Start with the phase in which Beam stopped. Server preparation, connection, upload, activation, backup, iCloud, and preview problems require different checks.

Server preparation or Test Connection fails

  • Confirm protocol, host, port, username, and password.

  • Use Browse to verify that the remote path is the live webroot for the project’s public website address.

  • Use Prepare Server when /beam-helper/beam.php is missing.

  • When Beam reports outdated server components, run Update Servers and test again.

  • Wait about ten seconds after preparation before retrying the endpoint.

  • SFTP normally uses port 22. Explicit FTPS commonly uses port 21; implicit FTPS commonly uses port 990.

Upload stops or shows Resume

Choose Resume after an interrupted transfer. Beam checks the existing upload and sends missing chunks.

For repeated chunk errors:

  1. Change Upload mode from Fast to Automatic fallback.

  2. If required, use Compatibility.

  3. Reduce Parallel chunks one step at a time.

  4. Reduce Chunk size one step at a time.

Do not maximize both values on shared hosting; more simultaneous work can reduce reliability.

Activation, disk, or extraction errors

  • Check server disk space, ownership, and permissions.

  • Confirm that the export contains index.html or index.php.

  • Remove symbolic links and unsafe paths from the export.

  • Re-export and use Publish All Files when the local structure changed substantially.

  • When a previous operation still holds the project lock, wait for it to finish before retrying.

Webroot Backup fails

  • Confirm there is enough space for both the source files and the ZIP.

  • Try Compressed ZIP when the uncompressed backup is too large.

  • Try Fast (no compression) when server CPU or compression time is the problem.

  • Verify every additional server path in Project Setup.

A synchronized project cannot publish on this Mac

  • Choose the project’s local export folder on this Mac.

  • Confirm that iCloud synchronization has finished.

  • Enable iCloud Keychain or enter the server credentials locally.

  • Run Test Connection before publishing.

Preview or favicon is missing

  • Open the public website in a browser first.

  • Choose Refresh Preview.

  • Increase the screenshot delay for lazy-loaded content.

  • Use the local screenshot source when an external screenshot service is blocked.

  • A website without a favicon uses Beam’s generated placeholder.

Prepare a support request

Include:

  • Beam version and build number.

  • macOS version.

  • Installed server-component version, when visible.

  • Project website address and endpoint.

  • The exact action and phase that failed.

  • The complete error message and relevant log lines.

Never send a server password, license key, or other login credential. Email the report to support@stackswork.com.