Contents
 FTP

Use FTP to copy files to or from a remote computer.

Introduction

What Is FTP?

How To ...

Connect to an FTP Server

Disconnect from an FTP Server

Save Connection Information

Transfer Files to or from an FTP Server

Set Transfer Connection Options

Change to a Different Directory

Create a Directory

Remove a Directory

Delete a File

Rename a File

Select a File Viewer

View the Contents of a File

List Files of a Particular Type

Select Multiple Files for Transfer

Enable Account Passwords

Set the Communications Port

Use Quote to Send FTP Commands

Troubleshoot FTP Problems


What Is FTP?

Use FTP to copy files to or from a remote server. The remote server can be inside your local area network or connected to the Internet and located thousands of miles away from you. The FTP application is based on the File Transfer Protocol. This universal standard for file transmission supports the transfer of both text (ASCII) and executable (binary) files.

Normally, to access a remote server you must provide a user name and a password recognized by the remote server. However, many servers intended to support file transfer activities allow anyone access to certain directories and files. These servers provide anonymous access, and you can use the anonymous option to access these servers.

The FTP main dialog box displays two directories: a local directory and a remote directory. The local directory is located on your PC. The remote directory is located on the remote server to which your PC is connected. You can browse and change both local and remote directories. File transfer operations occur between the two directories displayed in the dialog box.


Connecting to an FTP Server

To connect to an FTP server:

1.	Start the FTP application and choose Connect from the FTP main dialog box.

The FTP Connect dialog box is displayed.

2.	Enter in the Hostname text box the name or IP address of the FTP server to which you want to connect.

Alternatively, open the Hostname drop-down list and select a name. (The names of all FTP servers you connect to are stored in this list.)

3.	Open the Type drop-down list and choose the type of operating system software used by the remote FTP server.

Alternatively, choose Auto Detect to let the FTP application determine the software used by the remote server.

4.	If the remote server supports anonymous access, check the Anonymous Login box.

The password field is automatically filled in with your user name and the name of your PC. Most FTP servers allow anonymous login and use the information in the password field for record keeping.

5.	If anonymous access is not available, enter your user name and password in the appropriate boxes.

The default is your current login name as you are logged in to the network. You may change this name. If you do, there is no change to your login name.

6.	(Optional) Enter an account password in the text box labeled Use Account and activate the Use Account text box by selecting Enable Account Passwords on the Options menu.

Perform this step if the server to which you are connecting requires an account password, rather than (or in addition to) a user name and password.

Tip: If you frequently connect to this server, check Save Account to save the password.

7.	(Optional) Select "Connect automatically at startup or file open" to connect automatically to this FTP server each time the FTP application starts, or the FTP configuration file is opened.

Note: If you selected "Connect automatically at startup or file open" and want to override this setting, make sure the item Enable AutoConnect in the Options menu is not selected with a check.

8.	(Optional) Enter a Port Number in the Send Port box.

Typically you do not change the default entry in this box. Use the default port number (21) unless you are sure the remote server provided FTP access through a nonstandard port.

9.	(Optional) Choose Save As and enter a file name to save this FTP configuration to a file.

If you regularly use an FTP server that requires specific configuration, save this server's configuration information in a file. You can even save passwords in encrypted form (although the saving of passwords is a potential security risk). To save a password, select Save Password by checking it.

9.	Choose Connect.

The Connect dialog box closes and the Remote section of the main FTP dialog box displays the directories and files on the remote host.

Tip: If displayed remote directory and file names appear garbled or incomplete, the remote operating system type setting is probably incorrect.  Disconnect from the remote host, choose another Type option in the Connect dialog box, and reconnect to the remote host.


Disconnecting From an FTP server

To disconnect from an FTP server:

1.	Choose Disconnect in the main FTP dialog box.

The connection to the remote host is closed.


Setting a Port
Setting the Communications Port

You do not normally need to change the default FTP port setting. The standard port (communications channel) on most FTP servers is port number 21. If you want to communicate with an FTP server via a nonstandard port, enter the number of the port in the Port text box when you enter other connection information.

The port number you enter is used throughout the FTP session.


Creating a Directory

To create a local directory:

1.	Choose Create from the list of buttons in the Local portion of the main FTP application window.

The Create Directory dialog box is displayed.

2.	Enter a path to the directory you wish to create, using DOS format.

For example:

\new\dir

or

c:\netfiles

3.	Choose OK.

The Create Directory dialog box closes and the directory is created.

To create a remote directory:

1.	Connect to a remote FTP server.

2. 	Choose Create from the list of buttons in the Remote portion of the main FTP application window.

The Create Directory dialog box opens.

3.	Enter the path and name of the directory you want to create.

You must use syntax appropriate for the FTP server. For example, to create a new subdirectory (newdir) on a UNIX server, you might enter:  /new/unix/newdir.

Note that you can only create one level of directory at a time; the /new/unix directory must already exist before you can create the /new/unix/newdir subdirectory.

4.	Choose OK.

The Create Directory dialog box closes and, if you have adequate permissions on the remote machine, the new directory is created.


Removing a Directory

To remove a local directory:

1.	In the list of local directories, highlight the name of the directory (or directories) that you want to remove.

2.	Choose Remove from the list of buttons in the local portion of the main FTP application window.

If the Options menu item Confirm/Rename is selected, a Delete Directory dialog box opens asking you to confirm the name of the directory (or directories) to be deleted. If the Confirm/Rename menu item is not selected, you are not prompted for confirmation and the directory (or directories) is deleted.

3.	If the Delete dialog box opens, choose Delete to delete a single directory, Delete All to delete a list of directories, or Skip to cancel deletion of one or more directories in a series.

To remove a remote directory:

1. 	In the list of Remote directories, highlight the name of the directory (or directories) you want to remove.

2.	Choose Delete from the list of buttons in the Remote portion of the main FTP application window.

If the Options menu item Confirm/Rename is selected, a Delete Directory dialog box opens asking you to confirm the name of the directory (or directories) to be deleted. If the Confirm/Rename menu item is not selected, you are not prompted for confirmation and the directory (or directories) is deleted.

3.	If the Delete dialog box opens, choose Delete to delete a single directory, Delete All to delete a list of directories, or Skip to cancel deletion of one or more directories in a series.


Changing FTP Directories
Changing to a Different Directory

To change the local directory:

1.	In the list of local directories in the Local portion of the main FTP application window, highlight the name of the directory and choose Go To.

To change the remote directory:

1.	In the list of remote directories in the Remote portion of the main FTP application window, highlight the name of the directory and choose Go To.

Tip: Double-click on a remote or local directory name to change to the directory.


Listing Files of a Particular Type

You can select for viewing files of a particular type, such as executable (.EXE ) files or Windows initialization (.INI) files on a remote server running an FTP daemon.

To list local files of a particular type:

1.	Change to the local directory containing the files you want to list.

2.	Type the file name or extension, along with any wild cards, in the text box next to the List button in the Local portion of the main FTP application window,

For example, to see all executable files, enter *.EXE

3.	Choose List.

Files matching your specification are displayed above the List text box.

Note: On Solaris systems, entries that are symbolic links to directories display as both files and as directories.

To list files of a particular type on an FTP server:

1.	Change to the remote directory containing the files you want to list.

2.	Type the file name or extension, along with any wild cards, in the text box next to the List button in the Remote portion of the main FTP application window,

For example, to see all text files, enter *.TXT

3.	Choose List.

Files matching your specification are displayed above the List text box.

Note: Select all files for display by choosing Select.


Transferring Files to or From a Remote Server

To copy files to or from a remote server, use the Copy buttons in the main FTP application window, or drag and drop files from File Manager.

Click on Copying Files Using the FTP Copy Button or Copying Files Using File Manager for more about using these methods of file transfer.

Use Copy, Delete, View, and Rename only with files, not directories.

Note: By default, a file is copied with the same name. To change a name, make sure the item Confirm/Rename in the Options menu is selected with a check mark. Change the name when the Copy Files dialog box is displayed.

Tip: Use Confirm/Rename to rename a file when transferring a remote file with a name that does not conform to the DOS 8-by-3 file name convention. Simply specify a DOS file name in the destination field of the Copy Files dialog box.


Copying Files Using the FTP Copy Button

1.	Connect to an FTP server.

2.	Select a file in either the local or remote list of files.

3.	(Optional) If you want to confirm the transfer or if you want to change the file name to a DOS-conforming name, open the Options menu and verify that Confirm/Rename is selected.

4.	(Optional) If you are transferring any file other than a text file, verify that the Binary Transfer check box is selected.

5.	Choose the Copy button with the arrow pointing in the direction of the transfer.

For example, to copy a file from a remote server to your PC, choose the Copy button with the left-pointing arrow.

6.	(Optional) If the Confirm/Rename Options menu item is selected, confirm when prompted the directory and name of the file you have selected.

While the transfer is in progress, the status of the transfer is displayed.

See Also:

Rename

Setting Transfer Options


Copying Files Using File Manager

1.	Connect to an FTP server.

2.	Start File Manager.

3.	In File Manager, locate and select files you want to transfer to the server.

4.	Drag the files from File Manager to the FTP main application window.

FTP will copy the selected files using the current Transfer Options.

Note: You can only copy files to the remote server, when you copy by dragging and dropping them.

To cancel a copy operation:

1.	If Confirm/Rename is enabled, choose Cancel to cancel the copying of all remaining files to be copied, or Skip to skip copying a particular file.

Files that have already been copied will exist on the target file system.

See Also:

Selecting Multiple Files

Renaming a File

Setting Transfer Options


Deleting Files and Directories
Deleting a File

To delete a file:

1.	Select one or more local or remote files.

2.	Choose the appropriate Delete button, depending on whether you are deleting local or remote files.

3.	If Confirm/Rename is selected, you are asked to confirm the deletion. Choose Cancel to cancel the deletion of all remaining files to be deleted, or Skip to skip deletion of a particular file.

Note: Once a file is deleted, it cannot be restored.

See Also:

Selecting Multiple Files

Setting Transfer Options


Renaming a File

To rename a file:

1.	Select one or more files to rename.

2.	Choose Rename.

You are prompted for the new name.

3.	Choose Cancel to cancel the renaming of all remaining files to be renamed, or Skip to skip renaming of a particular file.

See Also:

Selecting Multiple Files

Transferring Files


Setting File Transfer Options
Setting Transfer Connection Options

You set most FTP transfer options in the Options menu. The transfer options you can set are:

Confirm/Rename - Determines whether you are prompted to confirm a file transfer or rename. This setting also allows you to save under another name a file being transferred. To set confirmation on file transfer, make sure that the Confirm/Rename item in the Options menu is selected with a check mark. This is the default. Use this option to transfer a file with a name that does not conform to DOS file-naming conventions.

Enabling Account Passwords - If the server requires an account password, enable account passwords by selecting it in the Options menu. While you may store an account password in an FTP configuration file, this is not recommended for security reasons.

Enable Automatic Connections - Automatically connects to an FTP server. Remove the check mark next to Enable AutoConnect in the Options menu to disable this option. If you have provided all the information needed to make the connection in the configuration file, the connection will be made automatically when you start FTP. If you did not provide information necessary to make the connection, such as a password, the connection will be made after you open the file and provide a password.

Confirming File Transfers - By default the Confirm/Rename item in the Options menu is selected with a check mark. When you copy or delete a file, a dialog box is displayed asking you to confirm your selection. If you do not want to be prompted to confirm your selection, remove the check mark from the Confirm/Rename menu item.

Selecting a Viewer -  Choose a specific executable program (text editor, document viewer, word processor, etc.) to view a file in FTP. FTP uses the executable file you have selected as a viewer. The next time you highlight a file and choose View in the main FTP window, the viewer program you specified is started and it displays the selected file.

Transfer Mode - FTP supports two transfer modes: binary and text (ASCII). Use binary mode to transfer application-specific documents, such as spreadsheets, or executable files, such as files ending with the extension .COM or .EXE. Use text mode to transfer plain text files. FTP does not check to determine if your selection is correct. For example, if you select text mode when you are transferring a graphics file, you are not notified that you are using the wrong transfer mode. (Set this transfer option in the main FTP dialog box.)

The following option displays status information:

System Type - Displays the type of operating system software used by the remote FTP server.  You can change this value by Choosing the Connect... button, and selecting another type option from the System Type drop-down list in the FTP Connect dialog box. Alternatively, choose Auto Detect to let the FTP application determine the software used by the remote server.


Selecting Multiple Files for Transfer

To transfer more than one file at a time, use the mouse or the keyboard to select multiple files. Click on one of the following to learn more about each method of file selection.

Using the Mouse to Select Files

Using the Keyboard to Select Files


Using the Mouse to Select Files

To select adjacent files in a list:

1.	Select the first file or directory.

The item appears highlighted.

2.	Press and hold down Shift while you select the last file or directory in the group.

All files between the selected files are also selected.

To select nonadjacent files in a list:

1.	Press and hold down Ctrl while you select each file or directory.

Selected items are highlighted.

To select all files:

1.	Choose Select All Files.

All files and directories in the list are highlighted.

To de-select a selected file in a list:

1.	Press and hold down Ctrl while you click the selected file or directory.


Using the Keyboard to Select Files

To select two or more items out of sequence:

1.	Use the Tab and arrow keys to move to the first file or directory you want to select.

2.	Press and release Shift+F8 quickly. The selection cursor begins to blink.

3.	Move to the next item you want to select.

4.	Press the Spacebar to select each file or directory.

5.	Press Shift+F8 when you finish selecting files.

To cancel a selection:

1.	Press and release Shift+F8 so that the selection cursor begins to blink.

2.	Move to the selection you want to cancel, and then press the Spacebar.

3.	Press Shift+F8 when you finish canceling selections.


Saving Connection Information

If you connect to a particular machine frequently, save the connection information for this machine in an FTP configuration file. This allows you to connect without having to enter the information each time. You can save the server name or Internet address, a user name, a user password, and an account password. In addition, you can set up the FTP configuration file so that when you open it, your PC is automatically connected to the specified server.

Note: For security reasons it is not recommended that you store passwords.

See Also:

Creating an FTP Configuration File

Configuring an Automatic FTP Connection

Disabling an Automatic FTP Connection


Creating an FTP Configuration File

1.	Select Connect from the main FTP application window.

The Connect dialog box opens.

2.	Provide the appropriate connection information.

3.	Choose Save As.

The Save File As dialog box opens.

4.	Enter a name for the configuration file and choose OK.

Your settings are saved. Once you have saved the file, you can modify it by opening it and choosing Save.


Configuring an Automatic FTP Connection

1.	When you are creating an FTP connect configuration file, select the check box "Connect automatically at startup or file open".

If you have provided all the information needed to make the connection in the configuration file, the connection will be made automatically when you start FTP. If you did not provide information necessary to make the connection, such as a password, the connection will be made after you open the file and provide a password.

See Also:

Creating an FTP Configuration File

Disabling an Automatic FTP Connection


Disabling an Automatic FTP Connection

1.	Remove the check mark in front of the Options menu item Enable AutoConnect.

Autoconnection is disabled in this configuration file.

2.	Save the file to record your changes.

See Also:

Configuring an Automatic FTP Connection


Enabling an FTP Account Password
Enabling Account Passwords

To enable account passwords, select Enable Account Passwords from the Options menu. A check mark appears next to this item when it is active.

After you enable account passwords, you can enter an account password as part of an FTP configuration file.


Selecting a File Viewer

You can instruct the FTP application to use a specific executable program (text editor, document viewer, word processor, etc.) when viewing a file. To specify a specific executable program to use as a file viewer:

1.	Connect to an FTP server.

2.	Open the Options menu and choose Select Viewer.

The Select Viewer Program dialog box opens, displaying a list of executable (.EXE) files.

3.	Locate and select the .EXE program you want to use as a file viewer.

The selected executable program name appears in the File Name edit box.

For example, select \WIN\NOTEPAD.EXE to view files using the Windows Notepad text editor. Select \WIN\WRITE.EXE to view files using the Windows Write program.

4.	Choose OK.

FTP uses the executable file you have selected as a viewer. The next time you highlight a file and choose View in the main FTP window, the viewer program you specified is started and it displays the selected file.


Viewing the Contents of a File

You may view the contents of a file located on your PC or on a remote server. You must be connected to the server to view a remote file's contents.

To view a file's contents:

1.	Select the name of the file on the PC or the remote server.

The file name is highlighted.

2.	Choose View on either the Local or Remote portion of the main FTP application window.

A window opens displaying file contents.


Account Password

Some FTP servers require a second password called the account password. To use an account password, you must first select the Enable Account Passwords item on the Options menu in the main FTP application window.


Using Quote to Send a Command
Using Quote to Send FTP Commands

Quote provides a way for you to send commands (verbatim) to a remote FTP server. You might need to do this to identify yourself to the server or to change permissions of files on the server. Commands take the form of argument, and multiple commands are separated by a space. When a command is received by the remote server, it responds with a single reply code.

Note: The Quote function is intended for use by experienced users familiar with the FTP protocol.

To send a command to a remote FTP server:

Tip: Make help the first command you send. It will tell you which other commands the remote FTP server supports.

1.	Establish an FTP connection to the server.

2.	Open the Actions menu in the main FTP dialog box and choose Quote.

The Quote Command dialog box opens.

3. 	Enter a command in the Send Command text box and choose Send.

The command is sent to the remote server. The output of the command appears in the lower portion of the main FTP dialog box.


Troubleshooting FTP Problems

Here are some common problems you can have with FTP sessions between your PC and a remote computer.

Problem	Possible Causes	Solution
Cannot reach host.	The remote computer, the network, or part of the network is not working.	Ask your network administrator for the name of a working FTP server.
Cannot find host.	Your computer cannot find an IP address for the remote computer in the name service (NIS, DNS, or hosts file.)	Use Ping to make sure you can reach the remote computer.   Ask your network administrator for the name of a working FTP server.
Connection refused.	The FTP service is not running on the remote computer.	Ask your network administrator for the name of a working FTP server.
Cannot log in to the remote computer.	You entered an invalid user name or password.	Reenter the correct user name and password.
	You do not have a user account on the remote computer.	Ask your network administrator to create a user account for you.
Cannot list directory on remote computer.	The remote operating system type setting is probably incorrect.	Disconnect from the remote host, choose another Type option in the Connect dialog box, and reconnect to the remote host.
Cannot use a binary file after transfer.	You transferred a binary file in ASCII mode.	Select the Binary Transfer option button and repeat the transfer.
Connection closes after being idle for some time.	The remote computer closed the FTP connection because it was idle for a period of time.	Close the inactive session; open a new session.


IP Address

A number that uniquely identifies a computer connected to a TCP/IP network.


User Name

The character string that identifies you to the network. Your user name maps to your user ID. For example, tarzan is a user name, which might map to the user ID 123.


Password

A character string used to verify a user name. For example, the password for user name tarzan might be swinging.


Anonymous

A standard name for a nonprivileged user. Anonymous FTP lets users on the network access certain files without requiring user names and passwords.


Port Number

The number of a port or logical communication channel on a file server. Many services such as FTP use well known ports for their activity. For example, most FTP servers communicate with users through port number 21.