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I'm having problems connecting to any websites using ftp. I'm trying to upload some files to my webspace but nothing's working.
Anyone know anything I should check? I have windows firewall on, and am using Norton Systemworks.
It's FTP Commander but I've tried others. I just had the idea to turn off windows firewall and it worked, but I don't like the idea of leaving it off.
I reckon I have to allow a socket or something but I'm not sure how, and would it be safe??
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Try using a command line ftp to see if it's the server, the firewall, the ID and password or...
M2
If at first you don't succeed, you're about average.
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You will need to enable passive mode when you have your firewall turned on. Scroll down to #11 on this page.
If you want to read more about why this is true, go here and scroll down to section 3.2. Basically, the ftp protocol uses two ports - port 21 for control connections and another port, selected at random, for data connections. Your firewall is dumping the incoming data connections because they are on a port that it doesn't know is associated with your ftp session. Passive mode is the workaround for this.
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I've got passive mode selected, still having problems.
I suppose I could just turn the firewall off while ftp-ing, then turn it back on, bit of a hassle though :(
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You could try a different ftp client. In my experience, they don't all implement PASV/POST the same way, and some will work on sites where others won't. Worth a try anyway.
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I don't think it's the program, I've tried two now. Like I said, it works without the firewall on, I guess I just don't know how to configure it to allow the ftp program.
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You can allow ports in the Windows firewall by going to the network connection > right click > properties > advanced tab > settings > exceptions tab.
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That won't help, unfortunately. As noted earlier - if you read the rfc I linked - the server, not the client, selects the port used for data transfer. You would have to accurately predict this port in order to allow it through your firewall. That is, obviously, practically impossible.
Steve, does ftp commander have any logging feature? Or a console? If you could see what commands it is sending to the server and the responses, you might be able to figure out what is failing and causing your problem.
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Thanks Mechanix2Go.
I always find reading RFC's interesting, even if some of it does go over my head. :)
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Hi jimminy,
From what you've written, not much goes over your head.
Anyway, I think the way forward on this one is to use a better firewall.
ZoneAlarm asks for permission on a "per program" basis. So you don't need to guess about port numbers.
M2
If at first you don't succeed, you're about average.
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That's a good point Mechanix2Go - and probably the closest thing to a solution in terms of software firewalls. Telling the firewall "anything this program does, let it through" is pretty much what you have to do to ensure FTP passthrough. :)
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