All files uploaded to Rootsweb must be done in ftp,
or file transfer protocol. There are several programs that will accomplish
this. My preference is WS_FTP LE, and it is free. You can download it at:
http://www.ftpplanet.com/download.htm
This tutorial will cover the basic settings and use
of WS_FTP LE for your Rootsweb site. From here on I will simply refer to
the program as WS.
Once you have downloaded and installed WS, open it and you will see the screen shown below. Notice the large arrow pointing to the Session Properties box? This is where we will start. We must configure it to work with your RootsWeb site.
Notice the image below. Click on the New box pointed to by the arrow. This will allow you to configure a new profile for your site. Scroll down for the next part of the lesson.
Your screen should now look like the one below, and you are ready to configure WS for your web site. You will need to add the information listed here.
Profile name: Call it what you like. I chose Homepage, but it really doesn't matter
HostName/Address: users.freepages.rootsweb.com
Host Type: Unix (standard) Choose from the drop down menu
User ID: The user id given to you by Rootsweb. Do not check the Anonymous box.
Password: The password given to you by Rootsweb. Check the Save Pwd box.
Click apply to save these settings.
Your screen should look similar to the image below. The profile and user id will be yours. This example is for my site.
Before we move on I must tell you, this tutorial is on using WS_FTP for uploading. If you have no files ready, come back to this tutorial later.
Now it's time to upload your files. Click the OK box in the Session Properties area on you screen. If all works well you should be connecting to the internet to upload. If you don't get a connection, you may have to connect with your browser before using WS. Regardless of your setup, you can open WS and use it once connected to the internet. I prefer to connect first, but that is a personal preference.
When you are connected you screen should look similar
to the one below.
The left side of the screen shows your hard drive. The right side shows the Rootsweb server for your freepages site(s). There are several categories available, but for most you will want to upload to your genealogy area. Double click the area, genealogy in this example. Your screen should now change to your genealogy site. Mine is shown below.
Notice the right side shows my site in this example. Yours will obviously be different. Now we have to change the left side to get to your files for upload. Notice the big black arrow pointing to the green up arrow. Double click the green arrow to move up on your hard drive directory to get to the area you save your Rootsweb files. Once you find that folder, double click to open it. You should now have something on your screen similar to what is below. Again this is an example from my system.
You should now have a complete view of your hard drive on the left side, and your Rootsweb site on the right. To upload a file simply double click the filename on the left and wait. The bottom of your screen will show the upload activity and the screen will refresh . Notice the transfer succeeded in the lower portion of the above screen. If you see that you have succeeded.
WS_FTP LE has many more features you may want to explore. This tutorial does not cover them. It is my attempt to share my knowledge for those of you that are new to this. This will get your files on the RootsWeb server for all the world to see. Have fun!
Created by Jeffrey G. Allen
This page may be copied and distributed for any non profit uses.