How do I configure FTP in IIS?

One of the most common, and simplest way to upload information to your server is through FTP (File Transfer Protocol). This allows a user to connect to a specific location on the server without having full access to the server. FTP users can be created with read and/or write access. FTP users can be configured on the server through IIS.

To configure an FTP site in IIS, please follow these steps:

  1. Log into your server through Terminal Services or Remote Desktop Connection.
  2. Create a username you would like to have FTP access to the server.
  1. Click Start, Programs, Administrative Tools, Internet Services Manager.
  2. Open the New FTP Site Wizard:
    1. In IIS 5.0, right click the machine name and select New, FTP site.
    2. In IIS 6.0, expand local machine and right click on FTP Sites and select New, FTP site.

  3. Click Next to begin.
  4. Enter a description for the site. Typically this will be the domain name for the site.
  5. Select the IP address for the site, or if the customer is using name based hosting select [All Unassigned] The TCP Port remains 21.
  6. Click Next.
  7. If you are using IIS 6.0 you will need to set FTP User Isolation. We strongly recommend you select Do not isolate Users.
  8. Click Next.
  9. Enter the path to the directory you wish the user to have FTP access to. This can be the full site directory or limited to a single sub directory.
  10. Click Next.
  11. Set the Access Permissions, Read and/or Write. This will control the access level the FTP user has on the files in the FTP home directory.
  12. Click Next. Click Finish.

Once the FTP site is configured in IIS you will need to assign the FTP user you created to the FTP site.

To assign a user to the FTP site, please follow these steps:

  1. Right click the FTP site you created and select Properties.
  2. Select the Security Accounts Tab.
  3. Be sure Allow Anonymous Connections IS UNCHECKED. We do not allow Anonymous FTP access. This is a potential security risk for the server.
  4. Add the user to the FTP site.
    1. If you are using IIS 5.0, under FTP Site Operators, click Add. Select the FTP user from the Menu and click OK.
    2. If you are using IIS 6.0, right-click the FTP site and select Permissions. Select the FTP user and click OK.