How to List Files on an FTP Server

If you don't have an FTP program, use Windows to view your FTP server files.

If you have a website that runs on your personal server, you might update it using File Transfer Protocol (FTP). Shared hosting sites usually provide their customers with online FTP software that helps them manage their files. In addition, commercial software companies market FTP programs that simplify the file transfer process. If you need a quick way to view the files on an FTP server, use the free FTP utility that comes with Windows.

Instructions

1. Click the Windows "Start" menu and type "run" in the search box.

2. Press "Enter." The "Run" window will open.

3. Type "cmd" (without parentheses) and click "OK" to open the "Command" window. Here you can issue commands to access an FTP site and manage its files.

4. Type "cd\" (without parentheses) and press "Enter." This will position you in your root directory, usually in your "C" drive.

5. Type "ftp xyz.com" (without parentheses) in the "Command" window. Replace "xyz.com" with the URL of your FTP server.

6. Press "Enter." Windows will connect to the server and prompt you for a user ID.

7. Enter your user ID and press "Enter." Windows will prompt you for your logon password. Enter your password and press "Enter." Windows will display the message "User logged in, proceed."

8. Type "ls" (without parentheses) and press "Enter." Windows will list the folders and files on the FTP server.

9. Type "cd / xyz" (without parentheses). Replace "xyz" with the name of one of the folders in the list.

10. Press "Enter." Windows will list the contents of that folder. To back up to the previous level in the directory tree, type "cd .." (without parentheses).

11. Type "exit" to end the FTP session.

Tips & Warnings

• If the FTP command does not connect you to the FTP server, verify that you are using the correct user ID and password, then verify that the FTP server is active.

• If you need assistance, contact your Internet Service Provider if you use one. To send a file list to a text file instead of the command window, type "dir > xyz.txt" (without parentheses). Windows will capture the contents of the command window and write them to a file named "xyz.txt." Change "xyz" to any name that you like. Find the file on your "C" drive after issuing the command.

References

• Adobe: Transfer Files Through FTP Using the Command Line

Resources

• Colorado State University: Basic FTP Commands