Document Access Errors
If you are having trouble viewing, downloading, or finding documents in Boardwise, this guide covers common errors and how to resolve them.
"You don't have access to this"
This page appears when you try to open something your current access does not include. It tells you what kind of material it is (for example, the organization document library or a meeting's materials) and names the people in your organization who manage access.
Why this happens
Document access in Boardwise depends on three factors:
- Your organization role (Admin, Member, or Guest)
- Your group memberships (boards and committees you belong to)
- Meeting invitations (access granted through meeting attendance)
If none of these grant you access to a specific document, you will see this error.
Common causes
Your access doesn't include the organization library
The organization document library is open to Members and Admins. Board and committee memberships open only that group's materials. If you serve on the board and see this, ask your corporate secretary to give you organization member access — it's a one-click change for them.
The document belongs to a committee you are not on
Documents stored in committee folders are only visible to members of that committee. Check with your administrator to see if you should be added to the relevant committee.
The document is attached to a meeting you were not invited to
Meeting documents are only accessible to meeting attendees. If you need access to a specific meeting's documents, ask to be added as an attendee.
Your meeting access level is set to Agenda Only
Even if you are invited to a meeting, your access level determines whether you can see attached documents. "Agenda Only" access lets you see the meeting agenda but not the documents. Ask the meeting organizer to change your access to "Full Access."
How to resolve
Contact your organization administrator or corporate secretary. They can:
- Verify your organization role
- Add you to the appropriate committee or board
- Invite you to the relevant meeting with full access
Document Not Appearing in Search Results
If you search for a document you know exists but cannot find it, the issue is likely permission-related.
Why this happens
Search results only include documents you have permission to view. If a document does not appear:
- The document may belong to a committee you are not a member of
- The document may be attached to a meeting you were not invited to
- Your organization role may not include access to that document type
How to verify
Ask a colleague with broader access (such as an administrator) to search for the same document. If they find it, the issue is your permission level.
How to resolve
If you believe you should have access to the document:
- Note the document name or description
- Contact your administrator
- Ask them to verify why the document is not visible to you
- Request the appropriate access (committee membership, meeting invitation, or role change)
Cannot Download Documents
If you can view a document but the download option is unavailable or disabled, this is a separate permission from viewing.
Why this happens
Document downloads can be restricted in two ways:
Organization-wide setting
Your organization administrator may have disabled document downloads entirely. When this setting is off, all users can view documents online but cannot download copies.
Meeting access level
For meeting documents, the "Agenda Only" access level prevents downloads even if you can see the meeting.
How to check
- If no download button appears on any document, downloads may be disabled organization-wide
- If downloads work for some documents but not others, the restriction is specific to certain meetings or folders
How to resolve
For organization-wide restrictions:
Contact your administrator. They can enable downloads in the organization settings if appropriate.
For meeting-specific restrictions:
Ask the meeting organizer to change your access level from "Agenda Only" to "Full Access."
Meeting Materials Not Visible
If you are invited to a meeting but cannot see the attached documents, several factors may be involved.
Check the meeting state
Before a meeting, the corporate secretary releases it to attendees in steps:
- Draft: The meeting is still being prepared. Attendees cannot see it yet
- Date Hold: The meeting's name, date, and location are visible, but the documents may not be shared yet
- Materials Ready: All materials are available to attendees with full access
If the meeting is still a Draft or a Date Hold, the organizer may not have released the materials yet.
Starting or closing a meeting does not change who can see its materials. After a meeting is closed, its documents stay available to attendees with full access. A guest who was invited to that meeting alone loses access 30 days after it ends (see Meeting-Only Access).
Check your access level
Meeting attendees have one of two access levels:
- Full Access: Can view all attached documents
- Agenda Only: Can see the agenda but not attached documents
Your access level is set by the meeting organizer when they invite you.
How to resolve
- Check if the meeting has been published (look for status indicators on the meeting page)
- Verify your access level with the meeting organizer
- If you need full access, ask the organizer to update your invitation
Committee Documents Not Showing
If you are a member of a committee but cannot see documents in that committee's folder, verify your membership status.
Check your membership
Committee access requires an active membership. Your membership may be:
- Not yet active (future start date)
- Ended (past end date)
- Suspended or removed
How to verify
Go to your profile and check your listed board and committee memberships. Each should show your role and whether the membership is current.
How to resolve
If your membership appears incorrect:
- Contact your administrator
- Ask them to verify your committee membership status
- If your membership has ended, discuss whether it should be reinstated
Steps to Request Access
When you need access to a document you cannot currently view, follow these steps:
Step 1: Identify what you need
Before contacting your administrator, gather the following information:
- The document name or description (if known)
- Where you expected to find it (which folder, meeting, or committee)
- Why you need access (your role or purpose)
Step 2: Contact the right person
For organization-wide documents:
Contact your organization administrator or corporate secretary.
For committee documents:
Contact the committee chair or secretary. They may be able to add you to the committee or share the document directly.
For meeting documents:
Contact the meeting organizer. They can invite you to the meeting or adjust your access level.
Step 3: Provide context
Explain why you need access. This helps administrators make appropriate decisions and may speed up the process. For example:
- "I need access to the Finance Committee documents for my new role as external auditor"
- "I should have full access to the board meeting documents as a board member"
Step 4: Follow up
If you do not receive a response within a reasonable time, follow up. Access requests sometimes require approval from multiple people or review of policies.
Still Having Issues?
If none of the above solutions resolve your problem:
Verify your login: Make sure you are signed in with the correct account. Some people have multiple accounts for different organizations.
Check for browser issues: Clear your browser cache or try a different browser. Sometimes outdated cached data causes display issues.
Contact your administrator: They have access to detailed permission information and can diagnose issues you cannot see yourself.
Reach out to Boardwise support: Email support@boardwise.co with:
- Your email address
- The organization name
- A description of what you are trying to access
- Any error messages you see
Our support team typically responds within one business day.