Using Windows XP to Manage a Hosting Site through Windows Explorer
By David Barth, written April 16, 2009
This article consists of instructions for using Windows XP Network Places as a File Transfer Protocol (FTP) method for
managing hosted files that are remotely located, usually on a commercial data storage server (hosting
provider).
Information that is required in order to set up an FTP method
FTP User Name
The FTP user name will be determined when the hosting account is set up.
FTP Password
The FTP password will be determined when the hosting account is set up.
Web Site Uniform Resource Locator (URL)
The URL will be set up when a domain name is chosen during setup of the hosting account. For example:
http://www.yourdomainnamehere.com.
FTP Site URL
This is the same as the Web Site URL except that "http" is replaced by "ftp."
For example: ftp://www.yourdomainnamehere.com.
Start Directory
When this information is requested during setup with the "Add Network Place Wizard," leave this box
blank.
Create a Windows XP Network Place
(After a network place has been created, the hosting storage space is accessible from Windows Explorer in the same
way folders are accessible in Windows XP.)
To Create a Network Place
In Windows XP, select Start > Settings > Network Connections > My Network Places > Add a network place. The "Add a
Network Place Wizard" displays.
Click "Next."
Select "Choose another network location" and click "Next."
Enter the Internet address for your FTP site. For example, ftp://www.yourdomainnamehere.com . Click "Next."
Make sure that the "Log on anonymously" option is not selected. Enter the FTP user name that was obtained when the
hosting account was set up. Click "Next."
Enter a name for this network place: www.yourdomainnamehere.com. Click "Next."
Click "Finish."
After you click "Finish," a network places opens in a new window and the "Log On As" window displays. Enter the FTP
user name and FTP password and click "Log On."
The network place can be opened at any time by opening Windows Explorer
Right click on "Start."
Select "Explore."
Near the bottom of the folder list, click "My Network Places."
A panel will display. Enter the FTP user name and FTP password.
Transferring files to the hosting site
To transfer files from the computer to the hosting site, copy the files that are to be uploaded and pasted them into
the network place director.
Files can be moved back and forth between the computer and the hosting site by the click-and-drag method in Windows
Explorer.