Ello!

I've recently decided I would like to start up an FTP server to share files between my friends and I so - I downloaded the FTP serving program "Serv-U" and set it up. I thought while Serv-U was serving, I should be able to access my files by entering my external IP address into the URL bar of my browser, with the "ftp://" prefix of course, but Firefox responds with a "The Connection was Reset" error.

When entering my local IP address (192.168.x.x) into the browser it brings me to the files, so it is completely accessible over the LAN.

I am behind a wireless router and have forwarded port 21 and 20. I also forwarded port 21 and 20 on the Windows Firewall as well, giving the same error. I probed the port using a port probing site and all was clear. I am using a static IP address on the machine serving.

Below is how I have Serv-U configured:

Name: Panzerkunst
Domain IP Address: Use any available IP address
Domain Type: Store in .INI file
Security: Allow SSL/TSL and regular sessions
FTP Port Number: 21
Enable Dynamic DNS: Unchecked

It is hosting a certain directory of my C: drive.

There is one user with a password with no extra privileges. I also tried entering the address into my browser with the user name included (ftp://username@externalip), but nothing.. I've tried other serving software, such as "Cerberus FTP Server", but no luck!

If anyone has advice, tips or anything to help solve this dilemma please speak up!

Thanks

its ftp://your name@and type in your ip adress

like this ftb://jellybean@168.192
SYMPTOMS

RFC 959 allows for the use of the PORT command, a remote connection to another TCP\IP over a passive connections, to be established based on the port address given by client. This is commonly done with FTP server-to-server transfers. This behavior was made optional to provide added security to the FTP service.

The FTP service compares the IP address that makes the connection and the address issuing the PASV command. If they are different, the FTP service does not allow the connection. When you attempt to do this on the Microsoft FTP Server, this operation fails, regardless of the settings.

What operating system are you using?

The machine serving is using Windows XP Professional. All the machines I've tried using to connect to it are Windows XP Professional as well.

I'd hate to turn this into a double question post, but I am just trying to get a good grip on FTP. (I'm currently studying for my Network+ certification, so it is futile I have a good grip!) so I hope you don't mind me asking:

From what I think I know, the FTP service can begin in two ways, active and passive.

In active mode the client opens a random port and sends the port number to the server. The server then starts the connection by binding the source port to port 20. This process is initiated by the client using the PORT command.

Passive mode is the reverse ideology, wherein the server opens a random port and sends the port number to the client. The client then binds the source port to a random port, greater than 1023. This is initiated by the client using the PASV command.

Am I getting this right? I'm still a bit confused on why you would need two different ways of opening a data stream, but as you said, I can see why you might use a passive connection for server-to-server FTP.

Thank you!