Passive FTP mode (sometimes called "PASV" mode) is used by some newer FTP servers on the Internet to work better with firewalls. Microsoft Internet Explorer includes a setting for Passive FTP. Depending upon the configuration of FTP servers you wish to connect to, it may occasionally be necessary to either enable or disable this setting for Internet Explorer to make a connection as an FTP client.

Follow these steps to either enable or disable Passive FTP for Internet Explorer (tested with ver 6.0).

1. Start Internet Explorer.

2. On Internet Explorer's menu bar, click Tools, then Internet Option.

3. Click the Advanced tab.

4. In the Settings list, scroll down to Use Passive FTP.

5. Click the associated checkbox to enable or disable Passive FTP. A green checkmark in the checkbox indicates that the feature is enabled. An empty checkbox indicates that the feature is disabled.

6. Click OK to save the Passive FTP setting, and any other changes you've made, and exit from the Internet Options settings box.

It's not necessary to restart Windows after enabling or disabling Passive FTP.