FTP error, I can't write a file

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Level 1

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FTP error, I can't write a file

I connect to an ftp site that I know I have write permissions and when I use the Finder ftp interface I get the error dialog, "The item xxx could not be moved because [ftpsite] cannot be modified." When I use ftp from the termial I can logon on but get the 550 error.

Well, I know I have permission to write to that ftp site because I can do it with Adobe Go-Live built in FTP.

Any ideas?

iMac Mac OS X (10.4.6)

Posted on Jun 1, 2006 10:41 PM

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Answer 1

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

Jun 1, 2006 11:05 PM in response to Wiredman

Well unless somethings changed recently the Finder's built-in FTP function is download only. You cannot upload through it. You have to use a third-party FTP program for that such as Captain FTP (shareware) or RBrowser Lite (freeware) or one of many other FTP clients you can find at www.versiontracker.com.

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Answer 2

Wiredman Author

Level 1

0 points

Jun 2, 2006 7:19 AM in response to Kappy

This answers why the finder FTP will not write, but I still get a 550 'can't create' error with the command line FTP in Terminal.

But thanks for the tip on third party FTP clients.

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Answer 3

Mario_MM

Level 3

745 points

Jun 2, 2006 7:47 AM in response to Wiredman

Maybe you have no permission to write a file. Check the remote working directory with 'pwd' and the permissions with 'ls -l".

Mac Mini Mac OS X (10.4.6) Core Duo / 2GB

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Answer 4

Wiredman Author

Level 1

0 points

Jun 2, 2006 8:30 PM in response to Mario_MM

Doing an ls shows I have write permissions and I downloaded RBrowser and could send an file to the ftp site. I can only imagine that I don't really know how to use command line FTP.

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Answer 5

India 42

Level 1

12 points

Jun 29, 2006 10:12 AM in response to Wiredman

I was going to post a question about the same issue. I can write to my FTP site using Windows IE in Virtual PC, but read-only when connecting using the Finder Connect to Server command.

I find it hard to believe that Apple have built such an elegant server connection mechanism and then crippled it by not allowing FTP uploads.

Anyone from Apple (or some non-Apple person who knows),care to comment on the reason for this?

India 42

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Answer 6

Jul 2, 2006 8:45 AM in response to India 42

India- it could be that a true FTP client can handle security better that the Finder. Elegant yes...but, secure?

Wiredman- You may be able to Write to the directory (ie: Create a new file)...but there may be a permissions setting that doesn't allow you to Modify (save As...) or change an existing file. Check with the server administrator, or if that's you, look at your 'umask' settings on 'Nix.

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Answer 7

Aug 23, 2006 6:53 AM in response to India 42

I am with India on this. I am running 2 machines and would like to run mac exclusively, however I need to go to my windows machine just to transfer files that i created on my mac, colossal pain in the neck. what is the solution to be able to write files to the webserver? I have experienced this with two different internet service providers.

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Answer 8

Aug 23, 2006 10:27 AM in response to Matt Burns2

Are you trying to connect to the FTP site using Safari?
Finder?
Why not use a real ftp program and be done with it?

Cyberduck
http://cyberduck.ch/
or
Fugu
http://rsug.itd.umich.edu/software/fugu/

Are both free, and should take over where Safari and the finder leave off. They each install quickly, and are drag n drop interface to your ftp sites.

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