Sending a lift to a ftp address...

Ryan111 · 13 Sep 2010 at 18:03

Basically, My mum runs a small non profit organisation and from time to time the members of the group need access to documents that my mum has stored. I suggested and set up a FTP server for her, its only 10KB max file size, so home connection is easily capable. I have set up the usernames and passwords fine, the only thing is getting an easy way to send them a link...

I originally thought about a vbs script, so I wrote one of them which worked fine;

Code:

Option Explicit
Dim objShell, Racey, intCount
Set objShell = CreateObject("WScript.Shell")
objShell.Run "c:\windows\explorer.exe ftp://FTP@FTPADDRESS

Obviously the address was something different.

I then tried to send this to one of the members to test it out, to find that I can sent .vbs files though outlook or hotmail. Great.

So I did a batch file;

Code:

%SystemRoot%\explorer.exe "FTP@FTPADDRESS"

I then went to send and, Can't send batch files though outlook or hotmail...

Basically, Whats the easiest was to send a small and simply file that will open up Windows Explorer and navigate to my FTP address and then all the have to do is type their username and password and bobs your uncle.

Any ideas?

Thanks

Angelos_n · 13 Sep 2010 at 18:08

this will hurt when it hits you but .... zip it up first

.. its always simple things we miss, happens to me a lot hehe

Ryan111 · 13 Sep 2010 at 18:13

I didnt even think about that. What a simple answer!! haha, I think Im going to use the batch file, easier. Do you know how to write one with a login and password as well?

So by clicking on the link it will automaticly log them in?

Ryan111 · 13 Sep 2010 at 18:27

It wont let me send it as a compressed file either?

Angelos_n · 14 Sep 2010 at 00:00

hmmm what file compression are you using? what about posting it up to the webserver for direct download and linking people direct to the file?? to do the login and password the ftp address would have to be ftp://username: [email protected] - without the space as it comes up as a smiley

Ryan111 · 14 Sep 2010 at 00:17

The people that have to download the files stored on the FTP are children (aged 10-16) so probably not the best idea trying to get them online downloading the files.

I dont really know what compression I tried, just whatever winrar put it as?

whitecrook · 14 Sep 2010 at 00:20

You just want to set up an http server and put the files there, and protect with htaccess. Then you can just provide a 'normal' web link.

Ryan111 · 14 Sep 2010 at 00:45

I think I would prefer to carry on using my FTP to do the transfers, its just getting the same link to everyone, and by making a batch/vbs file that opens explorer and navigates to the address with the user name and password already filled in would make things a huge amount simpler!

whitecrook · 14 Sep 2010 at 01:44

post #5 has the solution.

deuse · 14 Sep 2010 at 08:08

I use DDNS\Dyndns for this kind of thing.

Mtx · 14 Sep 2010 at 09:57

Why not use something like dropbox? its free and you can just put a file in the shared folder, right click and get external link once it syncs and it can be downloaded from dropbox not your pc so you don't even need to leave your machine on.

Yakyb · 14 Sep 2010 at 10:31

Mtx said:
Why not use something like dropbox? its free and you can just put a file in the shared folder, right click and get external link once it syncs and it can be downloaded from dropbox not your pc so you don't even need to leave your machine on.

thats a good idea i would rep you if it where possible

PistolPete · 14 Sep 2010 at 12:14

I'm a little confused. How is using FTP not sending the kids "online" but using HTTP is?

Also, the use of username:[email protected] was depreciated a long time ago due to security risk of sending credentials in clear and that fact that people would use www.microsoft.com:[email protected] spoof sites.
IE no longer responds correctly username

assword@ sections of URL so it's possible that this may cause problems.

Angelos_n · 14 Sep 2010 at 13:56

well ive been using it this morning with no problems

whitecrook · 14 Sep 2010 at 14:21

Sill don't really see what the problem is. This is a solved problem. People have been using http for years and years to transfer files over the internet using the friendly easy to use thing called 'hyperlinks'. Why is the OP trying to make is so complicated?

Ryan111 · 14 Sep 2010 at 16:11

whitecrook said:
Sill don't really see what the problem is. This is a solved problem. People have been using http for years and years to transfer files over the internet using the friendly easy to use thing called 'hyperlinks'. Why is the OP trying to make is so complicated?

I already had the FTP server set up and running, I havent ever had any experience with sending files over http so would like to stick to what I know. All I want is a link that will open up explorer and go to the correct address in a file that I can send via email.

I have managed to do this by compressing it to a .rar file, but then its not simple to extract it the other end.

I might have a look at drop box, sounds like a good solution, or even Windows SkyDrive.

deuse said:
I use DDNS\Dyndns for this kind of thing.

I have a Dynamic Address already, thanks

Ryan111 · 14 Sep 2010 at 16:47

Okay, I have done it, Sorry If I confused anyone.

I uploaded the .bat files to my drop box and will just send the kids the download link. This was they have to download the .bat file, they double click it and they are in

Thanks everyone.

whitecrook · 14 Sep 2010 at 17:01

OK, so you've sent a.. link to a drop box, which they download a vbs/batch file, which they then run, which in turn generates a link to an ftp, which then opens, and they then click the file that that links to?

Wow. Nice and easy.

Ryan111 · 14 Sep 2010 at 17:43

The idea is they will they use the batch file as a shortcut to access the FTP folder. The contents of the folder are constantly changing. This is the easiest way of doing it I think. For me and my set up anyway.