Introduction

So has Homestead's FTP process got you confused or never tried it? Need an FTP program? You'll get some info here.

My disclaimer: I've only imported one file as a test for writing this tip page. Usually I just need to import one or two files, so it's either faster to go into my Files manager or import directly via whatever element I use, typically the Import Images element. My test FTP worked beautifully.

I cannot provide any tips on using individual FTP programs, but I have and had used CuteFTP at Geocities and here on my test. CuteFTP is a shareware program and costs about US$40. You can use it on a trial basis for 30 days after which it's disabled unless you purchase it. Also, I use FileZilla and Core FTP Lite. Both are freeware and you can find links for them below (Core FTP can be found at Download.com).

These tips are culled from and consolidated from two different pages on Homestead's Help section as well as a little bit of research and some links from my bookmarks. And they're primarily for the "metal" members and formerly-called Personal members who have Homestead URLs. Trial members and those who have the free Preview account (current members who joined Homestead prior to July 16, 2001 when all accounts were free) at Homestead do not have access to FTP. You must use the browser upload method through your offline or online SiteBuilder or in the Files Manager for your account.

Basics

What info you need to enter into your FTP client:

Connection URL: ftp.homestead.com
User name: Your Homestead account name
Password: Your Homestead account password

Upon Connection

If successfully connected, a message from Homestead will appear in the FTP client window telling you about file size, file type, and number of files restrictions. Also, it will warn you that files cannot be uploaded to the root directory. Instead, all files must be uploaded to the Files folder or directory as it is called.

(Since I am no longer a paid member at Homestead, I cannot tell you how the "metal" members' accounts are set up. If it's the same as non-metal, then follow the instructions above. Typically, if you have your own domain name at other webhosts, you can set up your directories how you wish. There is usually a primary directory for all pages and files [public html] that you can further sub-divide with subdirectories. Or you can choose to separate pages and files into different directories as Homestead does.)

In your FTP client you should see the website(s) in your Homestead account. Click on the website you want to import your files into. Then click on the Files folder

Select the files from your hard drive that you want to upload. Remember the file restrictions mentioned above. You can upload up to 10,000 files total, no one file can be more than 60 MB for a posted file or for an inline file, and file type restrictions are in effect. You must have at least 60MB of space available in your account to be able to upload or FTP any file of that size. However, large size files will take a long time for your visitors to view, so consider keeping all of your files much smaller than that. Optimize your images, for example, by resizing them or compressing the file size.

Check in the "To" window of your FTP client to make sure all the files you want to upload have been uploaded to your website. After you check, you can close the FTP program.

If you get an error message of being unable to connect, chances are the FTP server is busy. Check the System Status page online or call their toll-free number at 1-800-974-6903 for a pre-recorded message.

If you get other error messages, copy the error message from your FTP client and go to the member forums for help. Maybe someone else has encountered the same problem and has resolved it.

If you have any other questions regarding FTP, you can search the Help Center at Homestead.com under "Web Site Building" or post your question in the member forums.

FTP Clients or Programs

As I mentioned, I have CuteFTP. It's fairly easy to set up new targets. But it's also shareware. Four good freeware programs are WS_FTP LE, Leech FTP, and AceFTP 2 Freeware. Another freeware FTP client I was tipped to recently is FileZilla. It is as easy to work with as CuteFTP and there is no adware.

I found out recently while trying to open WS_FTP LE that it is only allowed for education, government, student, or at-home, non-commercial users. Funny that none of the download sites mention this restriction at the time I downloaded this program. You are advised to purchase WS_FTP Pro ($39) by the install program if you intend to use this for commercial purposes or on a commercial website. The definition of commercial varies among who's defining the term, but generally, if you sell, trade, or barter any goods or services, you're a commercial user. Sometimes even being an affiliate can put you under the commercial category.

Find both free and pay FTP client (not server) programs at:

TuCows http://www.tucows.com/  Find your nearest geographical download location after clicking on the Software Library link.

Completely Free Software  http://www.completelyfreesoftware.com/index.html

CNet's Download.com (note: all software offered at CNet are pre-tested for spyware)
http://www.download.com/windows/ftp-software/3150-2160_4-0-3.html?tag=page;page (if you're looking for freeware, click the appropriate link in the left column menu for license type)

Filezilla - Very nice FTP client that I'm currently using. You can find this Open Source project at SourceForge.net and also at Download.com