Published on November 7, 2009 By Frankief In Stardock Support General

Could someone in support please tell me why I consistantly get this error message when trying to upload? " Your skin has failed to upload.
The screenshot file you are attempting to upload is not valid. Hint: Check the file extension.
When uploading a new skin, a screenshot must also be submitted."  It does not matter which upload page I use or which browser IE8 or Firefox. There is nothing wrong with the files as I have uploaded the same files to DA with no problem.
Since I no longer can get cable internet out here in the country, my Cricket is much slower and it is really frustrating to have to upload 5 or six times before the file  is successsful. Any help would be appreciated.


Comments
on Nov 07, 2009

It could have to do with the file size and not the actual file extension. I got the same exact error 2 nights ago while uploading a screenshot. I had saved it as a high quality jpg and had tried uploading it through both pages multiple times and getting the same error you are getting. I took the file and resaved it at a slightly lesser quality which shrunk the file size a bit and then reuploaded and it went through on the first try.

 

on Nov 07, 2009

First check and see if you are using Flash 9 or Flash 10. 

http://kb2.adobe.com/cps/155/tn_15507.html

Having Flash 10 is the most common issue.

Also, are you saying you are on dial-up now?  Does the upload manage to fully upload?

 

on Nov 07, 2009

Sorry been MIA ( my daughter kidnapped me for dinner). I am actually using Flash 10 but was having the same issues with 9. The upload completes with the error message. I am on wireless Internet with Cricket. It is faster than dialup but much slower than cable.  I have noticed that it is more prevalent when the file size is large, but I really hate submitting less than high quality work.  I will resize the JPEGS and try to resubmit and post back here with the results. Thanks for trying to assist!

on Nov 07, 2009

Try installing Firefox and don't install Flash for it. That's what I use and I haven't had any upload issues in over 6 months.

on Nov 07, 2009

Thanks CarGuy but as stated originally, I do have Firefox and did try that route before posting here. (No flash in Firefox)

on Nov 07, 2009

Well, I guess it does have something to do with the size because after saving at a lower resolution and reducing the file size, all went well. I try to always save at max resolution in Photoshop so I can offer high quality walls but I guess I will have to demure to size in the foreseeable future. Upon further inspection, the original file size was 13MB reduced to 6MB. I thank  Zakia for this info. I did not realize that the three JPEGS and the zip were that large. SOOO rush over to the gallery and check out the "problem child" upload!

on Nov 07, 2009

glad that helped but also to clarify:

 

I have noticed that it is more prevalent when the file size is large, but I really hate submitting less than high quality work. I will resize the JPEGS and try to resubmit and post back here with the results.

Now I don't know what the max file size is for submitting walls but with some of the wall packs out there I'd imagine it is set pretty high. So I don't think you need to submit the actual zip with a lower quality work. I think it is just that the preview image that is set to a much lower allowable file size and that is what causes the problem.

Along those lines it would be nice (maybe with the upcoming update of the site) if it gave an accurate error message(i.e. if the file size is to large it tells you that instead of telling you it is the wrong format) when things like this occur. 

on Nov 08, 2009

Duh! Sometimes I feel like such a dimwit! I always use the actual pic for the preview. I never thought of doing a lower res for the preview, I just assumed the size limit would be for the entire upload not withstanding the size of the preview! Yes the error message could definately be a little more descriptive when you know your file is in the correct format!

 

on Nov 08, 2009

on Apr 07, 2010

I found that if you upload a zip file that doesn't match the name exactly, it won't upload. If you upload Sunset.zip, and the previews is Sunset 1980x1020, it won't upload. The preview has to be named Sunset.jpg.