FTP in Internet Explorer 7.0

In a previous post I complained about how hard it was to use FTP in Internet Explorer’s newest browser version, 7.0. The problem is that in keeping with the Windows Vista-type theme, IE 7.0 hides the File menu by default. That means that when you hit your FTP site, you can’t go to “File | Login as…” to give your FTP credentials.

Never fear. I’ve found a partial solution!

The key is in the words stated above: “by default”. It turns out that Microsoft includes the feature in a menu option called “Classic Menu.” Activate the Classic Menu toolbar, and you now have access to the File menu.

Here’s the rub: there is no longer a “File | Login as…” option in IE 7. Instead, you can now use the File menu to select the “Open FTP in Explorer” option. Then you have to go to “File | Login as…”. See IE 6 did this step for you. It changed the window from an IE 6 window to a Windows Explorer window. In IE 7, you have to go the extra step.

If you’d rather skip this step, you can simply right-click on the Start Menu, and select the “Explore” option. Then, in the address bar, enter your FTP location (i.e. ftp://ftp.example.com; don’t forget the ftp://, or it won’t work!) Then use Windows Explorer’s “File | Login as…” option to access your site via FTP as you were used to with IE 6.

This Windows Explorer problem may be an issue with Windows XP, and may go away when Windows Vista comes out next year. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see. In the mean time, you can still achieve your IE 6 expected functionality by using one of the choices outlined above.

Update (11/20/06): I’ve posted again on this topic… Click here for the new post.

73 Responses to FTP in Internet Explorer 7.0

  • Jesse
    We couldn't expect MS to make EVERYTHING easier. They had to make one thing a bit more complicated to stay in pace with their business model.
  • Adam
    I think IE7 has got some real BIG problems. I mean the FTP and menus have gone pletely crazy. I dont liek the sound of vista either. Im one for moving on but Microsoft have gone too far and ruined it. IE7 is much harder to use and takes twice as long to complete tasks (such as getting to your FTP site). O well...
  • Leandra Y Benson
    What if the "open ftp in explorer" option is greyed out? What do I do then
  • Garon
    IE 7.00 for FTP is complete sh... My “Open FTP in Explorer” is greyed out so I do not get this option. Does anyone know what well hidden option setting allows this function to be activated or would be easier to through IE7 Beta out and go back to a model that works.
  • Greg Hay
    I actually think the change is good. MS are getting the integration to windows explorer right and thats where we need the ftp. We can now drag and drop files like we normally would with mapped drives etc. Users are used to using these type of functions. The IE based ftp browsing was never that good.
  • Cat
    I can't even use FTP in IE7. What's up with that???
  • Gregory T
    I've found no answer to the ftp issue and at this point, I regret the update to IE7. So glad I found Opera.
  • gp
    How 'bout leave the FTP'ing to software designed for FTP'ing...like an FTP Client..... When has a browser implementation of FTP'ing ever been convenient, well done, or easy to do? Who cares what browser it was... Browsers were intended for browsing the web...not FTP sites...go figure the browser doesn't do well with FTPs....
  • paul
    gp - I don't disagree with you. Its just that since MS IE included FTP support in previous versions of the browser, it was interesting to me that it was so hard to use in IE 7. Generally software developers aren't in the game of making existing features harder to use when the product is upgraded. Truth be told, I use firefox, and use an extension to FTP from the browser. FTP in IE is a backup method.
  • Raven
    use an exesive ftp client to download files when you could use a browser... i'd rather save my $$$ and use opera as a ftp file upload tool
  • The Exterminator
    Problem solved my dear chums, simply explorer.exe ftp://........ save as bat file execute. :)
  • Tan LU
    I got a strange problem on IE7: when I log in as admin, open ftp in explorer is ok, but if I log in as a limited account user, windows firewall popup a window said: it is blocked. admin user can unblock it. But in admin user login, that "allow/block" window not popup. Finally I uninstall IE7
  • James Gardiner
    None of this solves the problem of.. I use to use ftp://user:password@hot.com in URLs to allow FTP upload access to websites. Mainly to give simple users a chance to UPLOAD the file. This, however, in IE7, is broken and far to confusing for the users. It has to be seemless.... James
  • Ernie
    Exterminator: thank you! for explorer.exe ftp://……..
  • SophieK
    OMG, Exterminator, you have just saved my lief!!!!
  • M.
    Hello! Thanks (a lot) for the ftp-advise! It saved me from going nuts and changing back to iE6... Did "a google" and landed here as the first suggestion for "ftp with exporer 7.0". Thanks from Sweden! (iE7 not availible in Swedish yet...Bill forgot us ;)
  • Fabio
    As I understand it, this functionality is by design. A security feature of IE 7 is that it has been completely separated from the windows shell. For example if you type in www.yahoo.com into explorer it will no longer open up the page in the same window as it used to do in ie6, it will now open up a NEW window in ie7. FTP is now strictly a component of windows explorer. Try entering your ftp site using it and you should have no problems. That's the reason EXTERMINATOR'S batch works.
  • kevin
    what if the "Instead, you can now use the File menu to select the “Open FTP in Explorer” option" is not in the file menu at all.
  • todd
    yah...the whole username password being a part of a link is toast...nice! i love microsoft...just love them to itty bitty pieces! microsoft...insecurity specialists focusing on the design of exploits in order to stimulate the security industry. should name themselves "massivepatch" instead of "microsoft"
  • Kevin McDermott
    Terminator, (The bat master) you have saved me a tremendous amount of time. Thank you! Kevin / Omaha
  • Mike King
    If you would like to change the default FTP client in windows XP run the following as a .reg file. It causes all ftp links to launch in windows explorer instead of IE7 giving the more traditional interface: -- start of reg file -- Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00 [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTftpshell] @="open" [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTftpshellopen] [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTftpshellopencommand] @=""explorer.exe" %1" -- end of reg file --
  • Chad
    How do I activate the Classic Menu?
  • backslash
    I am using IE7.0 and am expreriencing the same issues with FTP. I took the advise of one suggestion on here. I right clicked on the "start" menu. Selected "Explorer". When the "Explorer" window opens you will have the URL address bar at the top of page. Type in the address of your favorite FTP and you should be good to go. For example, Mine is: ftp://username:password@xx.xx.xx.xxx See if this works for you.
  • AJ
    ftp://username:password@ftp.xxx.com Would be the best way to bypass all the new IE7 crap only it doesn't work if you have any characters in your username or pass!! Wish I'd never upgraded.
  • Gregory
    Thanks Dude..really helped me out! ~Greg IT Consultant Trinidad, West Indies
  • Mark
    I dont get it! I can log onto my FTP perfectly fine using the adress bar, but why when I log in its all hyperlinks and not folders and I cant upload anything??
  • backslash
    Let me rephrase my comments: Do not launch IE7.0. This should be done from your desktop. Right click on the “start” menu. Select “Explorer”. When the “Explorer” window opens you will have the URL address bar at the top of page. If you don't have the URL address bar right click on an empty spot on the tool bar and select "address bar". The Address bar should appear. Type in the address of your favorite FTP and you should be good to go. For example, Mine is: ftp://username:password@xx.xx.xx.xxx See if this works for you.
  • Tony Mag
    Would someone mind explaining how to make that Bat file that Exterminator talks about? I would be really happy to learn... T-Mag
  • jia
    i agree with gp that leave browsers for browsing and use an FTP client to transfer files. It will make life easier for everybody.
  • Blueskied
    this board solved my problem in under 5mins! Thank You!! just to recap what I did for future travelers... go to Start, click on Run and type explorer.exe in the Open field. Finally, type of paste in your FTP site address in the Address bar. The solution is a thing of beauty.... IE7 is most definitely NOT!!!! I'm switching over to OSX now....
  • paul
    "go to Start, click on Run and type explorer.exe in the Open field. Finally, type of paste in your FTP site address in the Address bar."
    To simplify this process, simply do the following: 1. Right click on the Start button 2. Click on Explore 3. Type or paste in the FTP site address in the Address bar.
  • ron
    Thanks. Using the start button did the job. You've made a lot of people very happy.
  • Jerry
    An easy way to make a permanent shortcut to your ftp site that uses explorer instead of IE: right click anywhere on the desktop select newshortcut enter "explorer.exe ftp://name@ftp.site.xx" (without the quotes and use your login name instead of name and use your ftp site or IP address instead of ftp.site.xx and don't forget the space and don't forget the @) clict Next type a descriptive name for the shortcut click Finish Voila! You now have a shortcut which will open your ftp site via Windows Explorer, and NOT IE.
  • Satyendra
    Yes, you are correct and I also do the same in my system and never bothered to share with anyone.
  • Sameer
    I know IE7 is not a FTP client, but that does not mean our clients will not use it. When a client logs in to our FTP site using IE7, it logs them into the root FTP folder and not their own folder (this works perfectly in IE6). This is a problem since viewing the root folder exposes our client list. One good thing is at least a client cannot browse another clients folder. Any ideas on how to avoid logging into the root FTP folder?
  • Susie
    I DON'T agree with the folks about leaving web browsing to browsers and FTP to FTP client transfers... when you deal with computer illiterate customers and need to send them big files this was the easiest way to do it, without them needed to know a whole lot about computers or download anything... IE6 worked great for this, but now I have to send a big explaination to my customers on how to download files from an FTP site. I am also getting other errors... Proxy Encountered Error Error Receiving Data: Error receiving data from remote server. Possible causes include remote server error and transient network problems. I really don't like this new program. I don't think I am going to like Vista. I think it is time to switch to a Mac.
  • Lon
    Jerry, The tip on creating a shortcut to open an FTP site in Explorer instead through IE is brilliant. Would you know of a way to embed a link on a web page that does the same thing? Unfortunatley, non-techie users get totally put off with the run-around they get from IE. Any ideas? thanks! Lon
  • Eric
    I am and have been running IE7 since the first beta, somewhere during Beta 3 release I started seeing the problem of opening FTP sites. I have tried all the listed suggestions with no luck. I would love to switch to Firefox or Opera, but corporate policy does not allow any other browsers to be used. Even if I open Windows Explorer and type in the FTP address it opens the site in IE. Handling the login fine, but does not allow uploading files. I can only download files . This is insane. Someone has to know what registry value is causing this. Please speak up. At home I am running IE 7 but since I reinstalled windows I went straight from IE6 to the final release of IE7. without the Beta's. and it works like it is supposed to. I can open sites in Windows Explorer perfectly. If nobody here has any ideas I guess I can go line by line in the registry and be done sometime about when IE13 comes out. Gotta Love Microsoft....... >.
  • Frank K. A.
    I really agree with Backslash, i was having a problem with IE7 when logging on to my ftp server from a different computer. I used the ftp://username:password@xx.xx.xx.xxx and it just perfect. i recommend this process to all, it works. thanks alot. system admin. /security admin.
  • Jessica Wilson
    Thanks for the "start menu" way to do ftp in IE7. I got a new computer and this helped me out a lot! Jessica
  • Danni
    hmm... i allready knew the thing about explorer... but where {***edited***} can this ftp {***edited***} be changed in IE7.0 ... lets all try : Blog Author's Note: This comment was edited according to the site's Terms of Service in order to keep it family-friendly. 3-25-2007
  • James N
    I hate IE 7... same problem. Thanks for the Explorer bypass.
  • Sean
    Sameer - I am dealing with the same issue. However, my problem is worse because the clients can still browse other clients folders. I'm not sure if I have something setup different than you or something setup wrong. Please respond if you have any advice on how you prevent the browsing from taking place or if you have figured out a solution to going to the ftp root. Thanks. Sean
  • AYip
    I was used to access FTP ftp://username:password@xx.xx.xx.xxx in IE6 and drag and drop files from windows, it's worked like charm, and make things in eas way but no longer in IE7. I pretty sure you were no problem this format in your IE7 address bar, and able to download your lovely data but NO LONGER in upload!!!....!!!!! Why IE7 doen't but IE6 does???
  • Bradley
    Yes! It worked :D thank you i finally figured out how to FTP with explorer 7 =D
  • RyeDragon
    Awesome suggestions. I have made a shortcut that allows me to do exactly what I want. Thank you
  • ben
    Is it possible to open an FTP site without windows explorer?
  • Will
    I agree, an FTP client is so much more dependable. Try out SmartFTP. It's quite awesome. (Available on www.download.com) You can set it up so that when you double-click a file, it downloads to your desktop (or any folder you choose) and when you select and hit "enter" on keyboard it opens a version to preview. Nice settings, and it maintains your login information for multiple FTP servers (until you clear them out, if needed). Yes, you can take the extra steps in IE7. But if you choose to do FTP right within Windows, a quick way (without making a shortcut) is just to open My Computer or My Documents, and in the address line type the ftp address (ftp://www.site.com) which will allow you to login, bypassing the step that IE7 does not do for you. So, use Explorer directly instead of starting in the browser.
  • Kevin
    To enable the option "open in windows explorer" in the view menu you need to go to tools > internet options > advanced > browsing > check the box called "enable FTP folder view(outside of internet explorer)
  • Rosalie Smith
    I got a job today as an editor for a transcription company and was so elated until I found I cannot open FTP site in Windows Explorer. Everyone else working there can use W. Explorer. Why can't I? Would purchasing box.net help? It is just $7.95 a month for 1 GB.
  • theECHO
    why dont you just create a network places icon for it then u dont even have to open up ie7 in the first place.
  • Harel
    If the "open ftp in explorer” is greyed out Go to 'tools'... 'internet options...' under the 'advances' tab, below the 'Browsing' section. Mark this option: "Enable FTP folder view (outside of Internet Explorer)" Believe this would solve it.
  • David G
    FTP use in "Explorer" is still totally messed up compared to previous IE6 and/or Win2k. In Windows XP running IE7 and/or Windows Explorer to try to FTP, each new folder double-click launches a new Explorer window requiring a new logon (no, there is no Explorer setting to fix this, the "open each folder in the same window" IS selected but the FTP window system ignores it), plus I get constant timeouts and loss of connection to the FTP sites. It worked flawlessly in Win2k and/or IE6. Now I have to spend money on a third-party FTP app just to get proper working FTP access. This is one of only a handful of MS botches, but they should do something about it.
  • Spygurl
    My problem seem to be different...I can't even login to FTP with FTP cilent or IE7. It kept saying error and talks about permission? Somebody help.
  • Matthew
    All this complaining is so funny. If you are using Internet Explorer as your FTP client, then you should be band from using port 21 ever again. Get a client like filezilla. What is funny is that you blame Microsoft for your ignorance.
  • Laura
    Thank you backslash! Your solution worked and allowed me to get an important file to a client in a timely manner.
  • listowela@yahoo.com
    well try this out and it work on windows xp, just type your ftp address in any folder address bar and you will get a message simply telling you you need a pass. go to file select login as to skip the technical issues with explorer and login to your ftp site. example one. ftp://ogr.org/ --> click ok to pop up message ---> file ---> login as---> login successful!!!!! example2: type your full login infomation in the folder address bar, "ftp://Username:password@ogr.org(your ftp address)/ ---> login successful!!! . enjoy. LA
  • Marcial Ortiz
    Can anybody help me? I have problem with my ftp files... I'm trying to open my files using this "To view this FTP site in Windows Explorer, click Page, and then click Open FTP Site in Windows Explorer" But an Error occurs "FTP file error - Windows cannot access this folder. Make sure you typed the file name corectly and that you have permission to access the folder" Details: A connectionwith the server cannot be established" I have typed the file name correctly and there's no problem with my server... Is there any alternative way that I could solve this problem? (im using IE 7). Thanks in advance...
  • FTP | keyongtech
    [...] pays, with covernants. Here is a blog that explains ftp:// protocol support in IE7 RCI. http://blog.paulpehrson.com/2006/06/...t-explorer-70/ Now, after you have read the blog, it will explain to you that you must use the Windows Explorer [...]
  • Omar
    For IE7 use this method: ftp://omar@hosteyes.com then enter ftp username and password and that all Check the image on this link >> http://www.hosteyes.com/images/ftp.jpg Good Luck :)
  • parts
    Hello, I can’t understand how to add your blog in my rss reader.
  • Bill Harrison
    There are two settingg you can change in the registry: [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftInternet ExplorerMainFeatureControlFEATURE_INTERNET_SHELL_FOLDERS] "iexplore.exe"=dword:00000001 [HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftFtp] "Use Web Based FTP"="no" With these settings, when you open an ftp site with IE 7, it give a login screen and then open in Explorer view.
    • paul
      Bill - Cool. I haven't tried this, because my computer is a work computer and I'm loathe to change the registry unless necessary, but if it works, that sounds like a cool solution. I wonder how IE8 handles it?
  • Janice Lagundi
    I also encountered some problems with FTP launched in IE7. for folder names ending in letters the explorer.exe will be loaded perfectly. However If i use explorer.exe ftp://servername/foldername 1.2.1 then it would load Internet Explorer and wont see "Page" and Tools" menu and it also give me an error that "FTP cannot be viewed in Windows Explorer". Can someone help me on the workaround for this problem?
    • paul
      Janice, I think the problem is that you have spaces in your file names. The best thing to do in this case, I think, is to use a "real" FTP client, rather than the pseudo FTP client that is in Windows Explorer. There are several low-cost and free FTP clients out there. I most frequently use FireZilla, an extension for the FireFox web browser.
  • Omar
    Hello Janice Lagundi, From My Computer click on Folders ftp://username@domainname.com just like ftp://omar@hosteyes.com then enter ftp username and password and thats all you can check this processs from: http://www.hosteyes.com/images/ftp.jpg Bye right now Omar
  • Janice Lagundi
    Thanks Omar for your response. So from what i've seen and read, it is really not advisable to launched ftp from IE7. Better launch ftp from desktop windows explorer directly.
    • paul
      I think this is true, Janice. In fact, IE 8 doesn't work at all for FTP, so you'll still need to do this from desktop windows.
  • Omar
    Yes Janice Lagundi you are right, but I searched many website but I did not get any solution. So this is good solution to access FTP. Also there is a nice solution in FireFTP of Mozilla Firefox, and it is really very nice and you can upload/download files in both ways ASCII or BINARY mode.. just try it :)
  • Omar
    !!!! There was an error when I submit my reply, plz check this !!!! Yes Janice Lagundi you are right, but I searched many website but I did not get any solution. So this is good solution to access FTP. Also there is a nice solution in FireFTP of Mozilla Firefox, and it is really very nice and you can upload/download files in both ways ASCII or BINARY mode.. just try it :) Also there is a nice solution in FireFTP of Mozilla Firefox, and it is really very nice and you can upload/download files in both ways ASCII or BINARY mode.. just try it :)
  • Omar
    I don't know what is the problem today with submitting :(
    • paul
      All three of your comments posted, so I'm not sure what error you were getting. In any case, it seems to be working. Let me know if you have any more problems. You can use the "contact" links on the blog to contact me directly. Thanks for reading!
  • Janice Lagundi
    Thanks Paul and Omar for your suggestions.