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How To Setup FTP Server on Windows

Posted By Raymond In Category: Computer

Oct
19
2007
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Perhaps many of you already know how to create and configure a FTP server. If you don’t know what FTP is, FTP or File Transfer Protocol is used to transfer data from one computer to another over the Internet, or through a network.

Specifically, FTP is a commonly used protocol for exchanging files over any network that supports the TCP/IP protocol (such as the Internet or an intranet). There are two computers involved in an FTP transfer: a server and a client. The FTP server, running FTP server software, listens on the network for connection requests from other computers. The client computer, running FTP client software, initiates a connection to the server. Once connected, the client can do a number of file manipulation operations such as uploading files to the server, download files from the server, rename or delete files on the server and so on.

If you need to access your files from other location, running a FTP server is a good solution. This article will only show you how to setup and configure a FTP server on your computer. I promise you that it is good to know how to setup a FTP server on a computer. I will tell you more about it on the next article.

So here’s how to setup FTP server on Windows.


There are many FTP server software on the internet but I prefer to use FileZilla Server. Follow the step-by-step below and you’ll have a home FTP server running in no time.

1. Download FileZilla Server.

2. Run the downloaded file, click I Agree.

3. Use the default Standard component installation and click Next.
how to install FTP server

4. The default installation location is OK. Change it if you want and click Next.

5. Make sure “Install as service, started with Windows (default)” is selected and port 14147. Click Next.

6. At startup settings, if you’re the only person using the computer, then click Install button. If sharing and has multiple user accounts, select the second one that says “Start if user logs on, apply only to current user“.
FTP Run only to current user

7. Click OK when you’re prompted to “Connect to server” and FileZilla server interface will appear.
How to connect to FTP server

8. Click Edit on the menu bar, and select Users.
How to add users to FTP

9. Click the Add button on Users and type the name of the user account.

10. Check Password and enter a password for the user that you’ve created.

11. Go to Shared Folders, and click Add button on Shared folders. Select the folder that you’d want the user to access.
Share Folders on FTP

12. Check Read, Write, Delete, Append for Files. Also check Create, Delete, List, + Subdirs for Directories and click OK.
Configure FTP user rights

13. Now go to My Computer, type the Address as ftp://127.0.0.1 and hit Enter.
How to connect to FTP

14. Enter the username and password that you created just now and you’re logged in to the shared folder.

You now have a fully functional FTP server on your computer. You can add more users and also shared folders as you wish. Wait a minute, you’re not 100% done yet because you won’t be able to access from outside of your network. To be able to access from other location, you need to setup Dynamic DNS and also your router/firewall.

1. Dynamic DNS.
- We need dynamic DNS because most of us don’t have static IP address. Whenever we reconnect our Internet connection, we get a new IP address. You can use No-IP to map your IP address such as 68.57.46.35 to hostname like “raymond.no-ip.org”. Remembering raymond.no-ip.org is much easier than 68.57.46.35. Instead of typing ftp://127.0.0.1 on My Computer or any FTP client software, you can now enter your hostname, for example, “ftp://myftpserver.no-ip.org”

2. Router and Firewall.
- You need to forward TCP port 21 on your router to your computer. Refer to PortForward.com on how to forward ports. As for firewall, you need to unblock TCP port 21. If you’re using Windows Firewall, you can add port 21 to be excluded from being blocked. Go to Control Panel -> Windows Firewall. Click on Exceptions tab and Add Port button. Enter the name as FTP and port number as 21. Make sure TCP is selected.
How to add exclude port in Windows Firewall

Here’s an important FTP security tip. When creating FTP user account and password, use NEW username/password and avoid using same username/password as your Windows user account login. This is because FTP passwords and file contents are sent in clear text, which can be intercepted by eavesdroppers/packet sniffers.

Another Tip: Instead of using My Computer to access FTP, there are also free FTP clients to connect to FTP server such as FileZilla Client and FreshFTP.


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    • xangelo

      I actually just set up a personal ftp server for myself and friends to do file transfers when one of us is afk using Xlight. It’s a great little server that pretty much runs with very little configuration. Just point it to a directory and it does it’s work. It even allows for individual user accounts and passwords as well as granting anonymous access. You can even go so far as to set individual settings for files and users (Ie access rights).

      What I like best about it though is the Remote Admin feature that you can download. Since my server is on a completely diferent floor than I am on, and most times I’m not even in the same house, so it’s nice to be able to administer everything from afar.

      It’s all free software, so it’s realy quite worth it (note: it’s only free as long as it’s personal)
      http://www.xlightftpd.com/

    • http://www.raymond.cc/ Raymond

      Great share xangelo. It is indeed very light and very little configuration.

    • albrteny

      u r very helpfull I don’t know why but some kind people be happy when they do that .

    • albrteny

      I admire you raymond thank you 4 your inform

    • http://www.raymond.cc/ Raymond

      Thanks albrteny :)

    • Pingback: Backup Files from Dead Windows to FTP » Raymond.CC Blog

    • http://www.raidenftpd.com/ peter
    • Paul

      Hey Raymond,

      Great Tutorial, Ive succesfully set up my FTP server, but I’m still unsure how to accces it externally i.e out side of my network when I’m at work. What do i need to type in the internet explorer bar? My external IP address? the ip of my media player? is password included in what you have to type in?
      Thanks for your help

    • shaffer

      I found the Xlight ftp server seems very easy to setup, especially its UPnP support is very useful.

    • Ken

      Many thanks Raymond for the information to set up a FTP server in Windows XP its really handy mine is going well now.
      I would like to ask if there are notes available on how to set up a Web Server in XP if so I would appreciate any help you can give.
      Thanks Again……Ken

    • http://rapidpremium.net ali

      thanks raymond. my question. What if we need to make a public server i.e. any one could access it. Then what to do?

    • Claudius

      Hi:) Thanks for the tutorial, I did everything as discribed but whenever I try to log on to the server from the laptop I get a connection timeout after I enter password and username. Any idea why?

    • Henry

      Nice article. BTW, I use the free edition of Sysax FTP Server that supports https file access also. This way, I can transfer files securely with any web browser without messing around with an FTP client. The url is http://www.sysax.com

    • V D

      Thanks a lot!!!

    • http://www.raymond.cc/blog/archives/2007/10/19/how-to-setup-ftp-server-on-windows/ lucky

      thanks a lot raymond.its a really great work.i have done all setup on my computer and i m going to try outside computer.i was looking for it so long time.
      i do not know about DNS and no ip.is these things ar necessary to connect with my ftp server from outside or i can just use FTP://127.0.0.1 from outside computer.
      i have an other question.i have ADSL inernet connection.On LOCAL CONNECTION i have always have one ip.is it mean static ip.can i use this ip to make my computer ftp server.plz help me.
      i do not know so much about computer.and sorry for my bad english.

    • Noni

      I still can\’t access my ftp. Why port 21? Please can you help me!

    • Bhavesh Patel

      Hay SIR,

      Thanks, this was target in my life. Many…Many…..Thanks.

      Bhavesh Patel

    • Srinu

      This is really good tool and good guidance for installing the FTP server on the machines. Thanks Raymond

    • Triguna

      Nice work raymond. It really made my work easy.
      Thanks for taking time to write this article.
      Triguna M S

    • Gary Bloom

      Hi Raymond,

      Any suggestions as to the best way to get a Secure FTP server in place? Is the FileZilla Server still a good way to go? And what needs to be done to require/enforce secure login? My goal is to put in place an SFTP server that supports secure passwords and pause/resume of transfers. Any thoughts?

      Gary

    • ITAdmin

      I have one question.

      I not understand the step Dinamy DNS, I want that in wherever place they can connect to my ftp.

      Can you help me.

      Thanks.

    • me

      i finish all the step….
      and when i connect to the host i created from no-ip.com, it require username and password.
      is it the created host name has not been configure and manage yet?
      and how to do it….
      thx…

    • http://hi rezo

      thxxxx sooo much … this will help me a lot. thx thx

    • mingrong

      noone reply??
      i mean when acces into my public address it require username and password and what should i put into??
      not the ftp username and password lol…

    • Rithymatic

      Hi Raymond
      I hate to bother you since you have given us so much, but I really need help here.
      I have followed your instructions, I can use my ftp on my pc without any problem.
      The thing is how can I access to my ftp outside my network? another thing is that you have mentioned the no-ip thing. I go to this no-ip web and do all the registration, but I really don\’t know what is that for? I meant what is the connection between my ftp and this no-ip account?
      I\’ve been working on this ftp for two days, and still can\’t get it off. So I decided to come to you.
      Thank you very much for your time.

    • sajjad

      done boss, many thanks

    • admsupport

      I think for my part this tutorial lacks a fundamental information and is incomplete:

      HOW TO SET FileZilla Server TO BE ACCESSIBLE FROM THE INTERNET.

      >>> i.e. where to enter the information (IP static address, DNS address) on the GUI window.

      Reading the number of comments: I can access my files on ftp//:127.0.0.1 but not outside of my network?!? Duh… you are watching your files on your own machine.

      I am sure most of people are wondering if they have to enter their IP static address or DNS address, either by selecting:
      -File > connect to server and change 127.0.0.1 to whatever IP or DNS address
      either by selecting:
      -Edit>Settings>passive mode settings

      Or elsewhere maybe?

      Why have omitted such important information? I am wondering.

    • Fritz

      admsupport-> Maybe you could contribute yourself with an additional guide to the info you are feeling is missing?

      That seems like a more constructive instead of rallying about Raymond having deliberitely left out crucial info … which is a pretty strange conception of this very helpful site.

      /Fritz

    • http://pinoytopdownloads.blogspot.com Red.Hanks

      Hi Raymond. Thank you for the tutorial. I followed everything and set up was done. Sign up already with NO IP. But I can\’t access ftp://127.0.0.1 thru my computer, it prompts me for a username and pass. I typed the correct one but it keeps asking for the password. I check all the settings on FZ and under edit>users>password…i type a password which contains 6letters with numbers but when I clicked ok then go back to it, it has many asterisk which should only have 6? Help me please. Thanks.

    • http://pinoytopdownloads.blogspot.com Red.Hanks

      I was able to access ftp://127.0.0.1 using my windows username and pass but using the username and pass I created thru FZ I can’t access it. I treregistered at NO IP and when I tried to access to the ftp server I created here is what I’ve got

      Status: Resolving address of xxxxxxxxx.serveftp.com
      Status: Connecting to 12xxxxxxxxxxxx…
      Status: Connection established, waiting for welcome message…

      and that’s all. I won’t connect.

    • bhavesh

      Hi raymond ihad configure a ftp server the sftware name is file zilla server, in that i have created user and groups which i had given read write delete permissions to other n i also add share folder thru which friendz can locate it,but the think is that i can open thru my computer it getted access but in that i cant get all the files n folders which i add n second thing is dat i cant access frm outsiders computer if i access thru frm my friend system it says connection to server failed
      so plz help mee thankz raymond

    • mayank

      Hi Raymond,
      That is a great help regarding setting up the server. I had installed the server same weeks ago but couldn\’t configure out what to do. I just stopped the service & server from the interface. The from that time it always says could not connect to server. Have reinstalled it thrice.
      Same response. Now when I get your help I again tried to reinstall but the response is same. before stopping the server it was connected to the server.
      Can u help me out. Please..
      Waiting for your reply.

      Mayank

    • mohammed

      hey raymond iam tryin login by using winscp to filezilla server but its not letting me in

    • Brian

      Quick question for ya raymond,
      when i try to add more avail drives to be seen on my server i cant get them to work. i’ve added users and made it so everything can be seen, but nothing is showing up except the first drive that i started with nothing else. do you know why i cant make anything else show up? also everything is shared i have friends getting things from my computer but i dont want to have to uninstall and reinstall the program to make things work that would just be too big of a pain in the butt.
      hope to hear from you soon.
      thanks

    • sankar

      Hey Ray, i did everything and I even have a no-ip hostname. But when I try to connect to the hostname through my computers or the internet, it doesn’t connect. Any ideas?

    • BamBam

      I followed your directions step by step and used all your recomendations but i cannot access my site outside of my own computer. i set up no ip but it wont connect to my site. i have no F*n clue what i am doing here.

    • http://salmanarif.deviantart.com/ Salman Arif

      Hi Raymond!

      Thanks for the share!

      I successfully set up an FTP server, assigned a Dynamic DNS domain, and successfully forwarded the port.
      However, when I try to log on (from anywhere) I get “530 login incorrect” error.

      I’ve double checked and triple checked passwords, made new accounts and even tried disabling the password, but nothing seems to work… : (
      Could you help me out? I can’t find any appropriate information on Google.

      If it helps I am running Windows 7 (32-bit) and have added FileZilla server, client, ports to the Windows Firewall exceptions.

      Regards,
      Salman Arif

    • Denboooo

      Hi Ray thanxxxx 4 ur informationn.

    • lakshmi narayana rao

      hello, filezilla is working for me. i was working on that from 1 month today i successfully configured it. anybody ask the query to me. getvnr@gmail.com

    • http://- alfred

      hope so i’ll be one of the lucky persons who will be randomly get one of the licensed key^^.

    • http://- alfred

      Pls pick me up pls i want to try it on my own

    • zakirhussain

      hi thanks for puting information

    • Rahul Junnarkar

      THanks a lots. i was confusing somewhere. but from ur guideance i done it.

      Thanks a lot again.

      RahulJ

    • suje

      Guys,
      How can I setup users without password. I have an automated system that only provides username and it should access the files in their home directory.

    • HM

      Great info…thanks for providing this service!

    • Return Privacy

      Hi Ray,
      Great article. I am the opposite of most on here. I need to know how to STOP incoming connections from outside of my home network? I only use Filezilla ftp to receive files from my ip cameras. It is working good, but I don’t want anyone to be able to connect in to it from the outside web. I just want it to work on the internal home network. How do I do this? Thanks

    • ravi

      hi raymond you have helped me a lot now i can configure filzilla server.

      but please reply me how to access file from outside my network.

    • mhike

      for those who successfully configured this one, can you pls share to me the proper steps. I need to setup an ftp server. thanks in advance.

    • vinith

      Sir when ever i try to enter my ip address in start server..it gets connected and as soon as it gets connected after a few second it says authentication to the server has failed and disconnects.what coul be the problem i cant understand plz hep me sir…

    • ramu

      in my server i got message that protocol error as invalid data could import account settings could not change account settings as our server is 2003
      please do need ful

    • kaveen rodrigo

      thanks

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