FTP 214 Help Message vs 225 Data Connection Open
Both FTP 214 (Help Message) and 225 (Data Connection Open) 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, 225 means that data connection open; no transfer in progress. The data channel is established and ready but no file transfer has started yet.
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
Data connection open; no transfer in progress. The data channel is established and ready but no file transfer has started yet.
When You See It
When the data connection is established but idle, waiting for a transfer command to begin sending or receiving data.
How to Fix
No fix needed — the data connection is ready. Issue a RETR, STOR, or LIST command to start using it.
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 225: Data connection open; no transfer in progress. The data channel is established and ready but no file transfer has started yet.
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 225 when when the data connection is established but idle, waiting for a transfer command to begin sending or receiving data.
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 225 (Data Connection Open): No fix needed — the data connection is ready. Issue a RETR, STOR, or LIST command to start using it.