FTP with Windows Explorer

When you have written your web page and saved it on your hard drive,
you then have to upload the file(s) to your web site to make it accessible.
The files that make up your web page go into your personal folder on your ISP's computer.

Uploading a file is not like downloading a web page -
downloads use the HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP), and uploads use the File Transfer Protocol (FTP).

Freestanding FTP programs are available, but FTP is built into Windows Explorer.
With a bit of setting up, this works just like moving files around on your hard drive.

Firstly you will need some information that your ISP probably gave you when you signed up for an account
(but you have probably forgotten) - the name of their FTP portal.
It is probably something like ftp.your ISP's domain name (e.g. ftp.austarnet.com.au )
You will probably find it on your ISP's web site, or you can ring their support line.
You will also need to know your user name and password for your ISP account.

Launch Windows Explorer and navigate to My Computer > C: > Documents and Settings > your Windows user name > Favourites
This will display shortcuts to your existing favourite places.
Create a new shortcut : File > New > Shortcut
For the target enter :
ftp://username:password@ftp.your ISP's domain name
and for the Favourite name enter :
My web site

If you are particularly security conscious, you can leave out the ":password" bit
and you will be prompted for the password each time you open the connection.

Now when you want to see your folder on your ISP's computer
from Windows Explorer click on Favourites > My web site
This will create a new folder icon in Windows Explorer's Folders window :



To upload files use Copy and Paste to the folder, or drag and drop.
It works just like moving files around on your hard drive, except for the longer time it takes to move things.
You can Delete and Rename files in the usual way, or create new sub-folders.
The only thing you can't do is move files amongst sub-folders directly -
you must do it indirectly via a folder on your local hard drive.

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Dave Kimble April 2005

DK's Home page

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