WS_FTP LE | Profiles Missing

This is a short story about WS_FTP LE profiles | Now You See Them, Now You Don’t

I see and experience some weird stuff working on my Windows10 PC and various software including WS_FTP LE

I’m writing this for the software users out there that may run into the same issue.

I fired up my PC yesterday morning and was working away when I needed to upload an image file.

My preferred method of choice for speed and ease is ftp using WS_FTP LE.

I run the software, go to select the profile and to my amazement, shock and horror, they are all gone.

Over 80 FTP profiles, host name, host IP, host type, User ID and Passwords are missing, vanished, blank.

In a panic, I go searching my PC using File Explorer.  I’m not a fan of the W10 search as it is slow and never seems to return what I’m looking for.  This was no exception, nothing.

I finally found the software = This PC, Local Disk (C), Program Files, WS_FTP

I’m looking for a file named ws_ftp.ini which contains all the profiles.

Don’t get me wrong, I really like Ipswitch WS_FTP LE

I don’t believe for a moment that the issue was caused by the WS_FTP LE software.  I’ve used it for too long to know.  It happened once before a long time ago and if memory serves, that was a PC related issue as well.

What caused it:  I believe a Windows 10 Update (or pending update).

Late last night my PC had slowed right down and I knew it was time for a reboot.  On hitting the restart key, I noticed there was an update option as well so I selected it.

The update and restart took roughly an hour.

Now it didn’t cross my mind at the time but the following morning I’m working away when I need to FTP again.  I accessed the cpanel of the web site and created a new FTP account so I could create a new profile in WS_FTP.  OMG, as I paste in the domain name into the Profile Name field, it displays all the fields with populated details.

All my profiles were back (from the dead).

Where they went is anyones guess.

The moral of this story: wait, run any pending updates and reboot the PC.  Odds are the profiles will magically reappear.

I expect the biggest issue besides frustration is time.  These things take up my time.  Time I don’t have.

WS_FTP RESEARCH

I found a few things that may help

• Main copy of WS_FTP.ini file is located in C:\Program Files\WS_FTP\
• User specific WS_FTP.ini file is located in C:\Users\(User)\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Program Files\WS_FTP\WS_FTP.ini
• stokebrand.com – Ipswitch: WS FTP How to Move My Sites To a New Machine
• thinkwebsolutions.com – Importing your WS_FTP LE saved password settings into a new install on Windows 7

Interestingly, I read: Optionally, you can update WS_FTP.ini by just deleting it and the program will pull in the fresh copy from the main installation next time the user open their WS_FTP program.

IPSWITCH WS_FTP LE SOFTWARE

I once purchased the PRO version but I found it problematic at best.

I realised after a few frustrating weeks with PRO that I had a copy of the free software which I have kept and installed with each new PC for 15+ years.

Ipswitch has retired WS_FTP LE. You can purchase WS_FTP Professional for US$49.95.

• wsftple.com – WS_FTP LE Retired. WS_FTP $49.95!

Now this is a bit naughty.  I have retained a copy of WS_FTP LE for over 15 years.  It’s brilliant.  It still works.  I install it on every new PC I get.  I feel a little bit justified as I did purchase the PRO version, I just didn’t like it.  If you try the free sample software and like it, buy it.

• The Ipswitch Company – professional FTP programs.
• Download WS_FTP LE (right click – Save Target As) and then run the .exe file.

Ipswitch is the leader in easy to try, buy and use IT & network management software that secures control of business transactions, applications and infrastructure.