computer newbie trying to fix a problem using FileZilla?

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grantpet
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computer newbie trying to fix a problem using FileZilla?

#1 Post by grantpet » 2008-07-29 13:30

OK, you are a beginner to computers: Got a new laptop 2 weeks ago and never touched one before? Have a tower someone donated for years, but never use it for more than video chat with family on Camfrog and to let the kids play games at Sesame Workshop? This thread was created to help point you in the right direction to troubleshoot a problem with FileZilla software. Just because you have an issue or can see an error message does not mean you are ready to post a question in this forum.

Whether someone who runs a network told you to download and install this software or you saw a review of it at C-Net’s Download.com (the review is here); odds are you’ve installed either the FileZilla Server and/or FileZilla Client software and have some sort of issue making it work. To give you an idea of what you might be in for, you may have already made THE mistake. Did you install the software AFTER disabling the programs that start automatically, the ones you had running before the install, and non Microsoft system services? If not you may have accidentally created a conflict between software already on your computer and the FileZilla software (this step isn’t absolutely required, but it gives you and idea).

First, read the FAQ. Second, read the rest of the Wiki. If you did not understand it, and even if you did and you tried to fix your problem but your attempt failed; you really need to re-read the FAQ and the complete Wiki over again; and then again. If there are distractions then you will want to remove them first.

If you were unable to understand the FAQ or the Wiki, then the links that follow have been assembled to assist you. BE PREPARED TO DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH AND TROUBLESHOOTING. Why? The answer lies in the first paragraph of the Network Configuration Wiki page. But that isn’t the only reason. You really need to have a basic knowledge and understanding of the terms and concepts involved to be able to properly communicate your issue to the users in the forum.

It isn’t just the firewalls and routers either, look at the network chain this way:

Human Client <-> FileZilla Client software <-> Software Firewall* <-> Operating System <-> Hard Drive <-> BIOS <-> LAN Connector with cable or Wireless Network Interface Card <-> Router <-> LAN cable <-> Modem** <-> Telephone line or High Speed Cable wiring <-> Client ISP server <-> other server connections you can’t do anything about <-> Server ISP server <-> Telephone line or High Speed Cable wiring <-> Modem <-> LAN cable <-> Router *<-> Wireless Network Interface Card or cable with LAN Connector <-> BIOS <-> Hard Drive <-> Operating System <-> Software Firewall <-> FileZilla Server software <-> Human Server

* not everyone has a software firewall, but all modern computers running Windows do
**there are units that combine the router and modem eliminating the cable between

Becomes considerably more intricate when troubleshooting FTP software doesn’t it? Not only does every link in this chain need to physically perform properly, each one has to properly communicate with each link on both sides AND in each direction (indicated by the <->, it is not just one way communication -->) To make matters worse, there is no real standard, this would be the equivalent of each link speaking its own language and maybe two or three others (its up to you to find the language that is common between each link and its neighboring link—and sometimes its neighbor’s neighbor's link). It is also up to you to make sure each link is physically performing. Still don’t understand? The links will help you.

DO NOT GIVE UP!! Are you ready for some good news? Being a complete computer beginner and having a problem here isn’t necessarily a bad thing. For most of you it is just some minor setting or improper entry that needs to be changed in order to get things working properly, it may also point out a security flaw in your set up. Why? This answer is simple; the odds are that you have made no significant changes to the settings in your computer or router to mess it up!! You probably didn’t build your own computer either, manufacturer’s go to great lengths to make sure this isn’t a problem and the developers of FileZilla software seem to have gone even further.

At this point consider taking a break and preparing for some reading. Go to the bathroom, check on the kids, and get a fresh cup of coffee.

A working understanding of ALL the topics covered in these Wikipedia entries and having read the FAQ and Wiki should be seriously considered if anyone honestly expects to troubleshoot ANY issue. It will be obvious to everyone with the knowledge to help you if this is not so.

Broad Understanding:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_network

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Routers

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firewalls

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Client_(computing)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Server_(computing)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IP_address

The Confusing Stuff:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File_Transfer_Protocol

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domain_Name_System

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TCP_and_UDP_port

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_ad ... ranslation

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_forwarding

Here are some things to understand about forums. THEY ARE USER DEPENDENT!! That means the people who are helping you are YOU. It consists entirely of regular people helping others for a common good. There is an unwritten rule: if you are helped by someone in the forum, you should at the very least try to help someone else or try to verify others’ problems that are the same (or nearly) as yours (requires more than one search).

Still want to post? Then you must read the Forum Guidelines

What might they need to know? That is the wrong question, it should be: what do I need to know? You may only need to know a FTP server address to make the FileZilla Client software to run; however if you used a program that makes any changes to your registry, be prepared to enter the deep underbelly of operating system software.

This software can be incredibly easy to install and run. While installing the FileZilla Server software I only had to create an access account for a user and that was it! Consisted of entering in a user name, password, and directing a menu tree to a home directory. It doesn't get any easier than that. Will it work for you? It is possible, but you should know that I had already worked out every communication issue prior to the install.

I hope this post has been of some help to you and those already in this forum. Happy FTP-ing!!

Who am I to give such advice? I am a novice computer user who has intentionally and unintentionally crashed his computer more than 100 times with different hardware and software combinations and settings; I have, through chat, guided a dyslexic newbie computer user through installing and configuring a software firewall; and I’m one the guys who just might be able to decipher a bit of advice from someone who can only speak in C++ (that is a computer programming language LOL). I am someone in the forum!!

PLEASE ADMINS, PUT THE LINKS YOU FIND HELPFUL HERE.
Last edited by grantpet on 2008-08-21 01:07, edited 3 times in total.

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boco
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Re: computer newbie trying to fix a problem using FileZilla?

#2 Post by boco » 2008-07-29 19:30

I guess I'll make that sticky for a while, so people find it. No need to bump, either...
### BEGIN SIGNATURE BLOCK ###
No support requests per PM! You will NOT get any reply!!!
FTP connection problems? Please do yourself a favor and read Network Configuration.
FileZilla connection test: https://filezilla-project.org/conntest.php
### END SIGNATURE BLOCK ###

Julietta
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Re: computer newbie trying to fix a problem using FileZilla?

#3 Post by Julietta » 2009-02-07 10:50

Sure, so useful post, make it sticky
real girls love FileZilla!

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boco
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Re: computer newbie trying to fix a problem using FileZilla?

#4 Post by boco » 2009-02-07 22:35

It is already sticky. :wink:
### BEGIN SIGNATURE BLOCK ###
No support requests per PM! You will NOT get any reply!!!
FTP connection problems? Please do yourself a favor and read Network Configuration.
FileZilla connection test: https://filezilla-project.org/conntest.php
### END SIGNATURE BLOCK ###

da chicken
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Re: computer newbie trying to fix a problem using FileZilla?

#5 Post by da chicken » 2009-02-09 18:33

grantpet wrote:It isn’t just the firewalls and routers either, look at the network chain this way:

Human Client <-> FileZilla Client software <-> Software Firewall* <-> Operating System <-> Hard Drive <-> BIOS <-> LAN Connector with cable or Wireless Network Interface Card <-> Router <-> LAN cable <-> Modem** <-> Telephone line or High Speed Cable wiring <-> Client ISP server <-> other server connections you can’t do anything about <-> Server ISP server <-> Telephone line or High Speed Cable wiring <-> Modem <-> LAN cable <-> Router *<-> Wireless Network Interface Card or cable with LAN Connector <-> BIOS <-> Hard Drive <-> Operating System <-> Software Firewall <-> FileZilla Server software <-> Human Server

* not everyone has a software firewall, but all modern computers running Windows do
**there are units that combine the router and modem eliminating the cable between
I've struggled to explain this problem to people. They just don't seem to understand why Internet Explorer or FileZilla are more complicated to troubleshoot than Microsoft word. Sometimes even getting them to grasp that the problem isn't with their computer and there's nothing for me to fix is impossible. The thing is, this is true for *every* networked application. I'm to the point where I pretty much don't troubleshoot these kinds of problems over the phone for friends or family. They just get angry with me for being unable to fix what I'm telling them I'm unable to fix.

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boco
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Re: computer newbie trying to fix a problem using FileZilla?

#6 Post by boco » 2009-04-04 06:11

### BEGIN SIGNATURE BLOCK ###
No support requests per PM! You will NOT get any reply!!!
FTP connection problems? Please do yourself a favor and read Network Configuration.
FileZilla connection test: https://filezilla-project.org/conntest.php
### END SIGNATURE BLOCK ###

cindy2447
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Re: computer newbie trying to fix a problem using FileZilla?

#7 Post by cindy2447 » 2009-07-10 08:44

Very great, and very usefull for noobs 8)

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