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Cannot connect to server

Posted: 2019-03-20 19:54
by johnhedge
Hi List,

I've searched the forum for an answer without success. (Lots of close misses)

The server is on a Win 10 PC

TIA,

John

Re: Cannot connect to server

Posted: 2019-03-20 22:49
by boco
Sorry, unless you provide much more information, this topic will be another miss, unfortunately. My magic crystal ball is currently in repairs and so I have to rely on your information.

Re: Cannot connect to server

Posted: 2019-03-20 23:01
by johnhedge
I'm happy to try and provide whatever info you need to assist me but I'm not sure what else I can say.

I installed the Filezilla server on my desktop Win 10 PC. When it came to starting it I got an error message saying Error: Cannot connect to server.

John

Re: Cannot connect to server

Posted: 2019-03-20 23:32
by boco
At least, a start.

FileZilla Server is actually two parts: The visible part for administration, and the invisible server engine doing all the actual work (runs as a service by default). If you get the error message from the administration interface that it cannot connect to the server (the engine), then the service might be stopped.

- In the installer, did you use the selection to manually start the server? If yes, you need to start the service first (from the Services Control Panel).
- In any other case, what did you enter at the connection dialog? Default is Host: localhost, port: 14147, password: <empty>. Only localhost is working by ddefault!

That's, of course, not an FTP client connection in any way. After proper configuration of the server (https://wiki.filezilla-project.org/Documentation) and creation of user accounts, you can connect to it using any standards-compliant FTP client.


So, you want to run a server, right? If you want to transfer stuff to remote servers, you need the client, not the server.

Re: Cannot connect to server

Posted: 2019-03-21 01:39
by johnhedge
Here are the stages of my install. (I did it again)
All default.
John

Re: Cannot connect to server

Posted: 2019-03-21 08:14
by botg
Based on the first screenshot you are trying to remotely administrate an installation of FileZilla Server running on a host named "desktop". By default remote administration is disabled and needs to be explicitly enabled in the settings dialog, with the administration interface connected to the server using the loopback interface.

Re: Cannot connect to server

Posted: 2019-03-21 08:42
by johnhedge
I'm afraid I don't understand. I've installed the server for a third time to check your advice. I've selected all defaults as before and the same thing happens.

'Settings' is greyed out.

John

Re: Cannot connect to server

Posted: 2019-03-21 13:34
by boco
Your screenshot shows The admin interface trying to connect to "desktop" on port 14147. That will NOT work as remote administration is disabled by default.

You absolutely MUST use "localhost", 127.0.0.1 or [::1] as server name! The service doesn't listen on other addresses (including LAN IP) in its default state!

Image

Re: Cannot connect to server

Posted: 2019-03-21 14:45
by johnhedge
Thank you that worked:

Connecting to server localhost:14147...
Connected, waiting for authentication
Logged on
You appear to be behind a NAT router. Please configure the passive mode settings and forward a range of ports in your router.
Warning: FTP over TLS is not enabled, users cannot securely log in.

Re: Cannot connect to server

Posted: 2019-03-21 17:53
by boco
The warnings are normal the first time. For security reasons, enable FTP over TLS support as soon as possible.

As for the NAT configuration, read the Passive mode section of Network Configuration.

Re: Cannot connect to server

Posted: 2019-03-21 20:47
by johnhedge
Thank you.

Re: Cannot connect to server

Posted: 2021-04-16 19:34
by kleajmp
boco wrote:
2019-03-21 13:34
You absolutely MUST use "localhost", 127.0.0.1 or [::1] as server name! The service doesn't listen on other addresses (including LAN IP) in its default state!
How can i change it's default state so I can manage my ftp server from another computer in my lan?

Re: Cannot connect to server

Posted: 2021-04-17 00:25
by boco
In the Settings, Admin Interface settings

1. Make sure the Admin Interface is bound to at least your LAN address. Default is * (IIRC) which is all interfaces.
2. Enter the LAN IP of the device that should be allowed to remote administrate into the right field.
3. Assign a password of the required length. The password is mandatory.
4. Open your server's firewall for port 14147 (or whatever you set as Admin port).