Web Hosting - File Management

In this article you will read:

• How files and directories work
• What is the directory structure of Webhosting
• How to manage files via FTP
• How to fix file rights
• Common problems
• Frequently Asked Questions

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Files and directories

Files are the basic building blocks of your website. They are usually code or parts of code that make up a web application, as well as various media - images, videos, documents...

For a website to work properly, all of its components should ideally be on the same hosting. If you need to move files from your computer to the web host, upload them via FTP. This transfer is not limited by the size of the files, only by the speed of the connection.

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Directory structure of Webhosting

Web hosting has a fixed basic directory structure. Make sure it contains the following directories at all times:

• session - session data file repository for PHP
• tmp - directory for various temporary files (important for uploading files)
• www - directory of the website itself

The following directories are part of the basic structure, but the site can function without them:

• www/domains - directory for creating separate content for aliases(more info about aliases)
• www/subdom - directory for creating subdomains(more info about subdomains)

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File management via FTP

FTP, or File Transfer Protocol, is the basic method of transferring data between a user's computer and the web host. In order to use it, a computer needs an FTP client, a program that can communicate using the FTP protocol and includes an interface for moving files. We recommend using one of the following:

• WebFTP - FTP client in browser(interface ⧉ || instructions)
• FileZilla - multiplatform FTP client

Establishing an FTP connection

To connect your computer to the web host via FTP, you need the following information:

• FTP server address
• Username
• Password:

File upload via FTP

The specific process for uploading, editing and deleting files on a web host via FTP depends on the client you choose, and you can find the specific procedure in the client's manual.

Please observe the following precautions when working with files:

• Avoid deleting files that make up the directory structure of the web host.
• Make sure you are uploading the data to the correct folder: the web belongs in the www folder (or its subfolders).
• Be careful when deleting files directly on the web host - there is no recycle bin from which you can recover them later. If in doubt, get a backup.

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Correcting file rights

It may be that files have rights set that do not allow the server to work with them effectively. Error 403 occurs. You can correct the file rights by following this procedure:

1. Log in to the customer administration ⧉.
2. From the top menu, select Hosting Services Webhosting.
3. Select the desired service from the Web Hosting list.
4. Select Tools from the left menu.
5. In the Fix File Rights box, click Fix File Rights.

This fix will allow the server and users to access files that might otherwise be blocked.

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Common problems

For an overview of common FTP connection problems and how to solve them, see FTP Troubleshooting.

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Frequently Asked Questions