FTP data exchange with Windows Explorer

For data exchange operations, users actively use programs like FileZilla. This is really effective if you have time to download the necessary software, configure it for permanent use and use it constantly. But what to do when you need to transfer the document to the file server right now? You will probably want to know how to open FTP in an explorer without unnecessary trouble. This will be useful for novice users who have not yet had time to learn about all the useful features of the built-in program Explorer.

Windows Explorer is suitable for opening FTP.

What is FTP?

In short, this is File Transfer Protocol, the standard solution for transferring files over computer networks. When using such a solution, one computer acts as a client (that is, gives instructions to the server), and another - a server (it serves the needs of the client). The purpose of FTP is to ensure that file sharing operations are carried out correctly. How can I quickly open FTP in Windows?

"Seven" - problem solving

In different cases, you will need to configure the computer for both the client and server roles. Consider how to open FTP in Windows 7 Explorer:

  1. You must go to "My Computer". Find the shortcut on the desktop, or go to the folder through Explorer.
  2. Right click on an empty space. After that, select "Add a new element to the network environment."

  3. In the dialog box that opens, click the Next button. After that, you must select "Other network location", and specify a link to the folder for connecting to FTP via Explorer. The link should look like this:

FTP: // login: password @ hostname or lip / path_to folder

Here you need to fill in the username and password to access the server. It will be issued by the system administrator or server owner. IP can be found using popular network services, or ask the owner of another PC. You can determine the path to the folder in Windows 7 by copying the address bar.

In Windows XP

We looked at how to connect to FTP through Windows Explorer 7. But what about when you are dealing with an earlier version of the OS, say, XP? You need to do this:

  1. In XP, the ability to access FTP via explorer is not presented. Therefore, workarounds will be helpful. On the desktop, you must create a shortcut using the context menu.
  2. In the wizard to create a shortcut, you must enter a line of this type:

% windir% \ explorer.exe FTP: // user: / folder

Here, % windir% is a folder, often located on drive C. The remaining items are populated by analogy.

If nothing happened

What to do when you tried to open file transfer protocol in such ways, but FTP still does not open in Windows 7 or Windows XP Explorer? Yes, you can try installing a software client like FileZilla.

There are other similar programs. Which ones? Search in articles of our site!