FileZilla is one of the leading open source File Transfer Protocol (FTP) applications that helps you transfer files between computers. However, it’s not uncommon for users to encounter a cryptic “ECONNREFUSED” error when they try to move files.
This article explains what the ECONNREFUSED error is, why FTP was rejected by the target server, and how to resolve the ECONNREFUSED error.
What is the ECONNREFUSED error?
The ECONNREFUSED error is a network-related error code related to the Online File Transfer Protocol.
This error code flags when a user attempts to send a file through FileZilla, but fails to establish a Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) connection with the server, and the server actively refuses the connection.
This error usually indicates that the server is not listening on the specified port or that the server is unreachable.
Before running TCP, it is important to check server availability, verify the correct port number, and evaluate your network configuration for issues or limitations that might cause connection refusals.
Explanation of terms
- TCP: TCP stands for “Transmission Control Protocol” and is responsible for establishing and maintaining it. Reliable connectivity between devices on your network.
- FTP: FTP stands for “File Transfer Protocol” and is a standard network protocol used to transfer files between clients and servers on computer networks.
- port number: A port number is a number used to distinguish a particular process or service running on a computer or network device. When it comes to networking, port numbers are associated with specific protocols (such as TCP). Port numbers typically range from 0 to 65535.
Why is my FTP connection refused?
There are several possible reasons why your FTP connection may be refused. Common causes include:
- Invalid server address or port number.
- A firewall that blocks FTP traffic.
- FTP server is not running or configured incorrectly.
- Network connectivity issues.
- The server explicitly rejects the connection request.
Before troubleshooting further, it’s important to double-check your connectivity and ensure that the ECONNREFUSED error is not caused by the issue listed above.
How do I fix ECONNREFUSED server error in FileZilla?
If the ECONNREFUSED error still occurs, there are several steps you can take to resolve the issue. These include:
- Check server address: Make sure the server address (hostname or IP address) is entered correctly in FileZilla.
- Check the port number: Verify that the port number specified in FileZilla matches the port number required by your FTP server. The default port is 21, but it may vary depending on your server configuration.
- Disable firewall: Temporarily disable any firewall or antivirus software on your computer to see if it’s blocking FTP connections. If you disable your firewall and the connection is successful, adjust your firewall settings to allow FTP traffic.
- Check server availability. Make sure your FTP server is running and accessible. Please check with your server administrator or hosting provider to ensure that the server is available.
- Check your network connection. Please check your internet connection and make sure there are no network issues or restrictions preventing your connection.
- Use passive mode. In the Transfer Settings section of FileZilla, select “Passive” mode instead of “Active” mode. Passive mode often resolves connectivity issues caused by your network configuration.
- Update FileZilla: Older versions of FileZilla may cause network connection errors. It is important to ensure that FileZilla is up to date with the latest patches.
- Please check your username and password: Double-check that the FTP username and password entered in FileZilla are correct and match the credentials required by the server.
- Test another FTP client. Try connecting to the FTP server using another FTP client to determine if the issue is specific to FileZilla or a broader network issue.
- Configure antivirus settings. It is also important to configure your antivirus settings so that ECONNREFused server errors do not occur because your antivirus software is preventing the connection.
If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may need to contact your server administrator or hosting provider for assistance.
For persistent server connectivity issues, third-party VPS hosting by Knownhost can be a cost-effective alternative.
A potential cause of the ECONNREFUSED error could be a DDoS attack. To prevent this situation from occurring, you need proper DDoS protection.
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FAQ
Q: How do I install FileZilla Server?
A: To install FileZilla Server, download the installer from the official website, run the installer, and follow the installation prompts. Prompts also ask you to configure server settings, set up user accounts, and get the server up and running.
Q: How do I configure FileZilla server?
A: To configure FileZilla Server, open the FileZilla Server interface and go to the Settings tab. Here you can adjust server settings, including choosing port numbers, setting security options, and adjusting user permissions. When you’re done, simply save your changes.
Q: What does “Unable to connect to server” mean?
A: “Unable to connect to server” can be caused by a variety of factors, including an incorrect server address, firewall restrictions, or the server is unavailable.