TechNote (Archived)

FTP failure to connect or connect only some of the time

Issue

Cannot connect to the server after having connected successfully in the past.

Reason

If you connect even once, your FTP settings are correct. When the same settings connect only part of the time, the reason is usually a server that goes offline or busy traffic on the network.

The diagram below illustrates the major relay points data must go through to complete a successful FTP transfer:

Note: If you have never made a successful FTP connection, see Server issues (TechNote 14832) or one of the TechNotes below.

Solution

Try connecting at a different time of day, and contact the system administrator for the company hosting your site.

Additional Information

For help with setting up Dreamweaver's FTP connection and troubleshooting FTP problems or for information regarding other FTP issues, see the following TechNotes:

Overview of FTP issues

Setting up Dreamweaver's FTP connection (TechNote 14787)

Server issues (TechNote 14832)

Overview of specific FTP issues (TechNote 14835)

Setting up Dreamweaver's FTP connection to AOL (TechNote 14836)

Troubleshooting FTP issues (TechNote 14834)

Specific FTP issues

Dreamweaver freezes during FTP transfer (TechNote 14839)

Error message using Put or Check-in files: Cannot create directory...it already exists (TechNote 14162)

FTP errors and loss of connection: 530,550 (TechNote 14187)

Files cannot be transferred or appear twice on the server (TechNote 14841)

Some files upload during transfer while others do not (TechNote 14840)