The FTP task lets you send files over the Internet according to the standardized FTP protocol and SFTP using the SSH protocol. It is possible to connect securely through FTPS with explicit and implicit encryption.
In VisualCron, the connection properties are separated from the FTP task properties to give advantages such as re-use of connections.
To add a FTP task, you select Task type "FTP/FTPS/SFTP" from the combo box in the Add/Edit task -> Main settings tab and enter a name for the task and specific data for the task.
In the FTP/FTPS/SFTP tab, all the defined FTP commands that are associated with this task are listed. These FTP commands are run in the list order. You can change the order by marking a row and click on the numeric up/down button. When different commands use different Connections, it is recommended that you run the commands with the same connection in order. Thus, VisualCron does not have to disconnect between commands which else will slow down the task.
Click on FTP/FTPS/SFTP -> Add button to add a new FTP command in the Add/Edit FTP command window.
Command type
Select the appropriate FTP command.
Connection
Click on the Manage connections button to add/edit existing connections. Select a connection once you have configured it.
Credential
Credentials could be needed if you want to upload or download files to or from a network drive. Click on the Manage credentials button to add a new credential. Be sure to specify a UNC path to the file/folder when uploading/downloading (\\servername\folder\file)
Add/Edit FTP command -> Main settings -> Command type -> Upload tab
The upload command sends one or more files and creates recursive folders if necessary.
Source folder
This is the source folder where the file(s) to be sent reside in.
File mask
Specify a file name or pattern. For example *.txt to send all text files.
Include sub folders
If you want the folders in the source folder to be transferred (and its content) you should check this box.
Destination folder
Enter the folder name where the files are to be sent. If your server supports relative paths, you could specify a destination folder in this way: /topfolder/subfolder
Overwrite if existing
If destination file already exists it will be overwritten.
Overwrite if source file is newer
If the source file is newer than the destination file the destination file will be overwritten.
Don't overwrite if existing
VisualCron does not overwrite the existing file if it already exists.
Transfer type
You can choose between "Binary" or "ASCII". Binary can transfer any type, while ASCII only can transfer text files. Choose Binary if you are unsure.
| • | ASCII. The data will be sent/received using the standard 8-bit NVT-ASCII representation. This representation type is primarily intended for text file transfer. |
| • | Binary. The data will be sent/received as contiguous bits which are packed into the 8-bit transfer bytes. This representation type is intended for efficient storage and retrieval of files and for the transfer of binary data. |
Add/Edit FTP command -> Main settings -> Command type -> Download tab
The download command is able to receive one or more files recursively if needed.
Source folder
The folder on the FTP server that you want to copy from. Use credentials if you need to access a network drive.
File mask, Include sub folders and Transfer type See the Upload tab.
Transfer type
You can choose between "Binary" or "ASCII". Binary can transfer any type, while ASCII only can transfer text files. Choose Binary if you are unsure.
Use raw listing fallback
Some old *nix servers have problems with the LIST command. You can try this function if download fails.
Destination folder
The local folder (or network drive) where you want store the file(s). Use credentials if you want store files on a network drive.
Overwrite if existing
If destination file already exists it will be overwritten.
Overwrite if source file is newer
If the source file is newer than the destination file the destination file will be overwritten.
Don't overwrite if existing
VisualCron does not overwrite the existing file if it already exists.
Add/Edit FTP command -> Main settings -> Command type -> Delete file tab
File
Specify the file name to delete on the server. If the server supports it you can specify a relative path; /folder/subfolder/yourfile. If not, you first have to use the change folder command (if you are not already in that folder).
Add/Edit FTP command -> Main settings -> Command type -> Delete folder tab
Folder
Specify the name of a folder to delete on the server. If the server supports it you can specify a relative path; /folder/subfolder. If not, you first have to use the change folder command (if you are not already in that folder).
Add/Edit FTP command -> Main settings -> Command type -> Create folder tab
Folder name
Specify the folder name to be created. If the server supports it you can specify a relative path; /folder/subfolder. If not, you first have to use the change folder command (if you are not already in that folder).
Add/Edit FTP command -> Main settings -> Command type -> Change folder tab
Folder name
Specify the folder name to change to. If the server supports it you can specify a relative path; /folder/subfolder. If not, you first have to use the change folder several times to get to your folder.
Add/Edit FTP command -> Main settings -> Command type -> Rename file tab
Original name
The original relative file name.
New name
The new relative file name.
Add/Edit FTP command -> Main settings -> Command type -> Rename folder tab
Original name
The original relative folder name.
New name
The new relative folder name.
Add/Edit FTP command -> Main settings -> Command type -> Custom command tab
Custom commands can be sent. This can be useful if you need to send a command which is not implemented in VisualCron. However, not all commands are supported by all FTP servers. In order to determine which commands are supported, you can the send the "HELP" command (and turn on output logging from the connection).
Enter the commands separated by new lines in the text box.
Note 1: The Custom command method does not support custom commands that require a data connection such as STOR (Upload), RETR (Download), NLST and LIST (GetFolderContents), etc.
Note 2: This command type is not available for SFTP protocol type.