How to Use FTP to Transfer Files to PuTTY

FTP of File Transfer Protocol is known as a set of rules that are used by the computers of the network to communicate with another one. This one allows you to transfer files to the network such as the internet. There is no information if you can use FTP to transfer files to PuTTY. The sure thing is that both FTP and PuTTY are able to be used to transfer files.

If you want to transfer files using FTP, you will need to get the FTP server, a user account, and the FTP client or application. In general, FTP servers usually require a username and a password to make a connection. However, some of them may allow you to connect as anonymous with no username or password.

There are three common methods to use FTP to transfer files.

  1. Using a web browser: This one does not require a client and works directly from the browser, usually used for downloading files from the server.
  2. Using a command line FTP: All main operating systems have FTP client.

Command Line FTP

3. Using a GUI FTP client: They are normally easy to use the third party application that allows you to connect and transfer files over FTP.

Using a GUI FTP client

How the web browser works is similar as on the website. However, instead of entering the HTTP at the address bar, you will have to change it to FTP. With the browser access, a client is not needed. All that you have to do is to simply type the FTP server at the address bar in the format: ftp://yourserver_name.com or ftp.yourserver_name.com.

The command line can be really challenging for those who are not really good while a browser access may have its limits. To use it, you will have to open the Dos Prompt in Windows or Terminal in Linux and Mac. If you use Windows 7, click the Start and type command at the search programs and files. Then, click the Command Prompt. It can also be done by clicking Start, programs, and then Accessories where you will find the Command Prompt. If you want to upload files to the active folder of the remote machine or server, please use the command in the format: ftp> put filename+extension.

Transferring files is much easier when you use FTP clients. You may also want to consider this method if you need regular access to the FTP servers. They can be used easily to upload, download, or transfer files much easier compared to the other two.

If you want to connect to an FTP server with a username and password on a web browser, the first thing that you should do is to open the browser. Then, type the FTP address of the server that you want to access. ftp://ftp.domain_name.com or ftp://domain_name.com is the syntax for FTP addresses. The next thing is to dismiss the error dialogs the server comebacks if needed. After that, type the FTP username and password in the Log On As dialog prompt. Finally, click Ok or Log In to access the server (depending on the variation of the browser).

Apart from that, you are also able to access the server by typing in the FTP username in the address bar of the browser. Doing so will give you a password required box where you will enter your password and proceed.

Please enter the username and password in the address bar instead of waiting or the login dialog box. The step will open the FTP server without prompting for a password. Firstly, open the web browser and then type ftp://username:password@FTP.yourdomain_name.com in the address bar. It will allow you to open the FTP server and download files.

PuTTY is one of the most recommended software that you can use to transfer files securely using SCP between Windows clients and Windows or Unix servers. The secure copy utility of it is named PSCP or PuTTY Secure Copy Protocol. Both PSCP and PuTTY are able to be downloaded on the official website of PuTTY.

PuTTY Secure Copy Protocol or PSCP refers to a tool for transferring file between computers using the SSH connection. If you want to use this software, you should be comfortable working in the Windows Command Prompt.

In order to install PSCP, the first thing that you will need to do is to download the PSCP from PuTTY.org. Apparently, the PSCP client does not need installation in Windows, but it runs directly from the Command Prompt window. Please move the client program file to the right location in the Programs folders and make a note of the location. To be able to open a Command Prompt, from the Start menu, click Run. Doing so will open a Command Prompt. Do not forget to launch PSCP correctly from any directory in the Command Prompt window and set up the environment to make the system aware where to look for it. the pscp.exe location will be used. Keep in mind that entering the path in this way will only last for the duration of the current session. If you want to set up an environment available path permanently, open the System control panel in Windows and click Advanced system settings, and then press Environment Variables. There, choose Path from the list and then click Edit. In the Edit User Variable window, you will have to click New. Enter or paste the directory path for the PSCP utility that you noted into the empty highlighted new line item. Lastly, click OK to save the new entry and then click OK again to close the Environment Variables window. In the end, the PSCP program file location is set up in the system and will not need to be entered whenever you open a Command Prompt window.

To transfer files using PSCP, you will have to open the Command Prompt window, and if needed, set up the path variable. In order to copy the local file c:\documents\info.txt as user username to the server server.example.com with destination directory /tmp/foo, enter at the prompt:

Pscp c:\documents\info.txt

userid@server.example.com:/tmp/foo/info.txt

When prompt, please enter the password for the server.

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