FTP Access

General

FTP can be used to transfer files from your computer to your web site (and vice-versa).   You can also upload files using the Control Panel.  FrontPage users can use the FrontPage publish facility to upload their site.

FTP Program

To FTP files to your server you will need an FTP program.  There are many available on the web.  For a list of FTP solutions, visit our FTP Webmaster Resources.

Setting Up Your FTP Software to Connect To Your Domain

After you have downloaded and installed your FTP software, most all FTP software need certain information in order to connect with your hosted web account as follows:

Name: The name of your site so that you will know which site this profile will connect to
Description: A detailed description.  Usually left blank.
Remote host/FTP Site: The IP address OR use your domain name of your site
Local File Folder / Default Directory: The local directory where your web pages etc are stored.  You can leave this empty or blank or choose a folder on your hard drive where your web files are located.
Remote File Folder: Leave blank for now. 
Anonymous Login: Leave unchecked
User ID/ Name: Your FTP user name
(provided to you when you signed up for your account).
Password: Your FTP password (also provided at signup).  Your password is case sensitive.
Remote Port: 21 (default)

Using Your FTP Software Once Connected

Once you click Connect, your FTP software should connect to your site and then:

  1. List the contents of your Local File Folder usually in the bottom half or left side of the FTP screen;

  2. List the contents of your Web site typically in the top half or right side of the FTP screen.

You should be able to navigate through your Web site by double clicking on the relevant file folders. 

To upload files highlight the files you want to upload then click on the Upload/Send button.

To change the transfer type choose between Auto / ascii / binary.  Typically, it is best to leave any transfer type setting as auto.  To upload CGI scripts, always choose text/ascii transfer or your script will not work.

You can also use your FTP software to download, view, rename and delete files, and to create and remove directories.

Security Concerns:  Don't download a file that may have sensitive information in it like credit card numbers.  FTP transfer is not secure.

Secure FTP Access

General

Secure FTP access is available at ActiveWebHost.com.  In fact, we encourage it's use over general FTP access as you can securely transfer any of your files.

Setting Up Your FTP Software to Securely Connect To Your Domain

Most FTP software will allow you to choose how you wish to connect to your website.  FTP software generally defaults to a connection typed of, "Standard (No Security)."

Review your connection information for any sites hosted at ActiveWebHost.com and change the setting from Standard to "SSL Explicit Encryption (AUTH SSL)"  The port should remain as port 21.  This is NOT the same setting as "Secure FTP" so choose the option that closely resembles "SSL Explicit Encryption (AUTH SSL)."

NOTE:  AUTH SSL is only available on the main server IP and not on alias IPs.  If you try to connect to your site by your domain name, it will not work, instead, use the IP address.  By doing so, AUTH SSL will work and enable a secure connection.

Using Your FTP Software Once Connected

That's the best part, you use your FTP software just like normal.  It's just as fast and convenient as standard FTP, but now with the added benefit of being secure.

When you connect, you'll get a warning pop up box that the secure certificate doesn't match your site.  That's okay as you are using the shared SSL certificate and as you'll notice, the box that pops up also indicates the connection is secure so you know your data is being transferred securely.

Here's a fun little quote, "HTTPS is just HTTP in SSL transport."

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