FTP - Problems and Solutions

File Transfer Protocol aka FTP

Anonymous FTP Access - is it allowed?

We do not allow anonymous FTP access. There are major security issues related to anonymous FTP. You can add additional FTP accounts via your hosting control panel.

What do I use as my FTP Host?

When connecting via FTP, you can use your site's IP address as the FTP Host. If the domain name is already pointing to that IP address, you can use either the IP address or the domain name as the FTP host.

FTP Programs and Setup

Here is a list of FTP programs that you can use to access your site folders: https://wiki.hostek.com/FTP_Clients

Most FTP programs only require three credentials to access the site folders.

Host: ftp.yourdomain.com or the server's IP address, i.e. <b>65.178.154.210</b>
User: yourdomain.com (Can be different)
Pass: **************

The User and Password information are can be found in the original email sent when the site was set up (Can be changed in the site's control panel).

NOTE: It is best to set FTP to 'Passive' Mode in the FTP settings. Usually set by default.

Why do I get error "blocking call cancelled" with FTP?

This can happen when you are behind a firewall or are running a personal firewall like Black Ice Defender or ZoneAlarm.

To fix this, go into your FTP program settings and find the setting for "Passive Mode" or "PASV Mode". If it is turned on, turn it off. If it is off, turn it on.

How can I get an additional FTP account/user?

Additional FTP users can be easily creating within your WCP or cPanel.

• WCP

1. Log into the WCP
2. Click on FTP Accounts.
3. Click 'Add FTP User' to add a new user.
   

• cPanel - Video tutorial

Filezilla Error: "could not retrieve directory

When connecting via FTP using Filezilla you recieve an error saying "Could not retrieve directory listing".

Solution(s):

1. Try disabling the "Keep Alive" feature.
2. Try disabling pasive mode.

How to Disable FTP Timeouts in Filezilla

If Filezilla times out its connection when you are transferring files, try disabling the Timeout setting.

To do this, click on "Edit" then choose settings. It will bring up a window like this:

Change the Timeout to zero as shown, click OK, and you're ready.

Filezilla is a free, cross-platform FTP client available for download at filezilla-project.org.

Cannot connect to FileZilla Server (VPS)

Intalling FileZilla FTP Server on your VPS will require you to stop the Microsoft FTP service in the Windows Services.

To Disable the Microsoft FTP Service:

• Click the Start Button
• Go to Administrative Tools
• Click Services
• Find and right click on Microsoft FTP Service
• In the General Tab, change Startup Type to "Disabled"
• Click APPLY