Question : what is the best way to set up an ftp server with windows xp pro?
I’ve tried 2 methods so far. one is installing the windows component that supposedly does this task, but I wasn’t able to figure out how to configure it. my pc exists on a router which gives it a standard 192.168.1.### ip address. Do I have to log into the router to configure something.
the other method i tried was installing a TFTP program. it installed fine but again, i wasn’t able to configure the details so that i can access my pc from a remote location. this program also stated that using an regular FTP client won’t be able to access my TFTP server because it’s two different protocols. I just want to be able to access my music, videos, and photos when I’m away from home. I keep my pc on constantly.
I’ve heard that winxppro comes with a remote access program as well. I need help configuring this as well because I am not happy with the remote access program i’m using at the moment.
windows ftp server

Best answer:

Answer by Banjo 1024
ok this is how its going to have to work .

1. download an ftp server program from somewhere like download.com – there are lots of different ones
2. ftp always communicates on port 21 , unless you tell it to do otherwise
3.go to www.whatismyip.com , this will give you your real IP which you can access from external .
4. this is the tough part .

you will have two ip addresses now . the one you got off the website and then the 192.168.1.x one .

ok so ill explain

one is your external ip address , the other is your internal ip address . you can only connect to the external one , and then forward the connection onto the internal one ….

so when someone connects they hit the external ip address and your router forwards them on to your internal ip address , which will be your pc .

so you need to forward port 21 ( ftp ) from your external to your internal .

here is a website which will show you how to do it

http://portforward.com/routers.htm

you can access your pc remotely using something like windows remote desktop or vnc . VNC is an application you can install its free , do a search for tightvnc . then to access your system remotely you will need to forward port 5800 and 5900 on your router .

im sorry , tried to make it as non technical as i could .