FTP 212 Directory Status vs 503 Bad Sequence
FTP 212 (Directory Status) is a 2xx Positive Completion response, while 503 (Bad Sequence) is a 5xx Permanent Negative response. 212 indicates that directory status reply. The server provides information about the current directory or a specified directory. In contrast, 503 means that bad sequence of commands. The command is valid but was sent in the wrong order relative to other commands.
Description
Directory status reply. The server provides information about the current directory or a specified directory.
When You See It
After issuing the STAT command on a directory, the server returns the directory listing or status information.
How to Fix
No fix needed — this is an informational response showing directory contents or status.
Description
Bad sequence of commands. The command is valid but was sent in the wrong order relative to other commands.
When You See It
When you skip a required step, like sending PASS before USER, or RNTO without first sending RNFR.
How to Fix
Follow the correct command sequence. Common sequences: USER then PASS for login, RNFR then RNTO for rename, PASV then RETR for transfer.
Key Differences
212 is a 2xx Positive Completion response, while 503 is a 5xx Permanent Negative response.
FTP 212: Directory status reply. The server provides information about the current directory or a specified directory.
FTP 503: Bad sequence of commands. The command is valid but was sent in the wrong order relative to other commands.
You encounter 212 when after issuing the STAT command on a directory, the server returns the directory listing or status information.
You encounter 503 when when you skip a required step, like sending PASS before USER, or RNTO without first sending RNFR.
When to Use Which
For 212 (Directory Status): No fix needed — this is an informational response showing directory contents or status. For 503 (Bad Sequence): Follow the correct command sequence. Common sequences: USER then PASS for login, RNFR then RNTO for rename, PASV then RETR for transfer.