Need a secure file server? Watch the video above to see how you can quickly install and set up ZitaFTP Server on Windows. Or, read the instructions below…
Download ZitaFTP Server
If you haven’t done so already, click here to download ZitaFTP Server for windows.
Run the Installer
Double-click on the downloaded installer, and install ZitaFTP server as you would any other software.
Activate the 30 Day Trial
A license activation window will pop up after installation. Assuming this is your first time (you are reading this installation guide, after all), click on the “Start Trial” button to start a free 30 day trial.
Follow the Configuration Wizard
With the free trial activated, ZitaFTP will now show you the configuration wizard, which will guide you through the rest of the process. First, you’ll need to create an administrator account (see below). This account will be able to adjust all the server’s settings.
Next, it’ll ask you to choose a security level for the TLS security certificate. ZitaFTP Server creates a self-signed security certificate that both identifies the server, and encrypts connections to keep your data private and secure. I recommend leaving it at the default, unless you’re certain that only modern FTP clients will be used, in which case you can choose the “Modern” setting.
Once the security certificate has been generated, it’ll ask you if you want to enable remote access to the User Interface (UI). This will allow you to configure the server remotely from another machine. If you’re not sure, click “No.”
You can now add more users. These users will be able to access the server to download and possibly upload files. Be sure to choose the right access permissions. Click “Done” once all user accounts have been created.
Up next, is choosing a directory (or directories) to serve. You can choose as many or as few as you want. Stick to the default (i.e., simply click “Add”), unless you have other preferences…
Next, ZitaFTP Server will ask you about logging. You can safely leave this at its default, unless you have other needs.
Finally, ZitaFTP will ask what ports the UI server should use. If you’re unsure, then also leave these at their defaults. The default values work well…
Test the Server
Congratulations! Configuration is done. ZitaFTP will list the IP addresses and ports needed to access the server, plus some other details. Time to test the server. Start an FTP client, and enter the following details:
- Address: 127.0.0.1 (this address always points to the computer you’re using)
- Username: <your username>
- Password: <your password>
I used FileZilla (see below), but you can use anything you wish. Use “explicit FTPS mode,” if your FTP client provides a choice. All going well, you should receive a warning about a self-signed certificate, as is seen below. This is normal, and you can tell the client to permanently accept the certificate. After all, you know it’s your machine.
All going well, you should now be logged in.
Firewall Adjustments May Be Needed
If your lucky, then your firewall will automatically adjust, or ask you if you want to open the server’s ports. However, some firewalls need to be manually reconfigured to open the server’s ports. The final wizard page will tell you which ports to open (see below). The dashboard also has the same information.
Making the Server Internet Accessible
If you want your FTP server to be accessible from the internet, then you’ll need to set up port forwarding on your router. The ports to be forwarded are the same ones that you may have opened in the step above. Once again, you should check the router’s manual for how to set up port forwarding.
NOTE: As of this writing (20 September 2021), using external TLS certificates for domain names is still a work-in-progress. Support will improve as development continues…
Congratulations once again on setting up your new FTP server. We hope that ZitaFTP Server serves you well.