ACCESSING YOUR WEBSITE USING WS_FTP

Managing your website files is simple and efficient with WS_FTP, a powerful FTP (File Transfer Protocol) client. This guide will walk you through the steps to connect to your website using WS_FTP so you can upload, download, or manage files with ease.

What is WS_FTP?

WS_FTP is a secure and user-friendly FTP client developed by Progress Software. It allows website owners and administrators to transfer files between their local computer and their web server. With its intuitive interface and secure connection options, WS_FTP is ideal for anyone managing a website.

Before You Begin

To access your website using WS_FTP, you’ll need the following information from your hosting provider:

FTP Hostname (e.g., ftp.yourdomain.com)
Username
Password
Port number (usually 21 for FTP or 22 for SFTP)

Make sure you have WS_FTP installed on your computer. You can download it from the official WS_FTP website.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Launch WS_FTP

Open the WS_FTP application on your computer. You’ll be greeted by the Connection Manager window.

2. Create a New Site Profile

Click on “New Site” and enter a recognizable name for your website connection (e.g., “MyBusiness Website”).

3. Enter Your FTP Details

Host Name/Address: Enter your FTP hostname
User ID: Enter your FTP username
Password: Enter your FTP password
Port: Default is 21 for FTP or 22 for SFTP

You may also choose to use SSL or SSH encryption for added security.

4. Connect to Your Website

Click “Connect” and WS_FTP will establish a connection to your web server. If successful, you’ll see your local files on the left pane and the website files on the right pane.

5. Manage Your Website Files

Once connected, you can:

Upload files: Drag files from your computer (left) to the server (right)
Download files: Drag files from the server (right) to your computer (left)
Delete or rename: Right-click on any file to delete or rename it

Be careful when replacing or deleting files, especially in live environments.

Troubleshooting Tips

Connection errors: Check if your FTP credentials are correct.
Firewall issues: Ensure your firewall allows WS_FTP access.
Passive mode: Enable passive mode in settings if you’re behind a router or firewall.

Final Thoughts

WS_FTP is a reliable tool for website maintenance and content updates. By following the steps above, you can securely access and manage your website files anytime. For help with your hosting, FTP credentials, or website updates, contact Directory One.