Win-XP Pro: ftp to Suse Linux & Unix (Solaris, AIX HPUX)

[Guest]

I am tying to FTP from Windows XP Pro using Windows Explorer.

Address example: ftp://host
Then File - Login as

Once you are logged into the remote ftp server I noticed the following on
the Unix/Linux systems.

SuSe ES9.0 - The dot files/directories and symbolic links are not available.
Solaris 2.5 - The dot files/directories are not available.

Works OK - All files available
AIX 5.2
HP-UX 11.00
Solaris 9, 8, 7, 6

I suspect an FTP version issue with this problem, that windows does not
communicate properly with SuSe ES 9.0 and Solaris 2.5. Any thoughts or
experience with this would be appreciated.

 

[Ace]

Certain factors are in play here.

1. FTP Server settings - hiding dotted (hidden) files from client
2. FTP Server settings differences between versions, updates, etc.
3. Rights of logged in FTP user, also in view of 1 and 2
4. Settings on client's File Explorer, etc.

Windows XP does not know what to do with symbolic links.
If the FTP server does not allow following of symbolic links, these will
either not show up at all or appear dead to the client, resulting in
error messages, etc.
The FTP server could have stringent security turned on regarding symbolic
links, listing of directories, showing/hiding system/special files and
hidden files; which start with a dot.
These security settings can not only lie with the FTP server daemon you
use, but also with the OS itself!
Windows XP could possibly be set to not show hidden files; and as a side
note to that.. the Windows Explorer isn't one of the greatest for FTP
usage IMHO as it is lacking in that department.
I assume however you have a reason to use Explorer rather than something
that can be configured for FTP.
In essence your problem most likely lies with your FTP servers, you
mention 8 different *nix based operating systems.
You'll have to compare each relevant setting system by system.