File Transfer Protocol server reply status messages

This topic contains access common reply codes and what they indicate.

When you enter subcommands during an File Transfer Protocol (FTP) client session, status messages return to your display in a 3-digit code: xyz.

The first digit (x) tells you whether the response is good, bad, or incomplete. There are five values for the first digit:

1yz = Good. The requested action is being initiated; another reply should follow.
2yz = Good. The requested action was successfully completed; a new request may be initiated.
3yz = Incomplete. The subcommand was accepted, but the requested action is being held pending receipt of more information.
4yz = Incomplete. The server did not accept the subcommand. The requested action did not take place; the error is temporary and you can request the action again.
5yz = Bad. The subcommand was not accepted, and the requested action did not take place.

The second digit (y) tells you the functional category of the response.

x0z=Syntax. Refers to syntax errors, commands that aren't appropriate for what you're trying to do, and unnecessary commands.
x1z=Information. Refers to requests for information, such as status or help.
x2z=Connections. Refers to the control or data connections.
x3z=Authentication. Refers to the login process.
x5z=File system. Refers to the status of the server in relation to the file transfer request.

The third digit (z) tells you a finer level of detail about the functional category.

The following table describes the common reply codes and what they indicate. The message text might vary for different server systems.

Code	Meaning
110	Restart the marker reply
120	Service is ready in nnn minutes
125	Data connection is already open; transfer is starting
150	File starting OK; about to open the data connection
200	Command OK
202	Command was not implemented; it is not used on this system
211	System status, or system help reply
212	Directory status
213	File status
214	Help message
220	Service is ready for a new user
226	Closing the data connection; the requested file action was successful
230	User is logged in
250	Requested file action was okay; action is completed
257	Path name was created
331	Password is required
332	Account is required
425	Cannot open the data connection
426	Connection is closed; the transfer ended abnormally
450	Requested file action was not taken; file busy
451	Requested action ended abnormally; local error in processing
452	Requested action was not taken; insufficient storage exists in system
500	Syntax error; command was unrecognized
501	Syntax error in the parameters or arguments
502	Command was not implemented
503	Bad sequence of commands
504	Command was not implemented for that parameter
530	Logon attempt was rejected
532	Need an account for storing files
550	Requested action was not taken; the file was not found (or no access)
551	Requested action ended abnormally; the page type is unknown
552	Requested file action ended abnormally; storage allocation was exceeded
553	Requested action was not taken; the file name is not allowed