Unable to connect to a Plesk server via FTP in the passive mode? Read on for a simple solution by our in-house experts.

At Bobcares, we offer solutions for every query, big and small, as a part of our Server Management Service.

Let’s take a look at how our Support Team recently helped a customer  connect to a Plesk server via FTP in the passive mode.

Are you unable to connect to a Plesk server via FTP in the passive mode

If you are unable to connect to a Plesk server through FTP in the passive mode, you are in the right place. Our Support Engineers have been receiving queries from customers who get the following error messages due to this specific error:

• 530 Login incorrect.
  Login failed.
• ftp: connect: Connection refused

• Response: 227 Entering Passive Mode (203,0,113,111,250,241).
  …
  Error: Connection timed out after 20 seconds of inactivity
  Error: Failed to retrieve directory listing

• ftp: connect: Connection timed out

• 425 Can’t open data connection.

• An error occurred opening that folder on the FTP server. Make sure you have permission to access that folder. The operation timed out.

• Connecting data socket to (203.0.113.2) port 39383
  Socket error (Connection timed out) – reconnecting

• Error listing directory ‘/httpdocs’. Transfer channel can’t be opened. Reason: No connection could be made because the target machine actively refused it. Could not retrieve the directory listing.

According to our Support Techs, this error makes it impossible to get a directory listing via FTP using Secured TLS. In fact, we will be able to find the error messages in the /var/log/secure file:

pam_env(proftpd:setcred): Unable to open config file: /etc/security/pam_env.conf: Permission denied
pam_systemd(proftpd:session): Failed to connect to system bus: Permission denied
pam_listfile(proftpd:auth): Couldn't open /etc/ftpuser

Interestingly, the error is due to the improper configuration of the passive port range which has a default value of 49152-65535.

How to connect to a Plesk server via FTP in the passive mode

• • 1. First, we have to log in to Plesk.
    2. Then, we will head to FTP Settings under Tools & Settings. Here, we will specify the passive FTP port range. The default value is 49152-65535.
    3. Next, we have to click Apply or OK to save the changes.

We can do this procedure either via the Plesk interface or directly on the server. Our Support Engineers would like to point out that we have to ensure inbound collections are allowed for the passive FTP port range on the firewall.

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Conclusion

In essence, the skilled Support Engineers at Bobcares demonstrated how to connect to a Plesk server via FTP in the passive mode.