot be changed) and your Box name (which can be changed anytime).

Since anyone with your WhistleBox Address can upload to your Box, we recommend making your Box name memorable but not easily guessable. You can change the name from the default "Box" on the Boxes tab of your Account Settings.

Security

Are my files safe and secure after uploading?

Yes. Every uploaded file is encrypted and anonymously labeled to protect your privacy. Encryption prevents unauthorized access to contents, while anonymous labeling makes files generic so outsiders can't identify file types.

Secure files display a small green padlock symbol next to the filename. No one can download your files outside of your account, so use a strong password and don't share it carelessly.

Can MyWhistleBox employees see my files that I upload?

No. Your files, notes and passwords are encrypted with the strongest available encryption. No employee can access or view your file contents or identify which files belong to whom.

Files are only decrypted when downloaded through your signed-in account. While customer support has limited access to account information (name, email address, payment plans) to provide better service, they cannot access your encrypted files.

Professional Features

What does the Create Folder on Sender Name option do in my Settings?

This professional plan feature (requires the "Show Sender Name" option) automatically creates a subfolder inside your Box with the sender's name when someone uploads a file. The uploaded file is then placed in this folder.

This feature saves time for professionals who want to organize files by client automatically. You may want to make the Sender Name field required for best results.

What are WhistlePages for and why is the tab grayed out?

WhistlePages, available only on professional plans, help you quickly organize different types of document uploads, signature and download requests into a simple web page. For example, accounting clients can upload various financial forms (W2s, K1s, 1099s) through organized WhistleLinks.

This feature groups several “WhistleLinks” into a single web page, requiring only one email link to access that page. Once created, WhistlePages appear in the Upload Request form.

If the WhistlePage tab is grayed out in the Upload Requests dialog, either:

  • You don't have a Professional level plan
  • No WhistlePages have been created for your professional account or Team

Learn more by visiting "WhistlePages" in your User Menu or watching our video in the Video Library.

Troubleshooting

Why are some of my Address Book contacts red?

Red contacts indicate invalid addresses. MyWhistleBox validates your contacts and alerts you when addresses change. If a contact changed their User or Box name, their WhistleBox address becomes invalid.

You won't be able to send documents to these contacts, so contact them directly and update their WhistleBox address in your Address Book.

In Email Settings, I can't connect to my server.

If you want to use your own email server for outgoing emails, you'll need exact connection credentials from your email administrator. When experiencing connection errors while testing:

Basic Authentication (Other Tab):

  • First verify your provider recommends this method (Google and Microsoft have discontinued Basic Authentication)
  • Check that username and password are correct (passwords are case-sensitive)
  • Verify the server name spelling (if authentication is required)
  • Confirm SSL/TLS port settings (common ports are 465 for SSL and 587 for TLS, though providers may vary)

For Google or Microsoft Tabs:

  • Follow our included instructions carefully
  • Most issues relate to configuration settings on the email server side

Special Use Cases

Can my Doctor upload my requested health records to my account?

Healthcare professionals subject to HIPAA regulations typically transmit patient information via fax, traditional mail, or private couriers (e.g., FedEx). While HIPAA doesn't specify rules for information distribution methods, with your consent, doctors could send information to your MyWhistleBox account.

However, some healthcare providers may limit delivery options as a matter of policy. It's worth asking about using MyWhistleBox as an alternative.

How can I send an Upload Request using my personal email account?

If you want to use your personal email account to send requests instead of the Upload Request dialog, you simply need the upload request link.

Go to your WhistleBox Explorer page and select a Box or Box folder in the folder pane. If you hover over the link icon (), you can view and copy the upload link. Click the link icon to copy to your clipboard. Now create a new email in your email program and paste the link. Finish writing the body of your email and send as you normally would. Make sure you don’t edit the link as it's customized for your account. This link will direct recipients to your upload page.