"Folder Error" error message when you attempt to gain access to FTP server (260156)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 for Windows 2000
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0

This article was previously published under Q260156

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to gain access to a File Transfer Protocol (FTP) server and the Enable folder view for FTP sites option is enabled, your screen may stay blank or you may receive the following error message:
FTP Folder Error: Windows cannot access this folder. Make sure you typed the filename correctly and that you have permission to access the folder.

Details: The server name or address could not be resolved.
If the Enable folder view for FTP sites option is not enabled, you receive a "Page cannot be displayed" error message.

CAUSE

This behavior occurs if your password contains a reserved character.

WORKAROUND

To work around this behavior, use accepted symbols in your password. Examples of accepted symbols include a back slash (\), question mark (?), or ampersand (&).

Note Examples of reserved characters include the at sign (@), colon (:), percent sign (%), or forward slash (/).

MORE INFORMATION

If you connect to a computer using FTP with the ftp://username@computername format, Microsoft Internet Explorer prompts you for a password and the following dialog box is displayed:
Login As: Could not login to the FTP server with the user name and password specified.

FTP Server: Server Name User Name: User Name Password: Password
After you log on, you can return to this FTP server easily by adding it to your Favorites.

After you type your password, Internet Explorer transforms the above statement into the ftp://username:password@computername format and you are connected to the FTP server.

If your password contains an accepted symbol and you try to connect to ftp://username@computername, Internet Explorer prompts you for a password as it did before. However, if you provide a password or a username that contains a reserved character, incorrect credentials are passed and you receive the FTP folder error message.

To enable folder view for FTP sites, use the following steps:
  1. Start Internet Explorer.
  2. On the Tools menu, click Internet Options.
  3. On the Advanced tab, click to select the Enable folder view for FTP sites check box.

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:12/14/2004
Keywords:kbenv kberrmsg kbprb KB260156