How to use [PERSON_NAME] with ISPConfig?

Procédure

FTP or SFTP access allows you to transfer a site's files between your computer and your VPS server. You can use it in particular to publish a site, modify its files, or provide separate access to a service provider.

This guide explains how to create an FTP or SFTP user, change an FTP account password, and configure the connection in FileZilla.

Before you begin

The site you want to grant access to must already have been created in ISPConfig. You must also have the necessary rights [PERSON_NAME]>

To test the connection from your computer, install software compatible with FTP and SFTP, such as FileZilla.

Choosing between FTP and SFTP

FTP and SFTP both allow file transfers, but they do not use the same type of account in ISPConfig.

An FTP connection can be encrypted when it uses the FTPS protocol, usually in the form of an explicit FTP connection over TLS. SFTP, on the other hand, uses the SSH protocol: it is therefore a different technology.

[PERSON_NAME] possible, use SFTP. If not, use an explicit FTP connection over TLS rather than an unencrypted FTP connection.

Create an FTP user

1. In ISPConfig, open the Sites (1) menu.
2. In the left menu, click FTP User (2).
   
3. Click New FTP User.
4. In the Website field, select the site this user should be able to access.
   
5. [PERSON_NAME] the desired username.
6. [PERSON_NAME] a password that is long enough and hard to guess, [PERSON_NAME] ISPConfig displays a second field.

7. Click Save.

The new user then appears in the FTP user list.

FTP connection settings

To connect with this user, use the following settings:

• Protocol: FTP;
• Encryption: use an explicit FTP connection over TLS if available;
• Host: your VPS IP address or hostname;
• Port: 21;
• Username: [PERSON_NAME] ;
• [PERSON_NAME]>: the password set when creating the account.

If your domain does not yet point to the VPS, use the server IP address as the connection host.

To learn how to configure FileZilla, [PERSON_NAME] of your site, see: How do you publish a site via FTP with FileZilla, [PERSON_NAME] ?

Once connected, the site's public files are located in the web folder.

Change an FTP user's password

You can change an FTP user's password if it has been forgotten, shared with someone else, or saved in software you no longer have access to.

1. In ISPConfig, open the Sites (1) menu.
2. Click FTP User (2) in the left menu.
   
3. In the list, [ADDRESS] the user to edit (3).
4. [PERSON_NAME] the new password, then confirm it in the second field.
   
5. Click Save.

Create a user for an SFTP connection

An SFTP connection uses a Shell user and not an FTP user.

1. In ISPConfig, open the Sites (1) menu.
2. In the left menu, click [PERSON_NAME] (2).
   
3. Click New Shell User (3).
4. In the Website field, select the site the user should be able to access.
   
5. [PERSON_NAME] the username.

[PERSON_NAME], ISPConfig may automatically add a prefix to the chosen name. [PERSON_NAME] full name displayed in the panel.

6. [PERSON_NAME] the password, [PERSON_NAME]it.
7. Click Save.

The account then appears in the Shell user list.

SFTP connection settings

To connect with this user, use the following settings:

• Protocol: SFTP – SSH File Transfer Protocol;
• Host: your VPS IP address;
• Port:
  • Unmanaged VPS: 22 by default, [PERSON_NAME] SSH port;
  • Old managed VPS: 5804;
  • New managed VPS: 22 or 5804;
• Authentication type: normal or password;
• Username: [PERSON_NAME] ;
• [PERSON_NAME]>: the password set when creating the account.

You can use FileZilla or another SFTP-compatible software. The principle of browsing and transferring files is similar to that presented in the following guide: How do you publish a site via FTP with FileZilla, [PERSON_NAME] ?

On the first SFTP connection, the software may display the server identification key. Verify that you are connecting to your VPS IP address before accepting it.

Check that access works

Access is correctly configured when your software displays the site's folders without authentication errors.

With an FTP account, open the web folder to find the site's public files.

You can also transfer a small test file, check that it appears on the server, then delete it.

Common issues

I get a username or password error

Check that you are using the full name displayed in ISPConfig. It may contain a prefix added automatically by the panel.

[PERSON_NAME] manually enter the password to avoid spaces added during copy and paste.

Also make sure you are using the account suited to the chosen protocol:

• an FTP User for an FTP or FTPS connection;
• a Shell User for an SFTP connection.

The connection no longer works after changing the password

Your software is probably still using the saved [PERSON_NAME].

Open the settings for the connection concerned and replace [PERSON_NAME]. You can also delete the saved password so that the software asks you for it at the next connection.

The connection is refused

Check that the protocol and port match the type of account used:

• FTP or FTPS: port 21;
• SFTP on an unmanaged VPS: port 22 by default, or the custom SSH port;
• SFTP on a [PERSON_NAME] VPS: port 5804;
• SFTP on a recent [PERSON_NAME] VPS: port 22 or 5804.

Also verify that you are using the correct account type: an FTP user for FTP or FTPS, and a Shell user for SFTP.

Also check that the IP address or hostname corresponds to the VPS on which the account was created.

I am connected, but I cannot see my site's files

With an FTP account, open the web folder.

If the expected files are not present, check in ISPConfig that the user has been associated with the correct website.

I do not see the [PERSON_NAME] Shell menu

The account used to access ISPConfig may not have the necessary rights to create a Shell user.

Log back in with an account authorized to administer the site or ask the VPS administrator to create the SFTP access.