Filezilla FAQ
What is Filezilla?
How do I download?
How do I install?
What are the installation requirements?
How do I use Filezilla?
Is it possible to view the contents of a text file from
within Filezilla?
Does it matter if I transfer a file as binary or ASCII?
How do I access the VCU Anonymous FTP server?
How can I use FTP to upload/download files between my Unix account and my PC?
What does the Execute button do?
FileZilla is a fast FTP and SFTP client for Windows with a lot of features. FileZilla Server is a reliable FTP server. You can connect to another system from your PC, browse files and folders on both systems, and transfer files between the systems.
What are the installation requirements?
You MUST be directly connected to the VCU Campus network via either Ethernet or Token Ring (it will not work through the current VCU dial-in service or if you are connected to the campus network through a terminal server). Also, you MUST have a properly installed winsock.dll for this application to work. If you are unsure whether your office computer meets these requirements, contact the TS Help Desk at (828-2227).
Connecting to a Host
When you start Filezilla, select File => Stite Manager.
Then select the site you want to connect to. The site manager stores information about a host computer to which
you may connect. This information includes the Internet address of the
host computer, the login and password for the computer, etc. To see
a sample session profile, click here.
If a session profile is not listed for the host you want
- click on the New Site button (to create a new site profile)
- enter the requested information
- click OK (to save and connect to the new host)
Connecting to a Different Host
If you are currently connected to a host you must
- close the current session (by selecting File => Disconnect)
- select File => Stite Manager
- click on the name of the desired site (to display its host characteristics)
- click on the Connect button to connect to the selected host
Transferring Files
Once you are connected to a remote host, the main program window displays. The left half of the window displays the local (PC) information. The right half of the window is the remote host information. Both sides of the window are divided in half to display two list boxes. The list boxes on top show drives and directories - the list boxes on the bottom show files.
- double click on drive letters or directory names (to change from one directory to another)The current directories are listed at the top of the listboxes.
- click on a filename to select it, then
- select and drag files between your local PC and the remote server to transfer them. Files and folders can be moved both ways.
Is it possible to view the contents of a text file from within Filezilla?
Yes, click on the text file (usually has a .txt file extension) to select it, then right-click and select view/edit. This is especially helpful for reading remote INDEX files found on many anonymous ftp sites.
Does it matter if I transfer a file as binary or ASCII?
Yes. Non-text files such as word-processing, graphic files, sound files, programs and compressed (.zip) files MUST BE transferred as binary. If non-text files are transferred in ascii format, the resulting file will not be useable. Text-only files should be transferred in ASCII format.
How do I access the VCU Anonymous FTP server?
Anonymous FTP sites are basically a repository for files that can be shared with the public. They are usually programs and data files. For more information about anonymous FTP, see "What is anonymous FTP?" FAQ page.
To get files from the VCU Anonymous FTP site using Filezilla, you will need to setup and use a profile that points to the site. The hostname for the VCU Anonymous FTP site is: ftp.vcu.edu. You will need to check the anonymous checkbox. By doing this, the login name will automatically become 'anonymous'. The password to use is your e-mail address.
To put files on the VCU Anonymous FTP site, you should contact the TS Helpdesk at 828-2227.
How can I use FTP to upload/download files between my Unix account and my PC?
- Start Filezilla
- Select the host session profile to which you wish to connect
- Log on to the remote host
- Locate the file (either on your PC or on the remote host)
- Choose the arrows (-> or <-) in the direction you wish to move.
For more information about moving your files, see our FAQ page.
