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Server: Installation of FTP

Introduction​

The FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a network protocol used to transfer files over a TCP/IP network. The protocol was developed to allow the easy exchange of files between systems.

With the FileZilla Server it is possible to set up such a FTP server on a Windows operating system. The FileZilla Server is easy to install and configure, and offers numerous features such as the ability to set up user accounts, manage access rights and transfer files.

Preperation​

Download​

Setting up an FTP server requires corresponding software. The FileZilla server software can be used as a possible solution for the Windows server operating system. The download option for this can be found here: FileZilla server.

Installation​

Once the setup file has been downloaded, you have to execute it. To do this, click on the previously downloaded file. The following window should open: image

There you can select the packages to be installed. However, it is sufficient if you install the pre-selected packages there, so you simply click on Next and then choose the installation path:

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In this example, Filezilla Server will be installed under C:\Program Files (x86)\FileZilla Server. However, you can also choose your own path. After the selection of the path, you must specify in which form the FTP server is supposed to be installed and started. Furthermore, the port can be determined and an administrator password must be specified.

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Afterwards you click on Next as well and in the following step. At the end click on Install to start the installation. The administration interface of the FileZilla FTP server will now open. Click on the button Connect to FileZilla FTP Server.

A window should pop up where you see the fields Host, Port and Password. You can leave the first two fields unchanged and enter your defined administrator password from the FTP server. After that you establish the connection by clicking on the Ok button.

Configuration​

User creation​

To be able to connect to your server via FTP, you have to create a user. Click on Server in the menu above and then on Configure.

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You can then add a new user under the Users menu option by simply clicking Add:

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In this example, the user name is YourUserName. Here you can of course choose your own username.

Password and Permissions​

Now that the user has been created, the access and the access permissions must be configured. To do this, the user is activated and password options are configured in the General category under Credentials. We strongly recommend using a password for security reasons. Choose Require a password to log in and set your desired password.

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To ensure that the user has the appropriate permissions, you must specify which directories the user is allowed to access by clicking Add on mount points. A virtual and a native path must be specified. In our example we define that the C hard disk is listed under .

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To the right you will find the option Permissions, which allows you to set the access rights to the specified path. If you want to be able to read and edit the data, it is recommended to set it to Read+Write.

::: danger For security reasons, you should only provide a user with access to certain folders. :::

You can now apply and confirm the changes you have made by clicking on the Apply button.

Windows Firewall Exceptions​

To enable a connection to your FTP server, the use of the FTP server in the Windows firewall must now be enabled. To do this, open the firewall settings under Control Panel\System and Security\Windows Defender Firewall and click on Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall. In the following window you then select the application to be allowed:

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In this example the path is C:\Program Files (x86)\FileZilla Server\FileZilla Server.exe:

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After that you can close the process with a click on OK, a connection to your FTP server is now possible.