How to create FTP server in Windows and make it public

FTP Server:

The File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a standard network protocol used to transfer computer files between a client and server on a computer network.

Using FTP, a client can upload, download, delete, rename, move and copy files on a server. A user typically needs to log on to the FTP server, although some servers make some or all of their content available without login, also known as anonymous FTP.

FTP Client Application:

There are a vast number of FTP client applications available on Internet for all OS platform.  Filezilla (Windows), WinSCP (Windows), Transmit  (OS X), FireFTP (All Platform with Firefox), Cyberduck (OS X), LogicalDOC  (All Platform), NASLite (Linux), etc.

FTP in Windows:

Instead of using above third-party FTP client application you can also create your own FTP Server in your Windows system.  By doing this you can able to share your file and folder with other computers are connecting with your LAN.  It is a very useful feature for Office Environment and for your home also.  See the below steps to Create your own FTP Server in Windows 7 system:

STEP 1: You have to enable the FTP Server and IIS Server. To enable this services go to “Control Panel\Programs\Programs and Features” and click on “Turn Windows features on or off button”.

STEP 2: Now you will see a window where you find a lot of services listed. By default IIS (Internet Information Services) unchecked. Check the IIS services. Under the IIS Services we will find some more important services listed there. Check all those options and click OK.

STEP 3: Your IIS Service in enabled now. To check the IIS server whether it’s working or not, type “localhost” on your web browser. You will see IIS service will open if everything is correct. If not then check if there any other services using it or not and check your host file.

STEP 4: Open IIS (Internet Information Services) Manager. On left hand side top corner you will find your system name. Right click on system name and choose “Add FTP Server”.

STEP 5: Type a name in for your FTP server. Then choose a physical location where are you want to save your FTP server.

STEP 6: Now fill this section carefully. Type your FTP server IP address (The system IP address). The FTP port number is 21, so leave the field as it is. Check the box “Start FTP site automatically”. There are 3 option in SSL section.  Choose “No SSL” if you do not have any SSL certificate and click on “Next” button.

STEP 7: There are two type of Authenticate method in “Authentication and Authorization” section. If you want anyone can access this FTP site choose “Anonymous”. Choose “All User” in drop down menu so that all user can access the FTP site. You can change the option as per your requirement. Click on Finish.

Now open your Internet Browser and type the ftp address (ftp://192.168.1.10).

Setup FTP Server over WAN

Open your Router and login with appropriate credential. Go to “Port Forwarding” menu depending on Router’s manufacturer and Model. Now forward the port 21 for your FTP server IP.

Now you all setup. Type the external IP address for your connection which I have got from your ISP.