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WinSCP is freeware SCP (Secure CoPy) client for Windows 95/98/2000/NT using
SSH (Secure SHell). You can get a copy of the
most recent version from the author at http://winscp.sourceforge.net/eng/
Save the file to your computer in an easy-to-find location
such as the desktop. Then simply double-click to run the Installation Wizard,
and the program will install WinSCP on your computer and prepare it for usage.
WinSCP is a great tool for transferring large numbers of files,
directory structures, or files in multiple directories. It looks much like an
FTP client, except that it uses an SSH backend process. This difference has two
advantages:
- WinSCP uses a different method of connection than FTP. If you're having problems
uploading with your FTP program, WinSCP can help.
- FTP is not secure. Hackers can "listen" in on FTP transfers and collect information.
This has not been a significant problem at One World, but WinSCP is secure, and
does provide an added level of security to your web site activity.
File operations
WinSCP can do all basic operations with files, such as copying and moving (to
and from a remote computer). It also allows you to rename files and folders, create
new folders, change properties of files and folders.
Program interface
The WinSCP interface is very similar to many FTP programs, and also to your Windows
Explorer. There are left and right hand windows, and you can double click
or drop and drag to move files back and forth. The interface has a number
of other options as well which are described in more detail on the next page.
Session list
Session data for connection to your account be stored in the session list. Just
as you can save connection data and details with most any FTP client, WinSCP allows
you to save your session details for an easy one-click connection to your account.
Connecting
To open a connection, first double-click on the icon for WinSCP. This dialog box
will open: Here you put the address of the server into the 'Enter host' field,
and your account username and password. The address of the server can be your
domain name if it is pointing to your site, or the IP (numerical address) if the
name transfer is not yet complete). Leave the port at the default value of 22.
The first time you use WinSCP, the following dialog opens:
Click OK, and the connection completes.
File Transfers
Now that you are connected, it is very simple to transfer files. On the left side
of the window below is a listing of the current directory on your computer, and
on the right is a listing of your home directory on the server. To move between
directories, just double click on the directory you want to go into, or double-click
on the '..' arrow to go up one level. As with all uploading, be sure to place
files in your "WWW" folder, or a subdirectory within that.
To transfer files, select one or more files you wish to transfer, then either
click the copy or move button, depending on what you want to do. You can select
multiple files or directories the same way you do so for anything else under Windows.
As you can see, you also have the options to rename and delete files, as well
as change directories. When you click the button to copy file(s) a confirmation
box will come up. Just click on the Copy button to copy, or click on More for
additional options, such as permission settings.
Permissions
After you copy your files to the server, it is a good idea
to set the permissions to an appropriate level of protection from others. To change
permissions for files or folders on the server, highlight one or more items, then
click on the permissions button and this window comes up. Click in the check boxes
to give the files the desired permissions, then click Set. Default permissions
are fine for html and image files, but will probably need to be changed for scripts.
For more information see our page on
File Permissions.
Exiting
To disconnect and exit the program, just click the
X button then click yes on the confirmation
dialog box.
Troubleshooting
1. I click on "Login" button,
program starts connecting, but then it displays some error message and quits.
What I'm doing wrong?
Some possible causes of this error:
- You typed wrong username and/or password.
Solution: Try to connect once again with correct username and password.
Remember that both are case-sensitive. Let us know if you need us to re-send your
account Welcome letter with current access information.
- Your default shell is incompatible with WinSCP.
Solution: Turn off default shell option on "Shell" tab in login dialog.
Specify "/bin/bash" as shell you want to use with WinSCP. Try this even when BASH
is already your default shell.
2. Why doesn't selecting file
in WinSCP work as I expect (as is usual in Windows)?
You probably use Norton Commander-style interface.
Selecting files in this interface is same as in Norton Command file manager. If
you prefer Explorer-style, switch to Explorer interface (see "Interface" tab in
login dialog or preferences window).
3. Where can I change file transfer mode (binary, ascii) or enable
auto-select transfer mode option?
Invoke copy confirmation dialog (start copying
any file) and press the "More" button. Additional copy options show up (including
transfer mode options).
4. Where should I type the IP address of my account?
Type it instead of host name in "Login dialog".
5. How do I store my session, so I don't need to fill in all login information every time I start WinSCP?
Fill in login information in login dialog
(most often username and host name on "Basic" tab). Switch to "Stored Sessions"
tab and click on "Save" button. Enter name of stored session. To login now, just
double-click stored session in login dialog, at program start.
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