Frequently Asked Questions/Online Tech Support
- Do you have FTP software available for download?
- How do I transfer files to the web server?
- What FTP host name do I use to access my web site(s)?
- What should I do if denied access via FTP or Telnet?
- What should I do if denied access to my web site using a browser?
- How do I get my home page to load automatically?
- What directory and file names are acceptable?
- How do I update web pages?
- What is the function of the "cgi-bin" directory?
- How do I create sub-directories within my website?
- How do I simulate sub-websites?
- When will my domain be active? (propagation)
Do you have FTP software available for download?
Yes, we recommend using an excellent shareware program called WS_FTP.
You can download this program for free directly from our server.
- Archive/ws_ftp16.exe
(16 bit version)Archive/ws_ftple.exe
(32 bit version)
For the Mac, "Fetch" is available:
How do I transfer files to the web server?
Files may be transferred to the web server via File Transport Protocol (FTP) or a Telnet Client. If you have a PPP internet account and need FTP software, you can download a program for either the PC or Mac from our site.
What FTP host name do I use to access my web site(s)?
To update your web pages, FTP into ftp.yourdomain.com using your the USERID and PASSWORD provided on your account activation notice. Prior to domain registration (or transfer) you will need to use the IP address as the FTP hostname. (i.e. 209.xxx.xxx.xxx vs. ftp.yourdomain.com) The IP address associated with your domain is also included in the activation notice.
What should I do if denied access via FTP ?
- If you are denied access to either or both AFTER entering your userid and password, you may be using the wrong password. Check the activation notice sent to you via email when the account was first set up. If you changed your password and it doesn't seem to be working, contact support@cobsweb.net to reset your password.
- If you can connect and you have checked to make sure you are using the proper password and user name, then contact support@cobsweb.net
What should I do if denied access to my web site when using a browser?
If you receive the message "There is no DNS entry for http://www.yourdomain.com", there are several possible explanations:
1) Try to reach the site using the IP address. If you are successful, the domain name is either not active or not yet propagated.
For a NEW domain, it may take up to a week for the name to be released by Internic and propagated to DNSs (Domain Name Servers) throughout the Internet. (Foreign domains and transfers take longer).
You can check the status of your domain name www.internic.net
2) If you can reach the site with the IP address and you know it has been more than 72 hours since the name was released by Internic.
- Clear your browser cache and try again.
- If you know that others are able to reach the site with the domain name but you can't (even after clearing the Cache), contact your local ISP. They may not have updated their DNS records.
- If you are still unable to reach it after all of these steps, email support@cobsweb.net for assistance. Be sure to describe all the steps you have already taken.
3) If you are unable to reach the site with either the domain name OR the IP address you may be experiencing connectivity problems.
How do I get my page to load automatically?
You must name your main loading file either "index.htm". Be sure to name everything in lowercase
What directory and file names are acceptable?
Our operating system is case sensitive. In other words, the file name "faq.html" is NOT the same as "FAQ.html". If your HTML code references a faq.html, but the actual file name is in uppercase, this will result in a File Not Found error. This applies to directory names as well.
To prevent errors, we suggest naming all files in lowercase. Spaces and and special control characters are generally not a good idea. The underscore character ("_") is acceptable. You should avoid special characters (e.g. ! @ # $ % ^ ~ & * : ') in file names.
You can literally create and maintain your web pages, images, and scripts locally and upload them to the web server at your leisure via FTP. You can overwrite existing files or transfer a new file.
What is the function of the "cgi-bin" directory?
This directory allows you to execute a CGI script written in Perl, Unix Shell, or C. Perl and shell programs are self-compiling and can be utilized immediately after transfer to this directory/folder.
How do I create sub-directories?
We recommend using the "make directory" feature in our recommended FTP client software, WS_FTP. Please note that subdirectories can be created under the cgi-bin directory.
How can I simulate sub-websites within my account?
To simulate a sub-web site, you have to create a new directory (or folder to MAC users) and then upload the main loading page (index.htm). You can setup as many sub-web sites as you wish.
When will I be able to reach my site using the domain name?
Once the Internic announces that your domain name has been registered (or transferred, if applicable), it usually takes about 72-hours before it is active. All internet providers must update their records (DNS tables) to reflect new site locations. This is called propagation.
If you require further assistance, please feel free to contact us directly.