FTP 212 Directory Status vs 550 File Unavailable
FTP 212 (Directory Status) is a 2xx Positive Completion response, while 550 (File Unavailable) 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, 550 means that requested action not taken. File unavailable — the file does not exist, the path is wrong, or you do not have permission to access it.
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
Requested action not taken. File unavailable — the file does not exist, the path is wrong, or you do not have permission to access it.
When You See It
When you try to download, delete, or navigate to a file or directory that does not exist or is restricted by server permissions.
How to Fix
Verify the file path and name are correct (FTP paths are case-sensitive on most servers). Check your user permissions with the server administrator.
Key Differences
212 is a 2xx Positive Completion response, while 550 is a 5xx Permanent Negative response.
FTP 212: Directory status reply. The server provides information about the current directory or a specified directory.
FTP 550: Requested action not taken. File unavailable — the file does not exist, the path is wrong, or you do not have permission to access it.
You encounter 212 when after issuing the STAT command on a directory, the server returns the directory listing or status information.
You encounter 550 when when you try to download, delete, or navigate to a file or directory that does not exist or is restricted by server permissions.
When to Use Which
For 212 (Directory Status): No fix needed — this is an informational response showing directory contents or status. For 550 (File Unavailable): Verify the file path and name are correct (FTP paths are case-sensitive on most servers). Check your user permissions with the server administrator.