FTP Access

Understanding FTP Access

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) and SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) allow you to directly access your server files using dedicated client software. This provides more advanced file management capabilities than the web-based file manager.

When to Use FTP

FTP vs Web File Manager

Use FTP When:

Large file uploads: Transferring files larger than 100MB
Bulk operations: Moving many files at once
Advanced editing: Using specialized text editors
Automation: Scripting file transfers
Reliability: More stable for large transfers

Use Web File Manager When:

Quick edits: Simple configuration changes
Small files: Files under 50MB
Convenience: No additional software needed
Mobile access: Managing from mobile devices

FTP Benefits

Advanced Features

Resume interrupted transfers: Continue partial uploads
Directory synchronization: Keep local and remote folders in sync
Batch operations: Process multiple files simultaneously
Detailed permissions: Fine-grained file permission control
Compression: Transfer compressed files to save bandwidth

Setting Up FTP Access

Obtaining FTP Credentials

Through Control Panel

Log in to your Game Lords account
Navigate to your server dashboard
Click “Files” or “File Manager”
Look for “FTP Access” or “FTP Details” section
Note the connection information:
- Host/Server: Your FTP server address
- Port: Usually 21 (FTP) or 22 (SFTP)
- Username: Your FTP username
- Password: Your FTP password or key

Connection Details Format

Host: ftp.gamelords.com (or your server IP)
Port: 21 (FTP) or 22 (SFTP)
Username: gl_12345_username
Password: your_generated_password
Protocol: FTP or SFTP (recommended)

Security Considerations

SFTP vs FTP

SFTP (Secure FTP):

✅ Encrypted connection
✅ Secure password transmission
✅ Data integrity protection
✅ Industry standard for security

FTP (Traditional):

❌ Unencrypted connection
❌ Plain text passwords
❌ Vulnerable to interception
❌ Not recommended for sensitive data

FTP Client Software

Popular FTP Clients

Free Clients

FileZilla (Windows, Mac, Linux)

✅ Cross-platform compatibility
✅ Easy to use interface
✅ Queue management
✅ Site manager for saved connections
Download: filezilla-project.org

WinSCP (Windows)

✅ Dual-pane interface
✅ Built-in text editor
✅ Scripting support
✅ Integration with PuTTY
Download: winscp.net

Cyberduck (Windows, Mac)

✅ Modern interface
✅ Cloud storage integration
✅ External editor support
✅ Bookmark management
Download: cyberduck.io

Built-in Options

Windows File Explorer

1. Open File Explorer
2. Type in address bar: ftp://username:password@ftp.server.com
3. Navigate and manage files directly
Note: Limited functionality, not recommended for advanced use

macOS Finder

1. Open Finder
2. Press Cmd+K (Connect to Server)
3. Enter: sftp://username@server.address
4. Enter password when prompted

Setting Up FileZilla

Initial Configuration

Download and install FileZilla Client
Open FileZilla
Open Site Manager (File → Site Manager)

Create new site:

General Tab:
Protocol: SFTP - SSH File Transfer Protocol
Host: your-ftp-server.com
Port: 22
Logon Type: Normal
User: your_username
Password: your_password

Click Connect

FileZilla Interface Guide

Layout Overview:
┌─ Message Log (top)          ┐
├─ Local Site (left)  │ Remote Site (right) ┤
├─ Local Directory    │ Remote Directory    ┤
├─ Local Files        │ Remote Files        ┤
└─ Transfer Queue (bottom)    ┘

Advanced FTP Configuration

Connection Settings

Active vs Passive Mode

Passive Mode (Recommended):
- Server initiates data connections
- Works better with firewalls
- Default for most configurations

Active Mode:
- Client initiates data connections
- May have firewall issues
- Use only if passive mode fails

Transfer Settings

FileZilla Preferences:
- Maximum simultaneous transfers: 2-3
- Default file permissions: 644 (files), 755 (directories)
- Transfer type: Auto (detects binary/text)
- Timeout: 20 seconds

SSL/TLS Configuration

For enhanced security with FTPS:

Encryption Settings:
- Require explicit FTP over TLS
- Use only plain FTP (insecure)
- Require implicit FTP over TLS

File Management Operations

Basic File Operations

Uploading Files

Navigate to destination in remote directory panel
Select files in local directory panel
Right-click and choose “Upload”
Or drag and drop from local to remote panel
Monitor progress in transfer queue

Downloading Files

Navigate to source in remote directory panel
Select files to download
Right-click and choose “Download”
Or drag and drop from remote to local panel
Choose local destination if prompted

Creating Directories

Right-click in remote panel → Create directory
Enter directory name → OK

Deleting Files/Folders

Select files/folders → Right-click → Delete
Confirm deletion when prompted

Advanced Operations

Synchronizing Directories

FileZilla Synchronization:

Tools → Directory Comparison
Select comparison mode:
- Compare file sizes
- Compare modification time
- Compare using both
Review differences
Upload/download as needed

Batch Operations

Selecting Multiple Files:
- Ctrl+Click: Select individual files
- Shift+Click: Select range of files
- Ctrl+A: Select all files

Bulk Actions:
- Upload entire directories
- Download complete folder structures
- Set permissions for multiple files

File Permissions

Right-click file → File Permissions
Numeric Format: 644 (files), 755 (directories)
Permission Breakdown:
6 (rw-): Owner read/write
4 (r--): Group read only
4 (r--): Other read only

Working with Game Server Files

Common File Locations

Minecraft Servers

Server Root:
├── server.jar              # Server executable
├── server.properties       # Main configuration
├── ops.json                # Operator permissions
├── whitelist.json          # Whitelisted players
├── world/                  # Main world folder
├── plugins/                # Bukkit/Spigot plugins
├── mods/                   # Forge/Fabric mods
└── logs/                   # Server logs

Rust Servers

Server Root:
├── RustDedicated.exe       # Server executable
├── server.cfg              # Configuration file
├── oxide/                  # Oxide/uMod files
│   ├── plugins/           # Oxide plugins
│   ├── config/            # Plugin configurations
│   └── data/              # Plugin data
└── identity/               # Server identity

ARK Servers

Server Root:
├── ShooterGame/
│   ├── Binaries/          # Server executables
│   ├── Saved/             # Save files and configs
│   │   ├── Config/        # Configuration files
│   │   └── SavedArks/     # World save files
│   └── Content/           # Game content
└── steamapps/             # Steam content

Safe File Editing Practices

Before Making Changes

Stop the server (recommended for config changes)
Create backup of files you’re modifying
Test changes on a staging environment if possible
Document changes for future reference

File Encoding Considerations

Configuration Files:
- Use UTF-8 encoding (no BOM)
- Avoid special characters in paths
- Maintain original line endings
- Use proper syntax for each file type

Common File Types and Editors

.properties files: Notepad++, VS Code, nano
.cfg files: Any text editor with syntax highlighting
.json files: JSON-aware editors (validate syntax)
.yml/.yaml files: YAML editors (mind indentation)
.lua files: Lua syntax highlighting recommended

Troubleshooting FTP Issues

Connection Problems

Cannot Connect to Server

Check these items:

Server credentials: Verify username, password, and host
Port number: Ensure correct port (21 for FTP, 22 for SFTP)
Protocol: Use SFTP instead of FTP if available
Firewall: Check client and network firewall settings
Server status: Confirm server is running

Connection Timeouts

Possible Causes:
- Firewall blocking connection
- Passive/Active mode mismatch
- Network connectivity issues
- Server overload

Solutions:
- Switch between passive/active mode
- Increase timeout values
- Try different network connection
- Contact support if server-side issue

Authentication Failures

Error: "530 Login incorrect" or "Permission denied"

Solutions:
- Verify username and password
- Check for typos in credentials
- Reset FTP password if needed
- Ensure account is active

Transfer Issues

Slow Transfer Speeds

Optimization strategies:

Client Settings:
- Increase simultaneous transfers (2-3 max)
- Use binary transfer mode for large files
- Enable compression if available
- Adjust buffer sizes

Network Considerations:
- Test during off-peak hours
- Check local internet speed
- Consider file compression before upload
- Use resumable transfers for large files

Transfer Failures

Common Causes:
- Network interruption
- Insufficient disk space
- File permission issues
- Large file size limits

Solutions:
- Enable transfer resumption
- Check available disk space
- Verify file permissions
- Split large files if necessary

File Corruption

Prevention:
- Use binary mode for executables
- Verify file checksums after transfer
- Enable integrity checking if available
- Avoid text mode for binary files

Detection:
- Compare file sizes before/after transfer
- Test uploaded files before using
- Use MD5/SHA checksums when possible

Automation and Scripting

Automated Backups

FileZilla Batch Scripts

<FileZilla3 version="3.0.0">
    <Queue>
        <Server>
            <Host>your-server.com</Host>
            <Port>22</Port>
            <Protocol>1</Protocol>
            <Type>0</Type>
            <User>username</User>
            <Pass encoding="base64">password_base64</Pass>
        </Server>
        <Files>
            <File>
                <LocalFile>C:\backups\world.zip</LocalFile>
                <RemoteFile>/minecraft/world.zip</RemoteFile>
                <Download>1</Download>
            </File>
        </Files>
    </Queue>
</FileZilla3>

Command Line Tools

# SFTP batch script (Linux/Mac/Windows with OpenSSH)
sftp -b backup_script.txt username@server.com

# backup_script.txt contents:
get /minecraft/world/* /local/backup/
get /minecraft/plugins/* /local/backup/plugins/
bye

Synchronization Scripts

WinSCP Scripting

@echo off
"C:\Program Files (x86)\WinSCP\WinSCP.com" ^
  /script=backup_script.txt

# backup_script.txt
open sftp://username:password@server.com
synchronize local C:\GameBackups /minecraft
close
exit

Rsync Over SFTP (Linux/Mac)

#!/bin/bash
# Sync local directory with remote server
rsync -avz -e "ssh -p 22" \
  username@server.com:/minecraft/world/ \
  ./local_backup/world/

Security Best Practices

Account Security

Strong Authentication

Password Requirements:
- Minimum 12 characters
- Mix of letters, numbers, symbols
- Unique to this service
- Regular password changes

Additional Security:
- Enable 2FA if available
- Use SSH keys instead of passwords
- Limit FTP access by IP if possible
- Monitor access logs regularly

SSH Key Authentication

# Generate SSH key pair (Linux/Mac/Windows with OpenSSH)
ssh-keygen -t rsa -b 4096 -C "your-email@example.com"

# Copy public key to server
ssh-copy-id username@server.com

# Configure FTP client to use key file
# In FileZilla: Edit → Settings → SFTP → Add key file

Data Protection

Sensitive Information

Never store in FTP-accessible areas:
- Database passwords
- API keys
- Personal player information
- Payment details
- Server administration passwords

Secure Handling:
- Use environment variables
- Separate configuration files
- Encrypt sensitive data
- Regular security audits

Regular Maintenance

Weekly Tasks:
- Review FTP access logs
- Check for unauthorized files
- Update FTP client software
- Verify backup integrity

Monthly Tasks:
- Change FTP passwords
- Review user permissions
- Clean up old files
- Security vulnerability scan

Getting Help with FTP

Information to Provide

When seeking FTP support:

FTP client name and version
Connection method (FTP/SFTP)
Error messages (exact text)
Server response codes
Steps to reproduce the issue

Common Support Resources

Client Documentation

FileZilla: Extensive online documentation and forums
WinSCP: Comprehensive help system and scripting guide
Cyberduck: Support wiki and community forums

Game Lords Support

FTP credential reset: Through control panel or support ticket
Connection troubleshooting: Technical support team
Server configuration: Advanced file management assistance
Security concerns: Immediate support for security issues

Remember: FTP access provides powerful file management capabilities, but with that power comes responsibility. Always backup important files before making changes, and follow security best practices to protect your server data.