10.8.7 FTP Client Error messages

Following is a list of the FTP Client error messages that may appear and an explanation of how to resolve the error condition.

A connection has not been established.

Command line error. You issued a command to a server (for example PWD, CD, DIR, LS, or QUOTE <command>) but you aren't currently logged in to the server. Open a server connection.

Access denied.

You cannot access the protected file or folder. Check that you have correct permissions for the operation you attempted.

Already connected to a site.

Command line error. You issued an OPEN or PASSTHRU command, but you are already logged in to a server. Use the CLOSE command to close the current connection prior to opening a new one.

Connection timed out.

When connecting to a server, the FTP Client waits up to <n> seconds for a response from the server. If nothing is received within the period specified, this message is displayed; in this case, try to connect again. If the message appears again, increase the connection timeout value to give the server more time to respond during the login process. To do this, open the Connection tab and edit the Connect text box under Timeout in seconds; or enter SET TIMEOUT-CONNECT at the command line.

Could not resolve host address.

Several things can cause this message to appear:

  • The host name or IP address you entered for the server is invalid. Re-enter the host name; if you are connecting to a case-sensitive server, be sure to use the correct case.

  • The host name you provide is resolved via the HOSTS file or a domain name server. Is the computer that acts as the domain name server working? Has the HOSTS file on your PC been corrupted? If no domain name server or HOSTS file is available, you must specify the full IP address of the server. For example: 124.24.36.85.

  • You must have an appropriately configured IP router (gateway) in order to connect to FTP or SFTP servers outside your own network. Check to see whether the computer serving as the router is up and running.

Command <command>needs more arguments.

Command line error. The command you entered requires one or more arguments. Type help <command> at the FTP command line for a quick summary of the syntax for the command or consult the online help.

File already exists.

File transfer to the client was unsuccessful because the If File Exists file transfer mode is set to Cancel and a file with the same name as the server file already exists on the local computer.

Out of memory.

There is not enough memory on the local computer. Close other open Windows applications and try again.

Session timed out.

After you are connected to a server, the client waits up to <n> seconds for data packets being transferred to or from the host. If nothing is received within the period specified, this timeout error appears; in this case, try the operation again. If you have received repeated timeout errors, increase the session timeout value. To do this open the Connection tab, and edit the Session text box under Timeout in seconds, or use SET TIMEOUT-SESSION at the command line. (Connection timeouts are governed by a separate Connect text box).

Server response time can be affected by the distance between sites. Specifying a higher value gives the server more time to respond.

Unknown command <command>. Type 'help' for a list of valid commands.

Command line error. The command you entered is not recognized. Type helpat the FTP command line for a list of the available FTP commands, type help <command> for a summary of the syntax for a specific command, or see the Command Reference topic.

502 PASV command not implemented by this server

If you receive an error message saying that PASV is not implemented by the server, you should disable the Use passive mode setting, which is enabled by default. This setting supports connections through some firewalls.