Using FTP Batch Scripts (96269)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Datacenter Server
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows 98
  • Microsoft Windows 95

This article was previously published under Q96269

SUMMARY

FTP (file transfer protocol) is a file transfer utility commonly used with UNIX systems.

FTP is capable of using scripts (lists of commands from external files). The following example demonstrates a script that opens a connection to IP address 11.11.11.11, logs on to the host as a guest with the password "guest," uploads the File1 file, and then quits:

open 11.11.11.11
user
guest
guest
put file1
quit

MORE INFORMATION

You must use the -s option for FTP to read this file under Windows. If the previous script was in a file called Test.scr, you can start the script by typing:

ftp -s:test.scr

You can specify the host name in the command line and then use the script to process the login. For example, if you use the following command line

ftp -s:test.scr 11.11.11.11

the script file should read as follows:

user
guest
guest

put file1
quit

However, if the FTP host implements automatic login, this command will not work. To turn off automatic login, use the -n switch in the command line as follows:

ftp -n -s:test.scr 11.11.11.11


Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:12/20/2004
Keywords:kbinfo kbinterop KB96269