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How do I use FTP to publish our web site?

The process by which files are transferred to the web server is called "FTP" (File Transport Protocol).

Internet providers such as AOL, CompuServe, and Prodigy may have a built-in FTP interface. If you have a PPP internet account and need an FTP program. We suggest that you contact your local internet provider to inquire about compatibility.

*** Microsoft FrontPage users whom have had extensions installed within their web site should use FrontPage to transfer files only!

Configuring Your FTP Software

The following information is contained within your account activation notice and is needed to connect to your web site via FTP:

  • USERID
  • TEMP PASSWORD
  • FTP HOSTNAME

The hostname tells your FTP software to connect to the web server upon which your web site resides. In general, the process of configuring the various FTP software is the same. We recommend WS_FTP for PC computer users and will be using it in the upcoming examples.

Each time you run WS_FTP the Session Profile window will be displayed. A profile contains the information needed to connect to your web site. Creating a profile now will eliminate the need for you to configure the software each time you wish to connect to the web server via FTP. To create a new profile, click the "New" button and enter a generic profile name at the top of the Session Profile window. Next, enter the userid, password and hostname for your web site.

Be sure to select "Auto detect" for the Host Type. It is best to select "Save Password" and "Auto Save Config" to maintain these settings for future use. All other fields can be left blank. You are now ready to connect to the web server. Click "Ok" to continue.

What files do I need to transfer?

All of the .htm, .html, and multimedia files from your content directory.

If you are not sure what local (your computer system) directory your web files are located in, then do the following:

  1. Start Windows Explorer
  2. Switch to the folder, \Program Files\Microsoft FrontPage
  3. Double Click on the FrontPage Server Administrator icon
  4. Note the content directory among the configuration information given in the upper right hand corner. Please note that this is where your <root> web is located on your hard drive; subwebs will have the web name you gave them, and be located underneath the <root> web.

Exceptions (files not to publish):

  • Any file in a directory with "_vti_" in the name

How to Transfer Files

When you connect to the web server, you will connect directly to the root ("home") directory of your account. WS_FTP will display a split screen where files on the left-hand side are within your own computer. You may see several folders on the right-hand side such as cgi-bin and directories your ISP or you created.

You can transfer files directly to the root level and/or create subdirectories. The only system directory that you may need to use is cgi-bin; this directory is reserved for custom scripts.

To upload a file or files, simply highlight the file(s) on the left and click the right-arrow button ("-->") in the center of the screen.

Be sure to upload HTML documents and scripts in ASCII mode and images in BINARY mode. To transfer a file to a subdirectory, double-click the appropriate subdirectory to open it before transferring the desired file(s).

As soon as a file is uploaded to the web server, it is available for all to see. If, after uploading a file, you are still unable to see the updated file via your browser, you need to clear both disk and browser cache. Remember that you must first be connected to the internet through your local internet service provider in order to connect to the web server.

What modes do I use for various file types?

File Extension FTP File Type
.AU Binary
.AVI Binary
.CGI ASCII
.Class Binary
.CNF ASCII
.CSS ASCII
.CTL ASCII
.forward ASCII
.GIF Binary
.GRP ASCII
.htaccess ASCII
.HTM ASCII
.HTML ASCII
.JPG Binary
.MAP ASCII
.MID Binary
.OCX Binary
.PL ASCII
.PWD ASCII
.RA Binary
.SHMTL ASCII
.TXT ASCII
.WAV Binary

Helpful Resources:
  FTP and FrontPage Extension Corruption
  Publishing to CIS, SpryNet, and non-extension ISP / WWP

Peter Abraham


Direct Email Marketing with Constant Contact


Dynamic Net, Inc.

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Last updated: Thursday November 16, 2006 18:22 -0500