Managing webspace with Internet Explorer

For quick, one-off file transfers Internet Explorer is the ideal option. It has built-in FTP functionality, allowing you to easily exchange files over the Internet.

Transferring files using Internet Explorer

1. Check you have the following setting enabled in Internet Explorer:
Tools > Internet Options > Advanced > Enable folder view for FTP sites
2. Launch Internet Explorer.
3. Type ftp://www.yourdomain into the address bar (replacing 'yourdomain' with your own domain name. Hit 'Enter'.
4. Enter your FTP username and password and click 'Login'.
5. If you've logged in correctly, you'll now be presented with a screen resembling a 'Windows Explorer' type directory. Simply locate the files you wish to upload on your desktop and drag them over to your webspace. (Depending on the number and size of the files you are uploading this may take a little time).
6. That's it! Your uploaded files should now be present in your FTP webspace directory.

Note: If you are using Internet Explorer 7, you will need to click the Page menu and select Open FTP Site in Windows Explorer if you wish to upload files.

Troubleshooting

If you are using Internet Explorer 6.0, Windows Server 2003 or Windows XP Service Pack 2, you may experience problems connecting via FTP if you are running a firewall. This is because the firewall thinks these are unauthorised connection attempts and therefore drops them.

It is worthwhile configuring Internet Explorer to use passive ftp if using and running a firewall. Configure as follows:

1. Launch Internet Explorer.
2. Click on 'Tools'.
3. Click on 'Internet options'.
4. Click on 'Advanced tab'.
5. Tick 'Use Passive FTP'.
6. Tick 'Enable Folder View of FTP sites'.

This page last updated 2nd January 2008

Rate this page

Has this page helped you solve your problem? Your feedback helps us to improve the help we provide.