FTP 214 Help Message vs 229 Entering Extended Passive Mode
Both FTP 214 (Help Message) and 229 (Entering Extended Passive Mode) belong to the 2xx Positive Completion category. 214 indicates that help message. The server provides information about its implementation status, including a list of recognized commands or help for a specific command. Meanwhile, 229 means that entering Extended Passive Mode. The server provides only a port number for the data connection, using the same IP as the control connection. Works with both IPv4 and IPv6.
Description
Help message. The server provides information about its implementation status, including a list of recognized commands or help for a specific command.
When You See It
After issuing the HELP command. The server returns a list of supported commands or detailed usage for a specific command.
How to Fix
No fix needed — this is an informational response. Use it to discover which commands the server supports.
Description
Entering Extended Passive Mode. The server provides only a port number for the data connection, using the same IP as the control connection. Works with both IPv4 and IPv6.
When You See It
After issuing the EPSV command. The server responds with a port number in the format (|||port|) for the client to connect to.
How to Fix
No fix needed — connect to the server's control IP on the provided port. If it fails, try falling back to PASV (227) or check firewall rules.
Key Differences
FTP 214: Help message. The server provides information about its implementation status, including a list of recognized commands or help for a specific command.
FTP 229: Entering Extended Passive Mode. The server provides only a port number for the data connection, using the same IP as the control connection. Works with both IPv4 and IPv6.
You encounter 214 when after issuing the HELP command. The server returns a list of supported commands or detailed usage for a specific command.
You encounter 229 when after issuing the EPSV command. The server responds with a port number in the format (|||port|) for the client to connect to.
When to Use Which
For 214 (Help Message): No fix needed — this is an informational response. Use it to discover which commands the server supports. For 229 (Entering Extended Passive Mode): No fix needed — connect to the server's control IP on the provided port. If it fails, try falling back to PASV (227) or check firewall rules.