Getting Started
Q: When should I use FTP/SFTP?
A: We recommend using FTP (File Transfer Protocol)or SFTP (SSL File Transfer Protocol) if you are initially transferring up to 50GB of data and if you are uploading files that are each larger than 2.5GB. Not sure how to go about moving your data? Learn more about Egnyte's migration services.
FTP is NOT recommended as a migration tool. If you have more than 50GB data total to transfer, consider using Egnyte's Migration App or some other third-party tool designed to handle larger data migrations.
Q: How do I enable FTP/SFTP?
A: Follow this process:
- While you're signed in as an Admin, navigate to the Configuration tab of Settings.
- Choose Applications from the left side and scroll down to the FTP section.
- Click to Enable FTP and choose the types of users that will be allowed to utilize the feature (Admins or Admins & Power Users).
- Then, select the FTP, FTPES, or SFTP checkboxes and click Save.
If your users receive one of the error messages below, it means that the service has not been enabled for the domain or for their user type. An Administrator will need to enable it using the steps above.
SFTP access is not available to this user.
Contact your account Administrator for details.
SFTP access is not available to this domain.
Contact your account Administrator for details.
Q: How do I configure FTP/SFTP?
A: We've prepared step-by-step instructions for configuring FTP and SFTP using a few providers. You can find links to those instructions below.
- FileZilla (Windows and Mac)
- CyberDuck (Mac)
- WinSCP (Windows)
- Fetch (Mac)
- Command Line (Linux/Mac)
- Windows Explorer
General
Q: Does FTP/SFTP preserve timestamps?
A: Egnyte's FTP and SFTP service provides the ability to preserve timestamps when files are uploaded to the cloud from your computer. For this to work, you'll need to enable the option in your FTP client. Below we'll show you how to make sure timestamps are preserved for FileZilla and WinSCP.
FileZilla
In FileZilla, for example, the option to preserve timestamps is available in the Transfer menu as shown below. Once you select this option, uploaded files will be loaded into Egnyte with the original timestamp from your computer.
WinSCP
In WinSCP, the option to preserve timestamps can be selected in the Options -> Preferences menu, then choosing Transfer -> Binary preset. On the screen, the Preserve timestamp checkbox should be selected.
Then, you'll need to turn off the Enable transfer resume/transfer to temporary filename for. Go to Options-> Preferences menu and then in the Transfer-> Endurance section, the Enable transfer resume /transfer to temporary filename option should be disabled.
Q: Can I use Active Transfer Mode for FTP/SFTP?
A: No. Egnyte's FTP does not support Active Transfer Mode. Please enable Passive Transfer Mode when setting up the FTP client.
Q: What are the disadvantages or considerations when using FTP?
A: Several considerations should be taken into account if you plan to use FTP for data transfer to Egnyte, as opposed to a purpose-built migration tool such as Migration App.
- FTP is inherently an insecure data transfer method. For all files sent using this protocol, username, password and even the data are all shared in plain text. This means any hacker can access this information with a minimum of effort. For secure data transfer, choose FTPS or SFTP.
- FTP may not meet your compliance requirements. Using FTP with inadequate security could leave your business at risk for noncompliance fines. If your business is concerned with compliance regulations such as SOX, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, ITAR or the like, you might be challenged to find an FTP solution that is sufficiently secure.
- FTP is not 100% reliable with regard file integrity, and it's difficult to validate whether a file has been mishandled or corrupted after being transferred.
- FTP rarely offers the ability to track and validate what's been uploaded to the remote system. If files are mishandled or a data breach occurs, you may struggle to track the source of the problem.
- FTP doesn't offer visibility into the progress of your data transfer. This may not be important for smaller batch uploads. But with an interactive User Interface like that offered by Egnyte's Migration App, you can view your progress (or lack thereof) in real time, which is a decidedly better solution for larger migration projects.
- There is a four-hour time limit on single file upload via FTP.
- FTP is limited to seven simultaneous uploads.
- FTP cannot be used on folders with more than 15K child items.
Learn more about Egnyte's migration services.
Troubleshooting
Q: I received a "Port is disabled" error message. What should I do?
A: If you hit the 501 PORT is disabled error, please make sure that you are using passive connections and navigate to Edit ==> Settings ==> Connection => FTP ==> and uncheck "Allow fall back to other transfer mode on failure" as seen below.
Q: I received an "FTP Login Fails - 530 Authentication Failure" error message. What should I do?
A: If your login to FTP is failing, please make sure your username is correct. For FTP, the username should be <yourusername>$<egnytedomain>.
Example: If you access Egnyte at https://abc.egnyte.com and you use username jim to log in, then FTP username should be jim$abc.
If all of the above is correct and you still can't log in, please contact us by submitting a ticket.
Q: Why are my files are getting corrupted after uploading to Egnyte using FTP/SFTP?
A: Make sure that your FTP/SFTP client's transfer type is set to binary. Instructions for how to do this in different clients can be found in the following guides.
The popular client Cyberduck transfers all content in binary by default.
If you're still experiencing issues, please contact our Support Team.