Using Internet Explorer to FTP does not work from inside our network

[Mateo1041]

Hi everyone,

We've been experiencing a problem where we can't FTP using Internet Explorer (IE) from inside our network. However, we can successfully access the same FTP location from outside our network.

The FTP location we are trying to access is on an outside host that does not belong to us. The reason for this is we host with an outside company.

It appears to work from every single location except on our network, as if our network was somehow blocking access to this outside FTP location via a browser (although we can access it just fine via WS_FTP Pro, etc). As I can access it from anywhere else aside from our network, it would appear to me the problem is on our end.

Would it simply be a matter of adding this location to our HOSTS file? If we do this, would we need to reboot the server? If we do, what would be the recommended way?

We've been using ftp://xxx@christianliferesources.com as the URL and then entering in our password when the box comes up.

Thanks for any help you can offer.

- Matt.

 

[Mateo1041]

Some more information to go with the above:

I'm not sure what we are using for a firewall here. What would be the easiest way to check? The same goes with the proxy.

My IE version is 6.0.2800.1106, SP1. However, I've tried other browser versions on our network and none work.

We are on Novell Netware 6.0.

The result of trying to access FTP on our website through IE in the address line is that it will just sit there with a flashlight and look for it. Eventually, it will give the following error: "An error occurred opening that folder on the FTP server. Make sure you have permission to access that folder."

However, using the Mozilla/Netscape browser works just fine from inside and outside the network. Using IE only works from outside the network.

Thanks again, it is much appreciated!

- Matt.

 

[bcastner]

Check your settings in IE, Tools, Internet Options, Advanced. You might want to play with two settings:

. Use Folder view

. Use PASV mode (for firewall and DSL compatability)

It may be that you want PORT mode and not PASV, for vice-versa.

This could easily be an MTU issue. See the following for an explanation. It is discussing Linksys routers, but the issue is a general one:

http://www.broadbandreports.com/forum/remark,1700907~root=equip,16~mode=flat

 

[Mateo1041]

Thank you bcastner!

Using Folder view worked and now I can see what is in the root directory for the particular user.

However, when I try dragging an icon over the browser content area to upload it, it displays the file in the browser window instead of uploading it. Is there a way to fix this?

I appreciate the help.

- Matt.

 

[bcastner]

Try double-clicking the file instead of dragging it.

 

[Mateo1041]

Thanks, but would you mind elaborating? If I double-click the file when it is on my desktop, it still opens it instead of transferring it to the browser FTP location.

 

[bcastner]

Then the issue is a File Association problem. At some point for that type of file .extension a prompt asked how the file should be handled, and a checkbox appeared to ask if you wanted to set the default action for all files of that type.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;177976

 

[Mateo1041]

I've tried the process listed in the Microsoft article, but most file types were already marked as "Confirm open after download".

Additionally, I've done some research and every site I visit has mentioned you should be able to drag and drop:

http://www.soundsgoodpro.com/ie5tips.htm#ftp drag

http://www.temple.edu/cs/unix/ie5v2.html

http://www.laguardia.edu/webmanager/ftptutorial.htm

I've also found that if Internet Explorer doesn't know what to do with a file, it will prompt you to "Save As" which is useless as then you can only select to move it to another portion of your hard-drive.

- Matt.

 

[bcastner]

Two issues, one easy:

Under IE, Tools, Internet Options, Security, check the Custom levels for both the Intranet Zone and the Internet Zone to make sure that "drag and drop" settings are not at "disabled."

The second is more difficult. Unless your ftp/web pages are configured properly for intranet zone usage you may run into security controls under Windows depending on how the host is resolved either through your HOST file or through your local DNS server. cf.

http://support.microsoft.com/?id=232077

 

[Mateo1041]

"Drag and drop or copy and paste files" is already enabled under my IE browser security settings.

Also, some documentation has made reference to an "Upload" menu item under the File menu in IE. I do not see that option.

Thanks for pointing me to the article on the Microsoft website. It doesn't seem to make much different though as far as browser FTP goes.

I think for now I'll set up a Perl script that gets the job done. It is unfortunate IE will not work the way it is supposed to with drag and drop.

I do appreciate your help.

 

[Mateo1041]

I've finished coming up with a solution to my problem. It involves use of a PHP script and IFRAME. And it allows the best of both worlds. Users outside our network can drag and drop while users inside our network can use the script portion.

To view the finished version:

http://www.christianliferesources.com/test/sample.gif

- Matt.