In Windows, how do I use FTP in my web browser to upload and download files to a server that requires a password?
Note: You need to use a client that supports secure FTP to transfer files to and from Indiana University's central systems. For more, see At IU, what SSH/SFTP clients are supported and where can I get them?
The procedure below will work with current versions of Internet Explorer and Firefox for Windows.
To transfer files via FTP using your web browser in Windows:
- From the
Filemenu, chooseOpen Location....
- In the "Location" field, type a URL like the
following:
ftp://username@name-of-server
For example, if your username is
ftp://dvader@deathstar.empire.govdvader, and you want to reach your account ondeathstar.empire.gov, enter:Note: Do not close the URL with a
/, or you will connect to the root directory rather than your home directory. - You will be prompted for your password. After you supply the
password, you will see the contents of your home directory on the
remote machine. To change directories, click the appropriate yellow
folder icon.
- To download a file, drag the file from the browser window to the
desktop. You can also double-click the filename, and you will be
prompted to either save or open the file.
- To upload a file, drag the file from your hard drive to the browser window.
Last modified on May 13, 2009.







