A file has successfully been uploaded into your HostedFTP account by a user but is not visible to admin. There are 3 solutions to finding a user’s file(s) that will differ depending on the setup of your account. Read the following scenarios below and utilize the explanation provided to locate a user’s file(s) and prevent this event from re-occurring.
Scenario #1: The user is uploading into a folder that is not shared with the admin. In this scenario, the user simply has to share that folder back with the admin with read/write permissions on the folder. Learn more about sharing folder access. This will allow the admin to gain access to the folder and become able to view all sub-folders and all files within the shared folder.
Step |
Example/Illustration |
Click share on the folder. | ![]() |
Give the admin read/write access on the folder. |
Scenario #2: The user is uploading files directly into the root directory. In this scenario you will have to restrict this user to a shared folder. This will disable the user’s ability to create their own folders or upload into their account workspace thus forcing the user to upload into a specified shared folder owned by the admin. This will allow the admin to view all files and sub-folders within the shared folder.
Step | Example/Illustration |
Login as the admin and share a folder with the user. | ![]() |
Set the user’s “Storage Quota” to 0 GB. | ![]() |
Set the user’s “Default FTP Folder” to the name of the shared folder. | ![]() |
Scenario #3: The user is uploading into a shared folder, however, the admin still cannot see the files; this could be because the admin was not given proper permissions on the shared folder. If the admin was only given write access on the shared folder, the user needs to give the admin read access as well. This will allow the admin to see all files in the shared folders.
Step | Example/Illustration |
Login as the user and click the Sharing link in the Files tab. | ![]() |
Click the shared folder and review the permissions set on this folder. | ![]() |
Use the drop-down menu beside the admin, underneath Access, to ensure the admin has read access. | ![]() |