Suddenly Expression Web unable to make FTP connection to host server

Question

2-3 weeks ago my website(serenityonlinetherapy.com) went down. My website host tech service fixed the problem by, they said, moving my website to another Windows server. Flash forward to today and for the first time since the change, I made changes to my website and tried to upload them (I use Expression Web) but got an Error message: “passive FTP mode not available,” which I have always used with success. So, I unchecked the button for using passive FTP and got a different Error message: “cannot connect with active FTP. Please try using passive FTP.” Next I was told by host tech support to use a different location ftp address instead of the one I had been using for years with success. That allowed me to see my login window, and so I put in my the same username and password I've always used, but it would not accept my password giving me, sometimes, a 530 error message. So, I went back to using my old FTP address. Next I was told by tech to change/reset the PW. I did that and it would not accept that PW either. Then I was told to download FileZilla and and see if I could make the FTP connection, and I eventually was able to. But I still can't make the FTP connection with Expression Web. The only thing I know that has changed is my website was moved to another server by my host. I have tried everything I can think of or have researched. I have turned off my Windows firewall and virus programs and I still get the same message - "passive FTP mode is not available." And my host tech support has not been able to solve the problem either. Any suggestions as to what might be the problem? Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

I would recommend using SFTP instead of plain old FTP. With FTP no data is encrypted and your userid and password is transmitted in clear text. You also have the problem with the port architecture where passive mode is required to get through firewalls.

This KB says to use "Secure FTP", so I would expect there to be that option somewhere.

https://support.arvixe.com/index.php?/Knowledgebase/Article/View/303/23/ftp-settings-and-connection

This site says that EW supports SFTP.

https://www.expression-web-tutorials.com/ftp-remote-publishing.html

Answer 2

Thanks, MotoX80, but that doesn't work either. I just don't understand why Expression Web with the exact same settings as FileZilla will not connect to my website server when it has for years with no problem. The only thing that I know has changed is that Arvixe moved my website to a different server and the exact same settings as before work with FileZilla but not with Expression Web, which gives me an error message of “passive FTP mode not available,” which I have always used with success. So, I unchecked the button for using passive FTP and got a different Error message: “cannot connect with active FTP. Please try using passive FTP.” It's a catch 22.

Answer 3

Thanks for the suggestion, but nothing changed. Same problem.

Answer 4

I've tried active mode. Same problem. I use passive mode with Filezilla and it connects fine. I just don't understand what changed, other than the server location, that could cause Filezilla to work, which I've never used before, but now Expression Web can't connect.
I appreciate your help. I guess I am going to just have to live with the situation, which is OK, but I'm a problem solver and am trying to figure this one out. I think it has to be something simple.

Answer 5

I've had exactly the same problem trying to make an FTP transer to SiteGround. Bizarre, as I've been using the same software and settings for years - and FileZilla works with the same settings. REALLY frustrating. If anyone comes up with an answer I'd be grateful to hear.