Automate FTP Uploads from Windows Command Line

Automating FTP Uploads with Windows Batch Files

Batch files have been a component of Windows operating systems since their inception, representing a longstanding method for task automation. Despite their age, they remain a practical solution for streamlining repetitive processes. A frequent application is the uploading of files to a remote FTP server. The following details a method for accomplishing this.

Creating the Batch File

Initially, a file named fileup.bat must be created. This file should be placed either directly within the Windows directory or in a directory that is included in the system's defined path. The current path can be reviewed using the "path" command.

The following code should be inserted into the fileup.bat file:

@echo off

echo user MyUserName> ftpcmd.dat

echo MyPassword>> ftpcmd.dat

echo bin>> ftpcmd.dat

echo put %1>> ftpcmd.dat

echo quit>> ftpcmd.dat

ftp -n -s:ftpcmd.dat SERVERNAME.COM

del ftpcmd.dat

It is essential to substitute "MyUserName", "MyPassword", and "SERVERNAME.COM" with the appropriate credentials and address for your specific FTP server. This batch file functions by scripting the FTP utility through the command line, utilizing the -s option.

Extending Functionality with Additional Commands

The batch file employs the "echo" command to transmit instructions to the FTP server, simulating manual input. Additional commands can be integrated into the file, such as a command to change directories:

echo cd /pathname/>>ftpcmd.dat

This allows for greater control over the upload process and destination.

Executing the Batch File

To initiate the file upload, the batch file is invoked using its name, fileup.bat, followed by the name of the file to be uploaded as a parameter. The ".bat" extension is not required when calling the file.

For example:

> fileup FileToUpload.zip

Connected to ftp.myserver.com.

220 Microsoft FTP Service

ftp> user myusername

331 Password required for myusername.

230 User myusername logged in.

ftp> bin

200 Type set to I.

ftp> put FileToUpload.zip

200 PORT command successful.

150 Opening BINARY mode data connection for FileToUpload.zip

226 Transfer complete.

ftp: 106 bytes sent in 0.01Seconds 7.07Kbytes/sec.

ftp> quit

Completion

Upon successful execution, the specified file will be transferred to the designated remote server. This method provides a simple and effective means of automating FTP uploads within a Windows environment.