How to download/install Filezilla for child support SFTP server connection

Modified on: Thu, Mar 13 2025 9:14 AM

PURPOSE

Follow the steps below to download and install FileZilla to connect to the Child Support SFTP server.


PROCESS

Download FileZilla

  1. Navigate to the FileZilla website.
  2. On the website, click the Download FileZilla Client button.
  3. Choose the Standard version (the free version), click Download, and wait for the file to finish downloading.

 

Install FileZilla

  1. After the download is complete, run the downloaded file.
    • If prompted by AutoElevate to confirm the installation, click Yes, and reach out to Mister IT to allow the installer to run.
  2.  As soon as Mister IT approves the installation, open the downloaded file.
  3. Click I agree to accept the license agreement.
  4. Clean Decline for the optional offer and click Next.
  5. Choose Anyone who uses this computer and click Next.
  6. Do not change anything in the Choose Components box and click Next.
  7. Click Next.
  8. Click Install to begin the installation.
  9. Once complete, click Finish.


Reach Out to Mister IT

  1. Mister IT will provide you with a private key certificate file. This file is essential for authentication when connecting to a server using FileZilla.
    • NOTE: This file acts like a password. It should be stored in a secure location on your computer and not shared with anyone.


Setup FTP Profiles

  1. Choose a secure location on your computer to save the private key certificate.
    • NOTE: Do NOT share this folder or file with anyone. It should remain private, as it is crucial for secure authentication.
  2. Open FileZilla.
    • NOTE: If you need to connect to FileZilla out of HQ-N or HQ-S you will need MCW-VPN.
  3. In FileZilla, navigate to File and select Site Manager.
  4. Click the New Site button on the left
    • NOTE: You will be adding two sites, the second site is similar with two changes as described below.
  5. Click Rename Name and name the site "MCW Drop-Off".
  6. Configure the connection using the following information in the fields:
    • Host: Enter sftp.mistercarwash.com.
    • Port: 22.
    • Protocol: Select SFTP - SSH File Transfer Protocol.
    • Logon Type: Select Key file.
    • User: Enter your business email username (without @mistercarwash.com).
    • Key file: Click Browse... and select the same private key file you got from Mister IT.
  7. Select the Advanced tab and in the Default remote directory field, enter “/mcwsftp- eiwo/Drop-Off”. 
  8. Click OK to save the settings and click Connect to connect immediately.
  9. Add another New Site just like before
  10. On the Configuration page everything is the same as above, except:
  11. Name the site ”MCW Pick-Up”.
  12. The default remote directory is: “/mcwsftp-eiwo/Pick-Up”.


Understanding the FileZilla Interface

  1. Toolbar: This is where you can find quick action buttons. You will learn how to use these buttons as you gain confidence with FileZilla. 
  2. Quick connect bar: This is where you can make a quick connection to any FTP server. 
    • NOTE: Suggest setting up profiles so you can use the FTP as needed without having to remember all the details.
  3. Message log: Here you will find real-time details about your connection and any errors that may be preventing a connection.
  4. Local pane: This panel shows the files on your computer. If you are moving files to the server for someone else to download, you will copy/move them from this area.
  5. Remote pane: This panel is the FTP server you are connected to. 
    • If uploading files, you will take them from the left (local) pane and copy/move to the right (remote) pane. 
    • If you are downloading files, you will move/copy them from the right pane to the left pane.
  6. Transfer queue: This queue is for checking the status of your upload/download.


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