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Access servers using FTP programs like Cyberduck, Coda, etc

Hi there, I posted this question elsewhere, but I'm not sure whether it was the right spot so I thought I'd start a new discussion.


I'm having issues with accessing the server's that my two websites are on.


I've been using Cyberduck for FTP'ing for a while now but this week I bought a new laptop with Mountain Lion on it. One of my websites I use iWeb and the other is through Wordpress, both of which I can access the server (and transfer files) using Cyberduck.


The first time I updated my site it worked. The next day however it didn't - and hasn't since. Now I can't access the server at all. The messages I get, depending on the program, are usually variations on "server not responding" "connection timeout" "connection refused" "connection closed" and on and on it goes.


I have tried using Cyberduck, Coda, Folklift and Transmitter but to no avail.


I tried a little App called 'ftpd-enable' but nothing.


I've tried all the different commands - like the one for Terminal above - nothing.


Rebooted the computer - nothing.


Double checked all the server login details - nothing.


Shouted and screamed - high blood pressure.


I hope someone may be able to help me!


Cheers

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2012), OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2)

Posted on Sep 29, 2012 10:02 PM

Reply
18 replies

Sep 30, 2012 12:24 AM in response to broomchr

I can only talk about Cyberduck. And I'm assuming you're using bookmarks in Cyberduck for easy and quick logins.


Are all your websites on the same server with the same ISP? Have they changed anything related to access? You can call up your sites in the browser (refresh!), and your term with the ISP still valid, bills paid? (I overlooked this once a few years ago, promptly they wouldn't let me in anymore 🙂)


Check if you can access site management through the web interface, cPanel or whatever they use. Does it work?


If server-side all is okay: Do you use some anti-virus/-malware protection?


In Cyberduck, just double-check the bookmarks per right-click and "Edit Bookmark": all settings correct incl path on the server it leads to?


If none of the above, something - or someone - must have messed with your system setup. Double-check firewall, also router-side, for any blocks.

Sep 30, 2012 3:24 AM in response to LousyFool

Thanks for your reply.


I've been in contact with the server administrator and everything works from his end - all the login details appear to be correct and he can easily access the server.


I've tried deleting the bookmarks and opening a brand new connection but no change.


Perhaps I should clarify: After stuffing around a bit more, it seems I can sort-of access the server. I seem to be able to login but once I do what happens is if I try to upload or download a file, it goes through the following process:


Opening FTP

Authenticating as 'my username'

FTP connection opened

Gaining permission of 'file name'

Listing directory

Disconnecting


Then I get the message: Network Error: Download failed. Connection refused. And that's it!


I notice also that if I create a new folder, it eventually creates the folder but then the folder has a red minus sign on it - like a no access graphic.


By the way, Firewall is off.

Sep 30, 2012 7:38 AM in response to broomchr

...it seems I can sort-of access the server. I seem to be able to login...

Weird, very weird. Since your ISP confirms that all is okay at their end and none of your FTP apps work, it can only be a network (setup) problem at your end, wherever, whyever.


You didn't confirm this one:

Check if you can access site management through the web interface, cPanel or whatever they use. Does it work?

Sep 30, 2012 8:50 PM in response to broomchr

Web hosting providers often (usually?) give you a link to a website from where you can manage your site, typically also your domain(s) incl email and FTP accounts, etc, all the functionality for a domain or site admin. Part of it is then also a file manager, sort of replacing an FTP client.


This only as explanation; since your host has already confirmed that at his end all is up and running normal, it's obsolete to connect to your site this way for testing purposes.

But you should ask your host for this web interface or portal for your site, anyway...


And once you talk to him, have him giving you the complete FTP access parameters incl SSL yes/no, ports, etc. You may then double-check the settings in your FTP client again... just in case.

Oct 1, 2012 12:18 AM in response to LousyFool

So, after all the trouble shooting, it turns out that it is my internet connection with Vodafone.


If I use my iPhone as the computer modem with service provided by Optus, everything works fine. Plug the Vodafone modem back in - back to the same problems. It appears as though the server is refusing the Vodafone's IP address.


Now, I rang up Vodafone and spoke to the tech dept. and it turns out that these modems don't have a fixed IP address, they change regularly. It is surmised that the server has decided to block what it sees as random IP addresses attempting to access its files.


Vodafone tech then sent me a long email with all the IP address that they use which I have since forwarded to the server administrator so that they can list them for the server to allow. Vodafone said this usually fixes the problem but if it doesn't then it would be best to get a newer modem - the one I have is about 3 years old.


When I asked Vodafone about the whole FTP thing, they said it's not something they generally provide support for.


So in the washup, what do you make of all this?

Oct 1, 2012 1:59 AM in response to broomchr

When looking back at this

...but this week I bought a new laptop with Mountain Lion on it. (...) The first time I updated my site it worked. The next day however it didn't - and hasn't since. Now I can't access the server at all. The messages I get, depending on the program, are usually variations on "server not responding" "connection timeout" "connection refused" "connection closed"...

leads me to thinking that either you haven't been using this Vodafone modem for a while, at least not for FTP, only with this "new laptop with Mountain Lion on it", or coincidentally Vodafone has decided over night to change their policy and IP addressing system for this type of modem. Except, I'm thinking it was the first of these alternatives.


What were you using the day when it worked, also the Vodafone modem? Or the iPhone? I'm thinking the iPhone. Or some other Internet access.


Oh wait a sec... broomchr is changing the Internet access... and some things stop working... now, how could THAT happen... must be that new laptop with Mountain Lion on it... let's see if someone out there wants to dig into it... and why bother telling about the insignificant change of ISP and modem...


Case closed.

Oct 1, 2012 3:18 AM in response to LousyFool

What? What's all that about?


I guess it's always easier to give attitude when you don't have to speak to someone directly...


In fact I use the Vodafone modem nearly everyday and regularly for FTP. I also use the iPhone. Evidently the first time I used the iPhone, the second time I used the Vodafone modem.


And, what is "and why bother telling about the insignificant change of ISP and modem..." supposed to mean? In all of the troubleshooting, how am I supposed to know that it's related to the which modem is used? Since when it is obvious that the ability to FTP depends on your modem?! And why has it worked on Snow Leopard last week and not on Mountain Lion this week - same modem, same server, different outcome?


I don't generally join support communities like this to waste people's time, I posted this topic because no-one I have contacted has had any idea what the issue is and I needed some help. In fact the problem is still not solved, so if it's obvious what the problem is, feel free to explain it to me, otherwise there's no point in replying rudely.


Regards.

Oct 1, 2012 3:34 AM in response to broomchr

Didn't mean to be rude, but certainly cynical... 👿 😉


I still have difficulties to believe that Vodafone changed rules and procedure last week, just after you got your new laptop with ML, or that the modem worked all the time for you even though

these modems don't have a fixed IP address, they change regularly

and

the one I have is about 3 years old


Whatever. At least you know why it didn't work now.


Peace, love, and understanding,

LF

Oct 1, 2012 4:14 AM in response to LousyFool

OK. No worries. No offence taken or anything.


I can understand your cynicism though because no, I don't believe Vodafone has changed anything between this week and last week. I can only go by what the server adminstrator told me and what Vodafone told me.


Believe me though, the modem has always worked - never had an issue with it. What can I say? I can only plead my case! (It still doesn't work though).


I appreciate you replying to my post. Thanks.


- broomchr

Oct 29, 2012 11:41 PM in response to fj_x

Hey mate,


Yeah, it's a very stange issue. I spoke to Vodafone tech support, Apple tech support, an IT specialist guy I know, etc, but no-one can explain it other than to say they think it must be the way Vodafone configures its modems.


So to try this thoery I went and bought a new Vodafone USB modem and exactly the same thing - internet works but FTP doesn't. I took it back and then went and bought an Optus Mini Wi-Fi Bradband modem and once it was set up, presto, internet and FTP all working again.


By the way, I bought an Optus USB modem last week but unfortunately they're not working with Mountain Lion yet - my laptop wouldn't even recorgnise it. So this time I opted for the wireless device - which I should add can't run via USB at present, although it is designed to.


It's all a very buggy area at the moment.


Chris

Nov 14, 2012 8:03 PM in response to broomchr

I've been having issues with Cyberduck file transfers ever since I upgraded to Mountain Lion. It keeps quitting partway through the upload. I updated Cyberduck to get all of the latest fixes. My modem has been working fine with this same workflow until now. I'm going to try another FTP program. But alas, it's been 4 days trying to upload this 3GB file. It usually quits at around 500 MB. broomchr, you're not alone.

Nov 14, 2012 8:07 PM in response to rivermat

rivermat wrote:


I've been having issues with Cyberduck file transfers ever since I upgraded to Mountain Lion. It keeps quitting partway through the upload. I updated Cyberduck to get all of the latest fixes. My modem has been working fine with this same workflow until now. I'm going to try another FTP program. But alas, it's been 4 days trying to upload this 3GB file. It usually quits at around 500 MB. broomchr, you're not alone.

I never touch Vodaphoe and have always used Fetch. Never a problem. Friends with vodaphone have also suffered similar problems. I use iWeb still and works fine in ML.


Cheers


Pete

Access servers using FTP programs like Cyberduck, Coda, etc

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