Configuring and Using FTP in the Shared Hosting Control Panel

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) allows you to upload, download, and manage files on your website directly. Setting up an FTP account in the Shared Hosting Control Panel is simple, and you can connect using an FTP program like FileZilla. Follow these steps to configure and use FTP for your website.

Step-by-Step Guide to Configuring an FTP Account

1. Log into the Shared Hosting Control Panel

   • Go to https://cp.lonestardataranch.com.
   • Enter your login credentials to access the control panel.

2. Navigate to FTP Settings

   • Click on the website for which you want to configure FTP access.
   • In the left-hand menu, expand the Advanced dropdown and select FTP.

3. Add a New FTP Account

   • Click the Add Account button to open the FTP account creation screen.
   • Enter the following details:
     • Username: Choose a unique username for the account. The system will automatically append @yourdomain.com to complete the username.
     • Directory: Specify the root directory, typically set to /, which provides access to all website files. You can specify a subdirectory if you want to limit access.
     • Password: Create a strong password that meets the following requirements:
       • At least one lowercase character
       • At least one uppercase character
       • At least one number
       • At least one special character
       • Minimum 10 characters
   • Once you’ve completed the fields, click Save to add the new FTP account.

Using FTP with FileZilla

To connect to your FTP account, you’ll need an FTP program like FileZilla, a free, user-friendly FTP client available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up FileZilla for FTP

1. Download and Install FileZilla

   • Go to FileZilla’s website and download the latest version.
   • Follow the installation instructions for your operating system.

2. Open FileZilla and Enter Your FTP Credentials

   • Launch FileZilla, and at the top of the screen, you’ll see fields to enter the following:
     • Host: Enter your domain name or server IP address.
     • Username: Enter the full FTP username (e.g., yourusername@yourdomain.com) created in the control panel.
     • Password: Enter the FTP password associated with this username.
     • Port: Enter 21 for standard FTP.
   • Click Quickconnect to establish a connection.

3. Navigating and Managing Files

   • Once connected, you’ll see your Local Site (your computer) on the left and Remote Site (your website’s server) on the right.
   • To upload files, locate the file on your local computer and drag it into the appropriate directory on the server.
   • To download files, drag the file from the server directory to a location on your computer.

Tips for Using FTP Securely

• Use Strong Passwords: Ensure your FTP passwords meet complexity requirements for added security.
• Disconnect When Finished: Close your FTP client after you complete file transfers to secure your connection.
• Consider Using SFTP: If available, use Secure FTP (SFTP) for encrypted file transfers. The configuration steps are similar but require using port 22.

Troubleshooting FTP Connections

• Connection Errors: Double-check your domain name, username, password, and port settings in FileZilla.
• Permission Issues: Verify that you’ve selected the correct directory for file access. Contact support if you encounter access issues.
• Slow Transfers: Try transferring files outside peak hours or using a wired internet connection for faster upload speeds.

By following these steps, you can set up and manage your FTP account effectively using the Shared Hosting Control Panel and FileZilla. For any additional assistance, please reach out to our support team.