FTP 212 Directory Status vs 551 Page Type Unknown
FTP 212 (Directory Status) is a 2xx Positive Completion response, while 551 (Page Type Unknown) is a 5xx Permanent Negative response. 212 indicates that directory status reply. The server provides information about the current directory or a specified directory. In contrast, 551 means that requested action aborted: page type unknown. The server does not recognize the requested page structure or format.
Description
Directory status reply. The server provides information about the current directory or a specified directory.
When You See It
After issuing the STAT command on a directory, the server returns the directory listing or status information.
How to Fix
No fix needed — this is an informational response showing directory contents or status.
Description
Requested action aborted: page type unknown. The server does not recognize the requested page structure or format.
When You See It
When attempting a transfer with a page structure type the server does not support. This is extremely rare in modern FTP usage.
How to Fix
Switch to stream transfer mode (MODE S) and file structure (STRU F), which are universally supported by all FTP servers.
Key Differences
212 is a 2xx Positive Completion response, while 551 is a 5xx Permanent Negative response.
FTP 212: Directory status reply. The server provides information about the current directory or a specified directory.
FTP 551: Requested action aborted: page type unknown. The server does not recognize the requested page structure or format.
You encounter 212 when after issuing the STAT command on a directory, the server returns the directory listing or status information.
You encounter 551 when when attempting a transfer with a page structure type the server does not support. This is extremely rare in modern FTP usage.
When to Use Which
For 212 (Directory Status): No fix needed — this is an informational response showing directory contents or status. For 551 (Page Type Unknown): Switch to stream transfer mode (MODE S) and file structure (STRU F), which are universally supported by all FTP servers.