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FTP Server Return Codes

FTP server return codes are numerical codes that FTP server uses to indicate result of client request (i.e. request sent by WinSCP to the server).

The return codes always have three digits. The first digit denotes whether the response is good, bad or incomplete. The second digit designates type of error. The third digit distinguishes specific error.

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First Digit

Range Meaning Description
1yz Positive Preliminary reply The requested action is being initiated; expect another reply before proceeding with a new command. (The user-process sending another command before the completion reply would be in violation of protocol; but server-FTP processes should queue any commands that arrive while a preceding command is in progress.) This type of reply can be used to indicate that the command was accepted and the user-process may now pay attention to the data connections, for implementations where simultaneous monitoring is difficult. The server-FTP process may send at most, one 1yz reply per command.
2yz Positive Completion reply The requested action has been successfully completed. A new request may be initiated.
3yz Positive Intermediate reply The command has been accepted, but the requested action is being held in abeyance, pending receipt of further information. The user should send another command specifying this information. This reply is used in command sequence groups.
4yz Transient Negative Completion reply The command was not accepted and the requested action did not take place, but the error condition is temporary and the action may be requested again. The user should return to the beginning of the command sequence, if any. The intent is that the user-process is encouraged to try again.
5yz Permanent Negative Completion reply The command was not accepted and the requested action did not take place. The User-process is discouraged from repeating the exact request (in the same sequence).

Second Digit

Range Meaning Description
x0z Syntax These replies refer to syntax errors, syntactically correct commands that don’t fit any functional category, unimplemented or superfluous commands.
x1z Information These are replies to requests for information, such as status or help.
x2z Connections Replies referring to the control and data connections.
x3z Authentication and accounting Replies for the login process and accounting procedures.
x4z Unspecified as yet.
x5z File system These replies indicate the status of the Server file system vis-a-vis the requested transfer or other file system action.

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References

Last modified: by martin