How to upload files to the server

How to upload files to the server

Firstly, we recommend downloading and installing a program called FileZilla, which is free, supports most operating systems (Windows / Mac and Linux) and has all the basic features you should need.  If you have a favourite FTP client feel free to use that but please note these instructions are tailored for FileZilla though the required settings and basic operation should be the same.

To download FileZilla go to http://filezilla-project.org/download.php and select the version which corresponds to your computer.  In most cases you can tell your computer to download and RUN the program with out needing to save program to your computer.  Once FileZilla is downloaded and installed on your computer, open the program.

FileZilla and most other FTP clients will have the same basic layout.

Up the top you will have details where you enter the host you wish to connect with (quick connect).  Below on the left will be windows to allow you to navigate around files and folders on your local computer, your desktop or laptop.  Opposite on the right you will have the same windows that deal with files and folders that are located on the server (when you are connected).   When connected it's simply a matter of moving files (drag and drop) back and forth between the left and right windows.

The settings you need to connect to your account on the server can be found in your setup instructions, look for 'FTP details'.  These settings should be applied to the quick connect area at the top of FileZilla (leave the port field blank). 

When the details are entered click quick connect and you will see commands run on the top dialogue box.  After a few seconds you should be connected. On the right hand (remote side) you will see the directory listing +/ Click the plus to expand the listing.  Your website is located in the folder called /httpdocs/ double click on this folder to select it.  All files to be uploaded should be dropped into this folder.

Notes: 

When dragging and dropping files make sure the 'index' file (index.htm / index.html / index.php) of your website is located in the httpdocs folder and not a subdirectory.   If the first page of your website ends up in /httpdocs/mysite/index.html then your website would not be visible on the web at http://www.yoursite.com.au it would appear at http://www.yoursite.com.au/mysite/

Beware the server is case sensitive so the server will treat index.html and Index.html as separate files.  If you upload Index.html and the server is looking for index.html (lower case) then you will get a file not found error.

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