Setting Up an FTP Server on Microsoft Windows

[imported_krish]

Well, since many of us have always wondered this, here it is. Long and drawn out. Also, before attempting this, realize one thing; You will have to give up your time, effort, bandwidth, and security to have a quality ftp server. That being said, here it goes. First of all, find out if your IP (Internet Protocol) is static (not changing) or dynamic (changes everytime you log on). To do this, first consider the fact if you have a dial up modem. If you do, chances are about 999 999 out of 1 000 000 that your IP is dynamic. To make it static, just go to a place like myftp.org to register for a static ip address.

You'll then need to get your IP. This can be done by doing this:
Going to Start -> Run -> winipcfg or ask.com and asking 'What is my IP?'

After doing so, you'll need to download an FTP server client. Personally, I'd recommend G6 FTP Server, Serv-U FTPor Bullitproof v2.15 all three of which are extremely reliable, and the norm of the ftp world.
You can download them on this site: liaokai.com/softw_en/d_index.htm

First, you'll have to set up your ftp. For this guide, I will use step-by-step instructions for G6. First, you'll have to go into 'Setup -> General'. From here, type in your port # (default is 21). I recommend something unique, or something a bit larger (ex: 3069). If you want to, check the number of max users (this sets the amount of simultaneous maximum users on your server at once performing actions - The more on at once, the slower the connection and vice versa).

The below options are then chooseable:
-Launch with w1nd0ws
-Activate FTP Server on Start-up
-Put into tray on startup
-Allow multiple instances
-Show "Loading..." status at startup
-Scan drive(s) at startup
-Confirm exit

You can do what you want with these, as they are pretty self explanatory. The scan drive feature is nice, as is the 2nd and the last option. From here, click the 'options' text on the left column.

To protect your server, you should check 'login check' and 'password check', 'Show relative path (a must!)', and any other options you feel you'll need. After doing so, click the 'advanced' text in the left column. You should then leave the buffer size on the default (unless of course you know what you're doing ), and then allow the type of ftp you want.

Uploading and downloading is usually good, but it's up to you if you want to allow uploads and/or downloads. For the server priority, that will determine how much conventional memory will be used and how much 'effort' will go into making your server run smoothly.

Anti-hammering is also good, as it prevents people from slowing down your speed. From here, click 'Log Options' from the left column. If you would like to see and record every single command and clutter up your screen, leave the defaults.

But, if you would like to see what is going on with the lowest possible space taken, click 'Screen' in the top column. You should then check off 'Log successful logins', and all of the options in the client directry, except 'Log directory changes'. After doing so, click 'Ok' in the bottom left corner.

You will then have to go into 'Setup -> User Accounts' (or ctrl & u). From here, you should click on the right most column, and right click. Choose 'Add', and choose the username(s) you would like people to have access to.

After giving a name (ex: themoonlanding), you will have to give them a set password in the bottom column (ex: wasfaked). For the 'Home IP' directory, (if you registered with a static server, check 'All IP Homes'. If your IP is static by default, choose your IP from the list. You will then have to right click in the very center column, and choose 'Add'.

From here, you will have to set the directory you want the people to have access to. After choosing the directory, I suggest you choose the options 'Read', 'List', and 'Subdirs', unless of course you know what you're doing . After doing so, make an 'upload' folder in the directory, and choose to 'add' this folder seperately to the center column. Choose 'write', 'append', 'make', 'list', and 'subdirs'. This will allow them to upload only to specific folders (your upload folder).

Now click on 'Miscellaneous' from the left column. Choose 'enable account', your time-out (how long it takes for people to remain idle before you automatically kick them off), the maximum number of users for this name, the maximum number of connections allowed simultaneously for one ip address, show relative path (a must!), and any other things at the bottom you'd like to have. Now click 'Ok'.
**Requested**


From this main menu, click the little boxing glove icon in the top corner, and right click and unchoose the hit-o-meter for both uploads and downloads (with this you can monitor IP activity). Now click the lightning bolt, and your server is now up and running.

Post your ftp info, like this:

213.10.93.141 (or something else, such as: 'ftp://example.getmyip.com')

User: *** (The username of the client)

Pass: *** (The password)

Port: *** (The port number you chose)
for Both serv-u and bullet proof, the first part setting up the router is the same!

1. start - run - type in "command" (will work for all w1nd0ws versions)
2. when the dos window opens, type in "ipconfig". the displayed "ip address" will be your INTERNAL ip.
3. log into your router set up page (consult to your router's manual, usually involves typing a specific ip into your browser)
no matter what router you are using, there should be an advanced setup section where you'll find something called "Virtial Server" setup page (or something similar).
4. enter your Internal IP into the ip box (where it asks for "private ip), then enter "21" for both private and public port. i'm keeping the ports on 21 because some routers have problems going other ports. if you know what you're doing, or just want to play around, then by all means experiment.
5. save settings and exit the router setup page.

Now you need to find your EXTERNAL IP to configure your softwares. go here:
dslreports.com/whois
and click on "my public ip is" button and write that down somewhere. if you have a dynamic ip, you will need to do the following everytime your ip changes to update your Ex-IP. the alternative is to get one of those dns thingies, which i don't know about so please don't ask me.

now let's deal with Serv-U ftp servers with routers first.

1. start serv-u, under the domain section you should find the advanced tab that looks something like the following:
ccsoftware.ca/ftpservu/support/DomainSettingsAdvanced.gif

2. check mark the second option "allow passive mode"
3. enter your External IP in the text box to the right
4. SAVE settings.

moving on to Bulletproof.

1. start bulletproof ftp server.
2. under setup - main - multiple ip settings
3. on the right side, drop the textbox and find your Internal IP, and click "ADD", and that should be added into the ip list on top
4. bellow that textbox, checkmark "passive mode ip"
5. click on that little "a" thing on the right, and enter your EXTERNAL IP you wrote down.
6. save and close that window. and now you should be ready.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

now people "should" be able to connect. if they can't tell them to switch between passive and port mode. if they don't know how to do that, you have my permission to call them dumb and introduce them to nxsecure/nxsupport.

when you do have trouble with people cannot connect, please do not simply go into support and say "i need help now!". put down
1. your Operating system
2. your firewall if you are using one
3. your router model if you are using one
and most importantly, get the ERROR number or message from your friend. is it a port problem, invalid home directory, invalid password.