Question

Can't connect to sever with FileZilla using root.

Posted May 19, 2017 17.7k views
Debian DigitalOcean

I took down my old server to revamp everything together, when I am not able to connect to FileZilla using the droplet ip/password. I already went through the process of changing the password and I am getting the message “Authentication failed.
Error: Critical error: Could not connect to server”.

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rapidfx
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rapidfx
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4 answers
jtittle1 May 19, 2017

@rapidfx

That specific error means that the username or password is incorrect. In such a case, you’re trying to login as root, so the username isn’t incorrect, which means the password is the issue.

Have you tried to login to the CLI using SSH with root and the password you feel is correct? If so, are you being denied there as well, or are you able to successfully login?

If you’re able to login to the CLI using SSH, have you made sure that when connecting using FileZilla that you’re specifying SFTP (instead of FTP) and that you’re using port 22 to connect?

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  • rapidfx May 19, 2017

    I am able to login using putty, server ip and password perfectly fine. But when I try to do so on FileZilla, using port 22. It gives me that error.

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fishy May 19, 2017
[deleted]
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jtittle1 May 19, 2017

@rapidfx

With FileZilla, you have two connection options – FTP or SFTP. This is a selectable option under the Host and Port and is labeled Servertype.

You need to make sure that drop down has SFTP selected instead of FTP. Unless you install FTP software on the Droplet, you won’t be able to connect using FTP, you have to connect using SFTP (which is actually more secure and better than using FTP).

You can see the dropdown in the screenshot below:

https://i.stack.imgur.com/plC3b.gif

Where it says “FTP - File Transfer Protocol”, you need to click that drop down and make sure SFTP is selected :-).

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  • rapidfx May 19, 2017

    Still gives me the error.

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    • jtittle1 May 19, 2017

      @rapidfx

      Would you be able to take a screenshot of what your configuration looks like? The same panel as shown in that screenshot is what I’d like to take a look at (you can leave the host blank if you’d like so you don’t expose your IP).

      If you’re able to login to SSH, you should be able to login via SFTP without any issues, so either there’s a configuration error or the issue is with FileZilla (as in the software).

      If you weren’t able to login via SSH and SFTP, I’d say there’s something wrong with the server configuration or you’ve been blocked by the firewall, but if you can login to one but not the other (when they use the same protocol), something seems off :-).

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  • Lerry April 5, 2019

    Almost 1 week I tried to access my FTP using Webuzo..
    I got similar problem like @rapidfx
    And I try to apply your answer..

    And.. It’s work like a charm.. !
    Thanks @jtittle1

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bertgoens October 17, 2017

I found the solution

FileZilla > File > Site Manager
Add new site

Host: your public ip address
Port: 22
Protocol: SFTP - SSH File Transfer Protocol

Logon Type: Key File
User root
Key file: /path/to/your/private/key/file

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