Appendix B: FTP Replies

All FTP replies consist of three-digit numbers with an optional text message following the number. Each of the three-digit numbers has special significance.

The NV4IP FTP Error Log displays all reply codes where 250 = UNTRUE.

There are five values for the first digit of the reply code. "1-3" in the first digit indicates the three function groupings of Positive replies. "4-5" in the first digit indicates the two groupings of Negative replies (errors).

The value for the first digit in the reply code (1-5) indicates the following:

1

Positive Preliminary Reply. The requested action is being initiated and you should expect another reply before proceeding with a new command.

2

Positive Completion Reply. The requested action has been successfully completed and you can enter a new command. The command has been accepted, but the requested action is being held in abeyance pending receipt of further information. You should send another command specifying this information.

3

Positive Intermediate Reply.

4

Transient Negative Completion Reply. This is a temporary error condition. You should attempt to enter the command again.

5

Permanent Negative Completion Reply. The command was neither accepted nor executed. You should not attempt to enter the same command again (in the same sequence).

 

The value for the second digit in the reply code (0-5) indicates the following:

0

Syntax

1

Information

2

Connections

3

Authentication and Accounting

4

An unspecified value

5

File System

The value for the third digit in the reply code provides a finer gradation of meaning in each of the function categories specified by the second digit.

The following list displays typical error codes in numeric order, with message strings following each number. The message string associated with each reply may be server-dependent, so it is likely to vary for each reply code. The reply code itself, however, must strictly follow the specifications described in this section.


 

Error Code

Message String

110

Restart marker reply.

In this case, the text is exact and not left to the particular implementation; it must read:
            MARK yyyy = mmmm
Where yyyy is User-process data stream marker, and mmmm server's equivalent marker (note the spaces between markers and "=").

120

Service ready in nnn minutes.

125

Data connection already open; transfer starting.

150

File status okay; about to open data connection.

200

Command okay.

202

Command not implemented, superfluous at this site.

211

System status, or system help reply.

212

Directory status.

213

File status.

214

Help message
On how to use the server or the meaning of a particular non-standard command. This reply is useful only to the human user.

215

NAME system type.
where NAME is an official system name from the list in the Assigned Numbers document.

220

Service ready for new user.

221

Service closing control connection.

225

Data connection open; no transfer in progress.

226

Closing data connection.

227

Entering passive Mode (h1, h2, h3, h4, pl, p2).

230

User logged in, proceed.

250

Requested file action okay, completed.

257

"PATHNAME" created.

331

User name okay, need password.

332

Need account for login.

350

Requested file action pending further information.

421

Service not available, closing control connection.

This may be a reply to any command if the service knows it must shut down.

425

Can't open data connection.

426

Connection closed; transfer aborted.

450

Requested file action not taken. File unavailable (e.g., file busy).

451

Requested action aborted: local error in processing.

452

Requested action not taken.
Insufficient storage space in system.

500

Syntax error, command unrecognized.

This may include errors such as command line too long.

501

Syntax error in parameters or arguments.

502

Command not implemented.

503

Bad sequence of commands.

504

Command not implemented for that parameter.

530

Not logged in.

532

Need account for storing files.

550

Requested action not taken.

551

Requested action aborted: page type unknown.

552

Requested file action aborted.
Exceeded storage allocation (for current directory or dataset).

553

Requested action not taken.
File name not allowed.