FTP 213 File Status vs 551 Page Type Unknown
FTP 213 (File Status) is a 2xx Positive Completion response, while 551 (Page Type Unknown) is a 5xx Permanent Negative response. 213 indicates that file status reply. The server provides information about a specific file, typically its size or modification time. In contrast, 551 means that requested action aborted: page type unknown. The server does not recognize the requested page structure or format.
Description
File status reply. The server provides information about a specific file, typically its size or modification time.
When You See It
After issuing the SIZE or MDTM command, the server returns the file size in bytes or the last modification timestamp.
How to Fix
No fix needed — this is an informational response. Use the returned data to determine file size before download or to check timestamps for synchronization.
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
213 is a 2xx Positive Completion response, while 551 is a 5xx Permanent Negative response.
FTP 213: File status reply. The server provides information about a specific file, typically its size or modification time.
FTP 551: Requested action aborted: page type unknown. The server does not recognize the requested page structure or format.
You encounter 213 when after issuing the SIZE or MDTM command, the server returns the file size in bytes or the last modification timestamp.
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 213 (File Status): No fix needed — this is an informational response. Use the returned data to determine file size before download or to check timestamps for synchronization. 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.