Computer Repair Sacramento – Jonathan Warner Knowledge Base: FTP Server Part 1: connect FTP Windows explorer in Windows 7.
FYI: In the past, connecting to an FTP server in Windows was quite simple. Internet Explorer used to have a built-in FTP client, but that’s changed in Windows 7. You are no longer able to connect and browse an FTP server using Internet Explorer.
The steps to create an FTP connection in Windows Explorer are very straightforward. Further, a Windows explorer FTP connection can be saved. In other words, save the connection so you don’t need to worry about remembering connection details such as the server address, passwords, etc!
The built-in FTP browsing in Windows 7 allows you to easily work with remote files, copying and pasting just like the files were local, here’s how:
Connect FTP Windows Explorer:
To create an FTP connection in Windows 7 and connect to ftp with windows explorer, you will need the following details:
- FTP Server location, either:
- FTP Server IP Address (ie: 192.168.1.1), or
- FTP Server Domain Name (ie: my-ftp-site.com)
- FTP Server Username
- FTP Server Password
Tip: You can practice the steps outlined here with Microsoft’s FTP site: ftp://ftp.microsoft.com/
How to create FTP connection in Windows 7
Click Start – Computer. Right-click the Computer window, select Add a Network Location:
In the Welcome to the Add Network Location Wizard, click Next:
Select Choose a Custom Network Location, click Next:
Enter the FTP server IP address or FTP server domain name.
It is easier to include your FTP User Name and Password, so use this syntax if possible: ftp://username:[email protected]
If you don’t mind being prompted for a user name and password, simply enter the FTP server IP address or domain name as you see below. When you are prompted, enter your FTP username and password at that time.
The What do you want to name this location window appears. In the Type a name for this network location textbox, specify a name and click Next:
Completing the Add Network Location Wizard window will appear. Click Finish:
Connecting Windows Explorer to an FTP server isn’t difficult at all! Usually the most difficult part is locating the proper credentials. The FTP server IP address or FTP server domain name, ftp server username and password.
Now that you have an FTP server connection, you can use Windows Explorer to access, view, download, and perhaps upload content depending on your FTP server and FTP account settings.
This is Part 1 in the FTP Server Series. Part 2 continues here: How to Browse FTP in Windows Explorer Windows 7
Need Windows 7 FTP help? Setting up an FTP server, an FTP account, or to connect FTP Windows explorer in Windows 7, contact Jonathan for Computer Repair Sacramento CA today!