Secure FTP: WinSCP

WinSCP (Windows Secure copy) is an open source SFTP and FTP client for Microsoft Windows. For secure transfers, it uses Secure Shell (SSH) and supports the legacy SCP protocol in addition to SFTP.

Download WinSCP

Installing and setting up WinSCP:

Save the installer to your hard drive, and make a note of the folder that you saved it in.
Run the installer. When you download WinSCP you'll find a WinSCP icon like the one shown below. Double click the icon and follow the installation instructions (an install wizard will appear after double-clicking).
In the Save As window, save the file to your Desktop and then click Save.
In the Welcome screen of the Setup Wizard, click Next.
Select the option I accept the agreement and then click Next.
Select the location where you want to install WinSCP. You can choose the default location, or click Browse if you want to select a different location. Click Next.
Click Next to install all the components of WinSCP.
Click Next to create a shortcut icon for WinSCP in the Start Menu with the default name shown.

Note: The following options are also available:
- If you don't want to create a shortcut in your Start Menu, click the check box next to the option Don't create a Start Menu folder.
- If you want to create a shortcut but want to change the default shortcut name, enter the name you want and then click Next.
- If you want the shortcut to appear in a different folder, click Browse to select the desired folder and then click Next.
Click Next to enable the Setup Wizard to perform the selected additional tasks.
Select the type of interface you want to use and then click Next. (Click here for a brief description of each interface type.)
Note: If you select the Norton Commander interface, you may want to select the option Explorer-style selection from the Commander category in the Preferences window. This option enables you to select files and directories exactly the same as in Windows Explorer.
Review your installation settings and then click Next. Click the Back button if you need to go back and change any thing.
Deselect the option Launch WinSCP if you don't want to open WinSCP at this time. If you wish to open WinSCP now, see Opening WinSCP for the First Time. Click Finish.

Opening WinSCP for the First Time

When you open WinSCP for the first time, you will need to enter the host name to which you're connecting and your user name. You will be able to save these settings in WinSCP so they will appear when you open WinSCP again.

In the WinSCP Login screen:
1. Enter ftp.csupomona.edu in the Host name field.
2. Enter your user id (BroncoName) in the User name field.
3. Click Save.
Click OK in the Save session as pop-up window.
Double-click on the session name you just saved and then click Login.
Click Yes in the Warning pop-up window to proceed with connecting to the host. This window should only appear the first time you log in. The server's host key will be added to your registry and you won't be prompted again. This secures that you are connecting every time to the same machine and protects you from a man-in-the-middle attack.
Enter your BroncoPassword and then click OK.

WinSCP Interface Types

WinSCP contains two types of interfaces: the Norton Commander interface and the Explorer-like interface. Each interface provides slightly different methods of transferring files to the Intranet, but both enable you to transfer with the "drag and drop" method. WinSCP enables you to transfer files directly from Windows Explorer or your Desktop.

You can change the interface at any time.

Comparison of WinSCP Interface Types

Norton Commander Interface	Displays two panels (one for displaying local host, one for remote host) Keyboard shortcuts Drag and drop to and from both panels Double-click files to open them Default method of selecting files not the same as in Windows Explorer; (to change to Windows-Explorer method, click Commander and then select the option Explorer style selection)
Explorer-like Interface	Displays one panel only (remote directory) Keyboard shortcuts Drag and drop to and from panel Ability to open files Ability to edit files on the fly (For HTML and text files, you can select "Edit"; for Word, the best method is to open the file and then edit the document.) Default method of selecting files same as in Windows Explorer

WinSCP Interface Type: Norton Commander

The Norton Commander interface is divided into two sections: the Local Panel and the Remote Panel. The Local Panel, located on the left, contains the files and directories on your local computer. The Remote Panel, on the right, contains your files and directories on the Intranet.

Just above the title bar of each panel, you will see a set of icons that enable you to work with directories. You will also see a drop-down list that enables you to navigate to other drives or directories, depending on which panel you're using. You can access a different drive or directory by selecting the desired drive or directory from the drop-down menu.

WinSCP Interface Type: Explorer-like Interface

The Explorer-like interface has only one panel, which contains files and directories for the remote host - in this case, the Intranet. The interface is similar in look and feel to Windows Explorer. Using the Explorer-like interface, you transfer files to the Intranet using the "drag and drop" method either from Windows Explorer or from your Desktop.

Switching to Another Interface

Select Preferences from the Options menu or click the Preferences icon:

Click the Interface link.
Select the desired interface by clicking its radio button.
Click OK.
Close and then re-open WinSCP for the change to take effect.

Notes:

You can switch interfaces at any time.
If you're switching to the Norton Commander interface, select the option Explorer-style selection from the Commander category in the Preferences window.