FAQ
TL;DR: Transmission has handled 1.6 TB torrents on Linux; "Transmission is interesting." This guide fixes I/O errors, NAT issues, and resuming partial downloads for users asking what's the best low-error client. [Elektroda, pawelr98, post #17055462]
Why it matters: It prevents stalled downloads and saves hours on big transfers.
Quick Facts
- Very large torrents: Transmission worked over 1.6 TB on Linux; Windows struggled over 100 GB and Remote GUI could freeze while commands still ran. [Elektroda, pawelr98, post #17055462]
- qBittorrent search asks to install Python; portable setup keeps the system clean. [Elektroda, tad_reula, post #17026511]
- Vuze shows advertising in the interface, which some users dislike. [Elektroda, tad_reula, post #17043185]
- µTorrent remains a simple, familiar client for many users. [Elektroda, kil4, post #17055379]
- Transmission is widely accepted, with Web GUI, Android/iOS apps, and NAS packages. [Elektroda, specpc, post #17072454]
What’s the best torrent client if I want minimal errors and a simple UI?
Many users favor qBittorrent for its simplicity and built-in search. “A simple interface and a transparent search engine.” It offers an easy setup for casual use and avoids heavy extras. If you want to test without changes, use a portable build. Try it and see if it matches your workflow. [Elektroda, tad_reula, post #17025139]
How do I fix “I/O error” or “refusal to write” while downloading?
These usually stem from disk permissions, antivirus locks, or lack of space. Fixes: choose a writable folder, ensure free space, shorten paths, and whitelist the download folder in security software. Restart the client after changes. If the target drive is flaky, test another disk. “Disk I/O errors” are commonly resolved by correcting permissions or space limits. [Vuze Wiki: Disk I/O Errors]
How do I get rid of Vuze’s yellow NAT icon and slow speeds?
Open a listening port on your router. Steps: pick a port in Vuze, disable randomize, and forward that port via your router (or enable UPnP/NAT-PMP). Confirm status turns green. This removes firewalled status and improves peer connectivity. Vuze’s guide explains NAT/Firewall status and port forwarding details. [Vuze Wiki: NAT problem]
How can I move an unfinished torrent to another computer and continue?
Transmission supports this with .part files and path mapping. How-To: 1) Copy the data and the .torrent to the new machine. 2) In Transmission Remote GUI, map old to new paths. 3) Force a recheck, then resume. This lets you continue without redownloading completed pieces. It also enables opening files directly from the remote client after mapping. [Elektroda, pawelr98, post #17055462]
Why do deleted folders keep reappearing on my NAS/router when Transmission is running?
The torrent is still active. The client recreates needed folders and resumes downloading. Stop the torrent in the client first, then remove it and its data. Delete folders only after the client stops monitoring that path. Removing folders from the OS alone causes them to return as the client manages content. [Elektroda, pawelr98, post #17075518]
Can I resume large downloads after a reboot or power cut?
Yes. Clients recheck and continue where they left off. Users report resuming 20–50 GB packs after days of downloading. You do not need the PC running nonstop to finish. After restart, open the client and let it verify pieces, then it continues transfer. This behavior is standard in mainstream clients. [Elektroda, tad_reula, post #17043225]
Is Vuze lightweight and reliable for casual use?
Some users find Vuze works properly and feels light with a nice interface. If it runs well on your setup, it can be a solid choice. Test it on a few torrents and watch resource usage. If you dislike extras or ads, consider alternatives. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17043062]
Does Vuze show ads? Can I avoid them?
Yes, Vuze includes advertising in the interface. That bothers some users. If ads are a deal-breaker, try qBittorrent or Transmission, which aim for cleaner interfaces. Evaluate your preference by testing on the same tasks. [Elektroda, tad_reula, post #17043185]
Is µTorrent still a good, simple option?
Many people still use µTorrent and remain happy with it. It offers a very simple workflow for common tasks. If you value familiarity and minimal setup, it can work well. Always download from the official source and avoid bundled offers during installation. [Elektroda, kil4, post #17055379]
Why does qBittorrent ask me to install Python for search?
qBittorrent’s built-in search uses Python-based plugins. When you enable search, it prompts to install Python. Accept the prompt or install Python first, then enable search in the client. This keeps the core client lean while offering powerful searches. [Elektroda, tad_reula, post #17026511]
Should I use a portable torrent client to avoid cluttering Windows?
Yes. A portable client keeps all files in one folder. Create a folder, extract the portable build, and run it there. To remove it, just delete the folder. This avoids registry changes and makes testing easy. Use it on a separate drive if needed. [Elektroda, tad_reula, post #17025222]
How do I schedule night-only downloads in Transmission?
Use the built-in scheduler. In Transmission Remote GUI, set speed limits or a time window for active transfers. Configure peak/off-peak hours as needed. This lets you force downloading only at selected times. It’s ideal for bandwidth caps or quiet hours. [Elektroda, pawelr98, post #17073449]
Which client handles huge torrents best? Any caveats?
Transmission on Linux has handled torrents over 1.6 TB. On Windows, users saw problems above 100 GB and slower data checks. Edge case: Transmission Remote GUI may hang during resume of very large torrents, yet commands still execute. For massive sets, prefer Linux hosts. [Elektroda, pawelr98, post #17055462]
Why do I get “file too large” or failures when saving to a USB drive?
Many USB drives use FAT32, which has a 4 GB single-file limit. Large files will fail or trigger errors. Reformat the drive to exFAT or NTFS to store files over 4 GB. Back up data before reformatting. After switching file systems, recheck the torrent and resume. [Microsoft Support: FAT32 file size limit]
Can antivirus or firewall software break my torrents?
Yes. Security tools can block ports or lock files mid-write. Whitelist your torrent client and download folder. Allow the listening port in your firewall. If issues persist, test with the security tool temporarily disabled, then add proper exceptions. Re-enable protections after testing. [Elektroda, tad_reula, post #17043285]
It has a cool web gui, applikacja on android, ios and a cool download server for various NASs.
