Ask Me Help Desk - Ftp and pasv

Hi, I've been using Serv-U 4.1 to host an ftp server on my winxp media center computer. I also set up a domain with no-ip.com. I also have the DUC (dynamic update client) so my if my IP address changes, it will update it with the domain that I registered. Only problem is, in my PASSIVE settings in Serv-U, I still have to manually change the IP address in the IP address field. Is there a way around this? I've tried using the "enable dynamic dns" in the Serv-U program, but I can't find anything on how to set that up. And even if I did find something that would tell me how to set up the dynamic dns, wouldn't I still have to worry about the "PASV" settings? I attached a screenshot of the "passive settings" what can I do here? I usually put my internet IP address here, and I also tried using my local IP address. Only the internet IP worked, and I would really rather not have to change the PASV setting each time my IP changes. Does anyone have any suggestions?

- EJ

This might help:

http://www.rhinosoft.com/KnowledgeBa...o=1044&prod=rs

And they also talk about using their client to work around Dynamic IP's:

http://www.rhinosoft.com/KnowledgeBa...=rs&RefNo=1242

Not sure if this will work for you. Another thing you can try is to leave that blank (the article hinted at that but I'm not sure if that only works when you use their service).

What are you using the FTP server for? There may be other alternatives.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cajalat

This might help:

http://www.rhinosoft.com/KnowledgeBa...o=1044&prod=rs

and they also talk about using their client to work around Dynamic IP's:

http://www.rhinosoft.com/KnowledgeBa...=rs&RefNo=1242

Not sure if this will work for you. Another thing you can try is to leave that blank (the article hinted at that but I'm not sure if that only works when you use their service).

That article is great and all, but that's what I used to set it up initially. I still have my no-ip DUC does help update the IP address, but it doesn't update the PASV settings in serv-u. I still have to manually enter the IP in the "allow passive mode data transfers; use IP ". I haven't been able to find anything that updates it there. Regarding the second article about DNS4ME, that still doesn't change the "allow passive data transfers" IP field, it still requires me to change it manually. :(

I don't think there is anything magical about what these services (DNS4me and no-ip) provide for you. The only significant part they do is update their records whenever your IP address changes. The client you install will periodically check to see when your IP changes and if it does it sends a notice to your no-ip so that they would update your DNS for your domain. So in the section where you were supposed to put the MyFTPServer.FTP4me.com you can put either no-ip's name or your real hostname in there. The only snag with this is whether you're on a dialup Modem, DSL, or Cable. If you're on a cable modem setup then this shouldn't be a problem since your ISP assigns you a fixed name (usually based on your MAC address). That name doesn't change but the IP may change. You can find out what that name is by doing a reverse lookup on your IP. You should also be able to put that name in that field as well and no matter what your IP address changes to that name will always reflect the correct IP. If you're on DSL then I'm not certain this holds true but you can certainly check that yourself.

Also, you really only need this whole setup if you are behind a NATing router of some sort. If your machine is connected to the Internet directly (not behind a NAT) then you don't need to worry about it. Just leave the PASV checked and blank.

How is your setup currently? Behind a NAT? Cable/DSL?

Good luck.

Casey

Quote:

Originally Posted by cajalat

I don't think there is anything magical about what these services (DNS4me and no-ip) provide for you. The only significant part they do is update their records whenever your IP address changes. The client you install will periodically check to see when your IP changes and if it does it sends a notice to your no-ip so that they would update your DNS for your domain. So in the section where you were supposed to put the MyFTPServer.FTP4me.com you can put either no-ip's name or your real hostname in there. The only snag with this is whether you're on a dialup Modem, DSL, or Cable. If you're on a cable modem setup then this shouldn't be a problem since your ISP assigns you a fixed name (usually based on your MAC address). That name doesn't change but the IP may change. You can find out what that name is by doing a reverse lookup on your IP. You should also be able to put that name in that field as well and no matter what your IP address changes to that name will always reflect the correct IP. If you're on DSL then I'm not certain this holds true but you can certainly check that yourself.

Also, you really only need this whole setup if you are behind a NATing router of some sort. If your machine is connected to the Internet directly (not behind a NAT) then you don't need to worry about it. Just leave the PASV checked and blank.

How is your setup currently? Behind a NAT? Cable/DSL?

Good luck.

Casey

I am behind a NAT. regarding your first post... I must have read over it too quickly. That dynamic IP article you sent me actually does work. Thanks a lot for your help... sorry I didn't see that answer earlier! :o