Cannot Connect to Server

Making one or more minor configuration changes usually solves connection problems quite easily.

In the Log pane, a complete list of all communications and commands between CuteFTP and the FTP server to which you are trying to connect appear. If you cannot connect, at least one ERROR message appears in the Log pane in red text, which you probably need to scroll up to see. That error message should tell you the specific reason why you cannot connect.

The most common connection problem is that the Host Address, the User Name or the Password has been entered incorrectly. Make sure all three pieces of information exactly match what the administrator of the Server you are connecting with provided.

Globalscape does not provide you with an FTP server, username, or password for uploading files. The Internet Service Provider/Web Hosting Provider to which you want to upload files provides you with the username, password, and FTP account information required to connect to their server. Most Internet Service Providers/Web Hosting Providers have this information available on their Web pages.

If you cannot connect to your server:

  1. Verify that the destination server name and IP address is correct

  2. Verify that the connection port number is correct (on the Type tab of Site Properties). For example, for FTP connections, it is usually port 21.

  3. The remote server may be temporarily or permanently inaccessible (try again later).

  4. Verify that you have chosen the right protocol (SSH2, SSL, FTP, etc.) and have setup all required options for that protocol.

  5. The remote server may be refusing multiple connections from the same client. Try using only one connection thread when connecting to this particular server (on the Options tab of Site Properties).

  6. Try pinging the address (see Troubleshooting Tips for details).

  7. If you are using a router, verify the router is up and running (check by pinging it and then ping an address outside of the router).

  8. Do a traceroute to the destination to verify all routers along the connection path are operational (see Troubleshooting Tips for details).

  9. Verify that your Windows network connection is setup properly. (Can you connect to the Internet?)

  10. Verify that your local software or hardware firewall is not blocking outbound connections originating from CuteFTP.

  11. Verify that your anti-virus software is not at fault (disable it temporarily while you attempt to reconnect).