Tutorials

How to fix the error $ 0027 Directory list could not be retrieved $ 0027 in FileZilla

FileZilla is free software, has two versions: FileZilla Client y FileZilla Server. The client has cross-platform support but the server is only compatible with Windows. This application is used to transfer files between computers on a network. However, There have been many reports recently that users experience the error »Could not retrieve directory list» when trying to connect to the server.

Could not retrieve directory list error in FileZilla

What causes the error “Directory list could not be retrieved” in FileZilla?

After receiving numerous reports from various users, we decided to investigate the problem and found a set of solutions that eradicated it for most of our users. What's more, We investigate the reasons why this issue is triggered and list some of the most common ones below.

Firewall de Windows: In most cases, FileZilla server was working locally but not remotely. Every time a connection attempt was made locally, this error was activated. This error is triggered because the Windows Firewall was blocking the FileZilla connection. Although the exception for a particular port could be added in the Firewall, still uses a »Passive Mode» to send and receive files. This is done on random TCP ports. Therefore, the firewall blocks these ports and this error occurs.
Encryption: there are several types of connection encryption that you can use when trying to connect to the server. Although some are safer than others, they can often cause problems even with legitimate connections by preventing the connection from being established.

Now that you have a basic understanding of the nature of the problem, we will look for solutions. Make sure to apply them in the specific way they are presented to avoid conflicts.

Solution 1: create a firewall rule

If the firewall is preventing FileZilla from communicating with the Internet, will not work properly and the error will occur. Therefore, in this step, we will first limit the ports for FileZilla and then add exceptions for them in the firewall. To do that:

Start the "FileZilla Server" on the computer "Server".
Click on the »Edit» option and select «Settings» from the list. Clicking on “Edit” and selecting “Setting”
Click on the »Passive Mode Settings» option on the left panel and check the »Use custom port range« option..
Enter »2100» in the first box and in the second box. Please enter 2100 in both boxes
Click »OK» to save the settings.
Press the buttons »Windows» + »I» simultaneously to open the configuration.
Click »Update & Security» and select »Windows Security» in the left pane. Selecting “Update and security”
Click on the option »Firewall and network protection» and select the button »Advanced settings». Clicking on “Advanced configuration”
Left click on the »Inbound rule» option and then click the right mouse button again.
Select »New rule» from the list. Select «New rule»
Under the heading »What type of rule do you want to create«, mark the option »Port» and click «Next». Marking the option «Port»
Check the option »TCP» and check the option »Specific local ports«. Check «TCP» and the option «Specific local ports»
Enter »21,2100» in the space and click on «Next».

Note: In place of 21 enter the port you selected when creating the server
Check the option »Allow connection» and click »Next«. Click on “Allow connection”
On the next screen, check the option »Private«, »Domain» and the option »Public«. Checking the Private options, Domain and Public
Click »Next» and enter the desired name for this rule. Entering the rule name
Click »Finish» to add this rule.
Repeat this same process for »Outbound Rules» to add the same rule for it too.
When these rules have been added, check if the problem persists.

Solution 2: change the encoding

Encryption settings may be causing the problem. Therefore, in this step we will change the encryption of the connection. For that:

Open »FileZilla Client» on the computer »Client».
Click on “File” and select “Site administrator”. Clicking File and selecting “Site administrator”
If the server you want to connect to is not there yet, select »New site«.
Add the hostname, the username and password for the connection.
Click on the drop-down menu »Login type» and select »Normal«.
Click on the drop-down menu »Encryption» and select »Use only simple FTP«. Change encryption settings
Make the connection and check if the problem persists.

Solution 3: change FTP settings

In some cases, FTP settings may not be configured correctly due to the error occurred. Therefore, in this step, we will change certain FTP settings. For it:

Open »FileZilla Client» in »Client» Computer.
Click on »Edit» and select »Settings«. Clicking on “Edit” and selecting “Setting”
Click on »FTP» under »Connections» and check the option »Active«. Clicking on FTP and checking “Active”
Mark “Allow rollback to other transfer modes on failure”.
Click on »Active mode» under the heading «FTP» and check the option »Ask your operating system for the external IP address«. Clicking on “Active mode” and marking the option “Ask your operating system for the external IP address”
Click on the option »Passive mode» and check the option »Return to active mode«. Click on «Passive mode» and check the option «Return to active mode»
Click »OK» to save the settings and check if the problem persists.

Solution 4: modify the hostname

Sometimes, when making a connection to a specific host, altering the hostname to start a certain protocol can correct the error. Therefore, in this step, we will modify the hostname. For that:

Open »FileZilla Client» on the computer »Client».
Click on the »Hostname« option.
Enter the following before the actual name of the server
```
sftp://
```
Add “sftp: //” before the server name
Enter the rest of the details and check if the problem persists.

How to fix the error $ 0027 Directory list could not be retrieved $ 0027 in FileZilla

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