FTP 213 File Status vs 500 Syntax Error
FTP 213 (File Status) is a 2xx Positive Completion response, while 500 (Syntax Error) 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, 500 means that syntax error, command unrecognized. The server could not parse the command. This may also be sent when the command line is too long.
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
Syntax error, command unrecognized. The server could not parse the command. This may also be sent when the command line is too long.
When You See It
When you send a malformed or misspelled command, or a command the server does not recognize at all.
How to Fix
Check the command spelling and syntax. Use HELP to see the list of supported commands on this server.
Key Differences
213 is a 2xx Positive Completion response, while 500 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 500: Syntax error, command unrecognized. The server could not parse the command. This may also be sent when the command line is too long.
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 500 when when you send a malformed or misspelled command, or a command the server does not recognize at all.
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 500 (Syntax Error): Check the command spelling and syntax. Use HELP to see the list of supported commands on this server.