Are you receiving FTP error 530 user cannot log in home directory inaccessible? We can help you fix it.

While trying to connect to the FTP server we may run into this error message. In most cases, this error occurs only when FTP authorization rules for default FTP site are not set.

At Bobcares, we often get requests from our customers regarding FTP errors as part of our Server Management Services.

Today, let’s get into the details on how our Support Engineers fix the FTP error for our customers.

Why FTP shows 530 user cannot log in home directory inaccessible error?

The File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a standard network protocol used to transfer computer files from one host to another host over a TCP-based network. FTP built on Cilent-Server Architecture and it uses separate connections for control and data.

When connecting locally from Windows Server via FTP using a subscription FTP user, the operation fails with the below error.

Depending on the FTP client the error message appear as “Failed to retrieve directory listing” or “Home directory inaccessible” error as well. There might be a few reasons for running into this error.

Now, it’s time to see the reasons that cause 530 FTP anonymous messages.

Top causes for “530 User cannot log in, home directory inaccessible”

From our experience in managing servers, we often see customers experiencing problems like “530 User cannot log in, home directory inaccessible”.

Let’s check the common reasons one by one and see how our Support Engineers fix it.

1. Authorization rules

In most cases, this error occurs only when FTP authorization rules for default FTP site are not set. For that, we set the Authorization rule by the following the below steps.

a. Initially, we log in to the VPS via Remote Desktop connection as an Administrator user.

b. Then we open IIS and expand Sites option from left pane.

c. After that we select the default FTP site in site list and click the FTP Authorization Rules option.

d. From the right pane, we click on Add Allow Rule.

e. Then we select the option of All Users and tick the check box of Read and Write permission.

f. Finally, we click on Ok button to save the changes and Restart Microsoft FTP Services to reflect them.

2. The user is not able to access to the home directory.

This is the another root cause of the error. We make sure to select the directory that the users can access by selecting IIS > FTP site > FTP User Isolation and select the FTP root directory.

3. NTFS permissions

We make sure that the FTP users have permissions on the physical folder. For that, we right click the folder > Properties > Security tab and check the user permissions.

Even after making the changes, sometimes to reflect the changes we need to restart Microsoft FTP Services. Here is the steps to restart the FTP service.

1. Open Services and select the service named Microsoft FTP Service.

2. Then click on Restart link from the left pane option.

After that we log in to the FTP account. If everything is fine, then no error will appear while connecting to the FTP account.

[Need assistance in fixing the error? – We will fix it for you.]

Conclusion

To be more accurate, “530 User cannot log in, home directory inaccessible” error happens due to various reasons like incorrect rules, permissions and many more. Today, we saw common causes for the error and also saw how our Support Engineers fixed it.