Using WS_FTP

The process of transferring files from one location to another, such as to your space on the web server is called ftp (file transfer protocol). When you transfer a file, you are actually making a copy of it in the new location; the original file remains where it is stored on your local workstation.

Downloading WS_FTP

1. Use your web browser and go to:
   
   http://ipswitch.com/products/WS_FTP/home/index.html
   
   
2. Click the option you prefer: Try, Purchase, Update.
   
   
3. Complete the registration form and click Submit. On the following page click on the name of the download file to begin the download of the file to your local workstation. Store it in some temporary location on your hard drive.
   
   
4. Go to the location on your local workstation where you stored the file and Double Click the icon to start the installation process. It will install itself in the correct location. After you answer the questions provided in the dialog boxes and agree to the license agreement, WS_FTP will complete the installation process. Then after a successful install, you can throw away the downloaded executable file.
   
   
5. When the installation is complete, a window will remain open showing you the WS_FTP icons. For easier access in the future, drag the WS_FTP icon to your Start button or Desktop.

Using WS_FTP

1. To use WS_FTP, double click the WS_FTP Icon.
   
   
2. The Session Properties dialog box allows you to supply information regarding the machine you are connecting to, and your authentication information. (Refer to the sample image below for steps 3-9.)
   
   
3. Click New to get a blank dialog box.

Sample Session Properties Box

4. In the Profile Name text box, type a word or phrase that reminds you of the site purpose; this is for your benefit in choosing the site from the list in the future. For example, you could name it: My Web Server.
   
   
5. In the Host Name/Address text box, type the name (or IP number) of your web server—your web administrator will be able to provide you with this information.
   
   
6. Make sure that the Host Type drop-down box lists "Automatic detect."
   
   
7. In the User ID and Password text boxes, type your username and password for the web server.
   
   
8. If your workstation is secure (you are the only one who uses it), you can click the Save Pwd checkbox so that WS_FTP will remember your password from now on.
   
   
9. To make the connection, click OK.
   
   
10. Usually the web server administration has the machine set up so that you can only access your designated space. Refer to the image below for steps 11-13.
    
    

Sample Dialog Box Showing Local and Remort Files

11. Your screen will open with two windows:
    
    
    • The left window displays the contents of your hard drive and initially shows the contents of the C:\Program Files\WS_FTP directory, indicated in the top text box on the left side of the dialog box. You will need to change from that initial directory to the location where you stored your web files.
      
      
    • The right window displays the contents of your web directory.
      
      
12. To change from the current directory into a sub-directory or to change to a different drive (for example, the A: drive—your floppy disk), double click the folder name or directory letter.
    
    
13. To move up out of the WS_FTP directory, Double Click the green arrow to move up one directory level. You will need to do this twice to get to the root level of your C: drive.
    
    
14. When you have located the file you wish to transfer in the left window and the receiving location on the web server.
    
    
    1. Click the filename to highlight it.
       
       
    2. Click the right pointing arrow in the center of the dialog box to effect the transfer.
       
       

The file will transfer. Usually files, unless they are large image files and you are on a slower modem, will transfer very quickly. You can verify that the transfer has happened by checking the message area at the bottom of the WS_FTP window. It will indicate how many bytes transferred successfully then display a Transfer Complete message. If you are working from home, make sure you WAIT after each transfer until the Transfer Complete message shows. If WS_FTP is still working on the transfer, it will usually lock-up if you try to choose another action before the prior one is completely finished.

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Cynthia D. Hollingsworth
Last update:
URL: http://www.iupui.edu/~webtrain/tutorials/ws_ftp.html

Copyright © 1999 Cynthia D. Hollingsworth. All rights reserved.