FTP with Internet Explorer.

• What is FTP?

FTP (file transfer protocol) is a method for moving files on the internet. FTP is commonly used to upload files or photos to a website or image host.  There are quite a few popular programs that can manage a file transfer, but one of the simplest methods is free, and is already installed on most computers.

Internet Explorer has its own built-in FTP client, and FTP-enabled sites allow you to log in using a simple command line in the address field at the top of your browser. Unfortunately, browser-enabled FTP is not available in other common browsers, like Firefox or Netscape.

Your webhost (ISP, webhosting site, or image host) will provide the exact address of your FTP site (it usually starts with ftp, but may start with something else like upload), and you will also need to know your username and password for that site.

• Log in to your webspace

To use Internet Explorer's built-in FTP, just substitute your own information in the sample below, and paste it into your Internet Explorer browser address line:

ftp://username:password@ftp.myhost.com

Your FTP space opens up in a browser window and looks like any other folder on your desktop, allowing you to drag files back and forth between folders and your web browser.

• Bookmark to Favorites

If you want to bookmark the link, you can leave off the password, and you will be prompted for it by the browser.

ftp://username:@ftp.myhost.com

• Email address as Username

What if your host requires your entire email address to log in? In that case, there will be an extra @-sign that can't be used in the address line. Instead, substitute %40 for the @-sign that is within your log-in name. Your address line will look like this:

ftp://username%40myhost.com:password@ftp.myhost.com

• Separate Windows

Some users have difficulty opening multiple screens to drag files between them, and that is due to a browser setting that reuses the same window over again. If you would like to have multiple browser windows open at one time, then look for this setting in the Internet Explorer Menu:

Tools > Internet Options > Advanced tab >

and uncheckmark "reuse windows for launching shortcuts"

See screen shot below.

• Can't Drag/Drop?

If you have the latest browser and it won't let you drag and drop, it could be due to a security setting that can be changed:

Tools > Internet Options > Security tab >

under the Globe, click the "custom level " button
and enable "Drag and drop or copy and paste files"

• Transfer Failed

Some websites and some broadband don't work with "active FTP", where computer and server negotiate what ports to use. They require "passive FTP" where only one side can decide on the ports. If you can't log in, you can change Internet Explorer's setting in:

Tools > Internet Options > Advanced tab >

and checkmark "Use Passive FTP (for firewall and DSL modem compatibility)"

See screen shot below.

 

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