FTP 211 System Status vs 501 Syntax Error in Arguments
FTP 211 (System Status) is a 2xx Positive Completion response, while 501 (Syntax Error in Arguments) is a 5xx Permanent Negative response. 211 indicates that system status or system help reply. The server provides information about its current status or available features. In contrast, 501 means that syntax error in parameters or arguments. The command was recognized but its arguments are invalid or malformed.
Description
System status or system help reply. The server provides information about its current status or available features.
When You See It
After issuing the STAT command without arguments, the server returns its system status and supported features.
How to Fix
No fix needed — this is an informational response. Use the information to understand the server's capabilities and current state.
Description
Syntax error in parameters or arguments. The command was recognized but its arguments are invalid or malformed.
When You See It
When you use a valid command but with wrong parameters, such as an invalid path format or incorrect argument count.
How to Fix
Review the command's required argument format. Common issues include missing quotes around paths with spaces or invalid character encoding.
Key Differences
211 is a 2xx Positive Completion response, while 501 is a 5xx Permanent Negative response.
FTP 211: System status or system help reply. The server provides information about its current status or available features.
FTP 501: Syntax error in parameters or arguments. The command was recognized but its arguments are invalid or malformed.
You encounter 211 when after issuing the STAT command without arguments, the server returns its system status and supported features.
You encounter 501 when when you use a valid command but with wrong parameters, such as an invalid path format or incorrect argument count.
When to Use Which
For 211 (System Status): No fix needed — this is an informational response. Use the information to understand the server's capabilities and current state. For 501 (Syntax Error in Arguments): Review the command's required argument format. Common issues include missing quotes around paths with spaces or invalid character encoding.