FTP 213 File Status vs 503 Bad Sequence
FTP 213 (File Status) is a 2xx Positive Completion response, while 503 (Bad Sequence) 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, 503 means that bad sequence of commands. The command is valid but was sent in the wrong order relative to other commands.
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
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
213 is a 2xx Positive Completion response, while 503 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 503: Bad sequence of commands. The command is valid but was sent in the wrong order relative to other commands.
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 503 when when you skip a required step, like sending PASS before USER, or RNTO without first sending RNFR.
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 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.