How to Configure Passive FTP Mode in Internet Explorer

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) uses a data port and a command port. In active mode, the client connects to the server's command port and the server connects to the client's data port. Passive FTP mode, or PASV, was developed to allow the client to initiate both connections to the server. The following steps will show how to configure passive FTP mode in Internet Explorer.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Start an Internet Explorer session from the Start Menu or command line. Click on the Tools item in the menu bar, then click on "Internet Options..." to bring up the Internet Options screen.

2. Select the Advanced Tab from the Internet Options screen and look under the Browsing options for the option labeled "Use Passive FTP (for firewall and DSL modem compatibility)." Check this box and select the Apply button to make the change or the OK button to make the change and close the Internet Options screen.

3. Enable FTP Folder View if using Internet Explorer as an FTP client. You also may want to check this box at this time if you would like to look at FTP files as if they were normal Windows files.

4. Use passive mode on FTP servers if you are behind a firewall because it is usually required. Passive mode should only be disabled if you have problems connecting or need to use the PORT command instead of PASV.

5. Disable passive mode on FTP clients to connect to some servers.