FileZilla FTP Server: Connection Refused When Accessing ALM Repository

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. The author and the publisher do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information. The techniques and suggestions mentioned may cause harm if not implemented correctly. The author and the publisher are not liable for any damages resulting from the use or misuse of the information. Use your own judgment and exercise caution when applying the suggestions in this article. Always consult official documentation and experts, and test changes in a controlled environment before applying them to production systems. By using this information, you agree to hold the author and the publisher harmless from any liability or claim.

Applies To:

1.  FileZilla FTP Server

2. ALM Application Server (any supported version)

    

Issue:

When attempting to configure FileZilla FTP Server to connect to the ALM repository database in order to download multiple attachments, the connection attempt fails with a “Connection Refused” error.

At first glance, this may appear to be related to firewall restrictions, but even when installed directly on the ALM application server (where the repository resides), the connection still fails.

Cause:

The issue occurs because the external IP address of the ALM server is being used in the FTP connection settings instead of the internal loopback address (127.0.0.1).

Since FileZilla FTP Server is running on the same server that contains the repository, there is no need to route through the external network. Using the external IP address will cause the connection to be refused.

Steps:

1. Open the FileZilla FTP client configuration.
2. Instead of entering the external IP address of the ALM server, use the internal loopback address (127.0.0.1) or the server’s internal hostname.
3. Save the configuration and retry the connection.
4. The connection should now succeed, allowing direct access to the ALM repository attachments.

We hope this article provided you with the assistance you needed. If you would like to find out more regarding the Services and Support Offerings we provide, please reach out to our Sales Team.