Can't FTP external site from 2003 sbs

[metamind]

I am trying to connect to an external ftp site from my 2003 SBS server (this computer). Computers on my network connect to the internet through this computer and can also get ftp access (and connect to remote sql servers), but I can't on this computer. I'm sure it's a simple config setting but I'm not sure what to set or how (I'm only a simple programmer).

p.s. this computer is also running isa.

Thanks

 

[tfg13]

Are you having issues when going through a browser?


If you can go through the command line, and FTP works, then this is a browser issue.

From the command line, type:

ftp yourservername (or IP)

If it is an anonymous FTP server, the login id will be anonymous, and you can just hit enter on the password field.

Something you can check on your browser (if it is IE) is:

internet options->Advanced tab->under the browsing category, uncheck "Use Passive FTP". This could solve the problem....

 

[metamind]

Thanks. It is the command line ftp that I was having trouble with. (I also tried unchecking the "Use Passive FTP", but to no avail. I keep getting:

> ftp: connect :Host is unreachable

 

[tfg13]

Are you able to ping the remote host from the server? Are there any firewall rules that don't allow this server to connect on port 21?

 

[dkediger]

Since ISA is involved, and its SBS, are you running your company's own ftp site on this server?

Can you ftp using the IP address rather than domain name?

 

[metamind]

Hi,

I can, indeed, ping the remote site and I haven't set up any ftp access to "this computer".

To be honest I'm not sure where to find my firewall configuration?

Thanks

 

[metamind]

I'm sure this can't be all that uncommon a problem?

 

[tfg13]

Can you get to any other FTP sites? For example, can you get to this site?

http://ftp.netscape.com/pub/netscape7/english/7.2/windows/win32/NSSetup.exe

This will tell you 1 of 2 things. 1. That you can indeed get through the firewall (if there is one), and 2. that there is nothing wrong with your server, and there may be an issue with the remote site.

 

[metamind]

Thanks for the response.

I tried the link you suggested and was prompted to add

http://ftp.netscape.com

to my trusted sites. I did this and could then start downloading the file.

My problem is when I try to use ftp from the command line. I tried:

c:\directory>ftp netscape.com

and again got:

> ftp: connect :Host is unreachable

I know that the site is working OK because I can connect to it and up / download files from the command line from other computers on my network with out any problem.

Thanks again for your help. It looks like this is less run-of-the-mill than I thought.

 

[MoobyCow]

Does your server have a firewall on the machine? If so you would have to give the cmd.exe program permission to access the internet.

 

[tfg13]

I'm thinking as MoobyCow points out that there is a firewall software issue. Is there a software firewall on the server?

 

[metamind]

Sorry for not getting back sooner MoobyCow, tfg13. Just delivered on a deadline. It's nice to get some sleep again.

Yes, I basically have the default SBS installation with ISA. I'm somewhat hazy about what gives you what, but my understanding is that SBS comes with a firewall and that ISA somehow enhances it.

Anyway, that is what I have but, as I have said, I am really a programmer and am new to Windows 2003 (and am subject to the occasional development deadline). I still haven't managed to find out how to configure my firewall (including how to start the management application).

Any help much appreciated.

 

[tfg13]

I'm wondering if the "Enhanced Security" feature of the server software is causing this problem. Try disabling it temporarily:

From your contol panel, click add/remove programs->add/remove windows components->and uncheck the "Internet Explorer Enhanced Security configuration.

If you have the same problem, I would recommend turning it back on (if you have it on in the first place). After that, I have no clue as to whats going on....

 

[metamind]

Thanks for the suggestion. I just tried it but it made no difference unfortunately.

 

[metamind]

By the way, where is my firewall configuration utility?

 

[tfg13]

If you do not have a third party firewall solution on your server, look into this:

Routing and Remote Access Services (RRAS)

This may get you started in the right direction.