Using Internet Explorer as an FTP Client

If you want to upload files directly to your website, try using Internet Explorer

If you are looking for an FTP client to upload files to the internet, you probably already have one, as Internet Explorer can be used to upload files to your website using file transfer protocol (FTP). Since most PCs have it already installed, you can get started straight away. Do not use Internet Explorer if you have a Mac.

You will need:

• Your FTP web server address eg. ftp.yourdomain.com
• Your FTP username
• Your FTP password

Connecting to your web server

In Internet Explorer's address bar, ENTER ftp:// followed by your ftp server address. Eg. ftp://ftp.yourdomain.com

You'll see a dialogue box pop up asking for your USERNAME and PASSWORD. Enter them.

Moving files around

Once logged in the Internet Explorer window will look like a folder on your desktop and behave like one too. Now you can drag and drop files and download files from your FTP space as you normally would on your PC. Right-click in the Internet Explorer window to open the menu for creating folders on your server

Limitations

Internet Explorer is ideal for quickly uploading files to you web server, but it's not a fully functional FTP solution. There's no feedback, so it's not uncommon for the software to apparently hang while it's uploading large amounts of data. It also seems to be much slower than dedicated FTP clients.

If it's not working for you, check your settings in Internet Explorer. Go to Tools > Internet Options > Advanced and make sure that 'Enable folder view for FTP sites' is switched on.

Internet Explorer is useful for quick edits and management of small starter websites, but you'll want to progress to a dedicated FTP application as your site grows.

File Names

Make sure your files are in LOWER CASE and you have spaces in the names. Use an underscore instead.

Some FTP clients

SmartFTP PC only

CuteFTP  Mac and PC