I want to use a desktop PC as an FTP server and I know that if it was connected directly to my ISP modem then I would only need to use the IP address to access the FTP server from remote locations- but if the PC is connected to the Internet thru a router with a subnetted IP address, then how to you reference the address of that machine externally. Logically it would make since if it were something like this: "Router IP Address/Computer_Name" I'm guessing something has to be configured within the router to do this also. Any help is appreciated, Thanks

You need to forward port 21 in the router to the IP address of the computer that is hosting the FTP server. You don't use the computer name - that is only for Local Area Networks. You router manual will tell you how to do port forwarding. Stuart

Very often, you also need to forward port 20 as well for FTP. "Enough, enough bowing down to disillusion! Hats off & applause to rogues & evolution! The ripple effect is too good not to mention. If you’re not affected, you’re not paying attention!"

I have recently set up my computer for use as a server. First, you should (although its not requiered, but it makes accessing the server easier) sign up for free dynamic DNS services. www.dyndns.com is a good one, and is free. This allows you to get to your server through a domain name insted of an IP address (eg insted of typing ftp://123.45.67.8, you could type ftp://computername.dyndns.org, so you dont have to remeber your computers IP address. After setting this up, incoming traffic will be sent to your router. You neeed to set up the router to send the data to your computer by forwarding FTP port 21. http://www.portforward.com offers step-by-step help on doing this. Now, all you need is to get a FTP server program. If you have a Windows 2000 Pro CD lying around, you can find instructions on how to get Internet Information Serveices (IIS) installed on XP Home.

I wouldn't bother with IIS - it is far to unwieldy and complicated for the job in hand. One of the shareware FTP servers will be more than enough. Stuart

Great! Thanks for the help everyone.