Problems using the Notepad++ FTP_Synchronize Plugin with Vista
I was excited to find out recently that Notepad++ has a plug-in that will allow you to edit files on an FTP server. The plug-in, which has come with Notepad++ since v4.7, is FTP_Synchronize. Unfortunately, although I’m on Notepad++ 5.2, the plug-in did not work out of the box for me. While I could connect to and browse my FTP server, any attempt to download a file resulted in the error “Unable to create directory for file C”.
After browsing the forums and googling around, it seems that some people were able to upgrade to the latest unstable releases from CVS or reinstall Notepad++ to resolve the issue. My solution for this problem was to run Notepad++ as an administrator. When running it as admin, I found that it created the folder “C:\program files\notepad++\plugins\FTP_synchronize”. This folder is where files that were being edited are cached.
After the folder was created, I changed the permissions on the folder so that the EVERYONE group had FULL CONTROL on the folder. Now, when I launch Notepad++ I can use the FTP_Synchronize plug-in without issue. An alternative method, I suppose, would be to disable UAC in Vista, but I might be one of the few geeks that kind of likes keeping it on.
Update: I’ve learned that there is an option for this plug-in that allows you to store the cached copies of the pages anywhere you like. While I haven’t tried it, storing the pages somewhere other than Program Files (such as in your documents folder) should fix this issue as well.
Brilliant! thank you!!
While i was running notepad++ as admin, it didn’t create the dir.
Creating it by hand solved the problem.
Thanks again!
@Bill
Glad it helped, Bill, I’ve found you should also be able to change the path to resolve the issue in Vista although I haven’t been able to confirm it. Thanks for commenting!
I think it’d be great if the FTP_synchronize module stores caches settings under the folder belonging to the currently logged in user in Vista. This way, Vista won’t deny access to the file as it does because these settings are stored in a directory that requires the user to be logged in as an Administrator. This program doesn’t run as administrator by default, and so this issue surfaced.
A work around I know has worked for me is to simply change the permissions for the directory being denied access by Vista to Notepad++. Ensure that the currently logged in Vista user (you) has the permissions on the FTP_synchronize folder to write/access as well as read. If you are logged onto Vista as “John Doe”, then you must tell Vista that “John Doe” has the permissions to modify/write to this folder.
@Nicholas Maietta
Nicholas, I agree completely! I can only suggest that we let the author know how we feel. Being that he has provided this to us completely free of charge and has donated his time and work to the betterment of NotePad++, I wont say we should demand such a change, but I think the more people that send their suggestions to him, the better!
Thanks! This solved my problem aswell. I’m running Windows 7 so this solution works for that one too so you know
Worked a treat! thanks
Thank you – solved my problem under Windows 7. I simply created a folder within Documents, that did the trick.
Hi there !
Thanks for this article.
I’m feeling free to translate it in French for my blog readers if you don’t mind. You are naturally full credited :
NPP, FTP_Synchronize & Vista
By the way :
Update: I’ve learned that there is an option for this plug-in that allows you to store the cached copies of the pages anywhere you like. While I haven’t tried it, storing the pages somewhere other than Program Files (such as in your documents folder) should fix this issue as well.
Actually, there is :
Through the FTP servers setting window, you get a “general” tab under which you should find the option. I’m also notifying this in my post with screenshots.
Thanks! It worked for me. Notepad++ plus FTP Synchronize is a powerful tool for edit documents online (I prefer this instead other heavy IDE like Eclipse), and was very annoying that were not possible to use FTP Sync. on Windows Vista or 7. Greetings from Chile, and Happy New Year!
thank you a thousand times…
At last, I’ve got a opend DreamWaver now.
Greetings from Bretagne!
For me it doesn’t work. I set caching directory for any writeable directory I create. I connect to FTP, I can edit and save file “online” but when I choose save as, I don’t see any other files that the one I edit. I don’t see also any subdirectories (they exist on ftp). I don’t see also directories that are above but not in straight line.
For example I have:
FTP
_
\DIR1
_
\DIR2_
\SUBDIR2_
\file1, file2, file3
I connect to this ftp and edit file3, when I choose save_as I don’t see files file1 and file2.
When I want to save my current file in dir above of SUBDIR2 I can’t see DIR1 (it exists on the server) I see only DIR2.
Any help?
Great tip, thank you!
Thanks. It worked.
Great advice! Fixed my problem! Thanks!
P.S. Man, I love the internet…
Thx man
Thanks, it worked when i started Notepad++ as admin.