Help Setting up an FTP Server

February 15, 2006 8:11 PM

Help configuring Serv-U ftp server with DSL internet access. Why can't remote users get a directory listing?

I'm running Serv-U ftp using DynDNS Updater to allow the ftp server to work through DSL (as detailed here.
All my local network servers can access the ftp site without a problem using either it's local IP. However, if I attempt to access the site either locally or from a remote client (outside my local area network) using the IP identified by DynDNS Updater or the domain forwarded by DynDNS, I am unable to browse the ftp directories and get an error on the client:

An error occurred opening that folder on the FTP Server. Make sure you have permission to access that folder.
Details:
The connection with the server was reset.

I've tried switching to passive FTP (on both client and server) but get the following error:

An error occurred opening that folder on the FTP Server. Make sure you have permission to access that folder.
Details:
200 Type set to A.
550 A connection with the server could not be established.

In both cases I do get prompted for the sites user/password.

I am using IE as my ftp client (this is a requirement), and Verizon is my DSL provider.
Any idea how I can get this working?

posted by evilelf to computers & internet (5 comments total)

Does IE as your ftp client work behind the router?

Does your router block any ports?

Have you set the local IP address of the computer with the FTP server on it to be the "DMZ" on your router?
posted by twiggy at 8:20 PM on February 15, 2006

You'll need either the server or the client (depending on whether you use passive mode) to be able to accept connections on random ports >1023 for ftp transactions. Most firewalls are capable of recognizing which port ftp is trying to use and allowing it. Very likely yours isn't configured to do that.
posted by sfenders at 8:31 PM on February 15, 2006

Ooops left those details out;
IE is working behind the router if I use the local IP address for the server.
I have forwarded port 21 on the router to the ftp server port 21 (Will eventually use a different port on both sides but keeping it simple for now).
Since I get a the user/password prompt outside the router, and it responds correctly, I know I'm hitting the right machine.
posted by evilelf at 8:31 PM on February 15, 2006

Most likely, you also need to fortward port 20 as FTP uses it for the data connection.
posted by entropy at 8:42 PM on February 15, 2006

Thanks sfenders, that did the trick!
posted by evilelf at 8:47 PM on February 15, 2006