FAQ

Q: I have compile/link problems.
A: Some common installation problems are described in the INSTALL file.
   If your case is not covered, please send a problem report.

Q: How can I see the greeting message from the server?
A: Try `debug 3'. It is disabled by default to keep the screen clear in case
   of several simultaneous connections.

Q: Why doesn't lftp download files like this: `lftp ftp:https://host/path/file'?
A: It expects an URL of a directory. To download a file use `lftpget URL'.

Q: What is the %2F in ftp URL's?
A: RFC1738 specifies that clients handling ftp URL's should interpret them
   as HOME relative by default. %2F stands for leading slash pointing to
   the root directory.

Q: Why do the secure protocols https and ftps give the "PRNG not seeded" error
   message?
A: Your system probably lacks a /dev/random-like device. Create a ~/.rnd file
   containing random characters and SSL will work. See also the OpenSSL FAQ
   about this.

Q: Why does lftp say that locking fails all the time? (on linux)
A: You have compiled lftp with large file support (>2G) but your kernel
   does not support 64-bit file-locking. Either install a better kernel
   (e.g. linux-2.4.x) or compile lftp without large file support
   (configure --disable-largefile)

Q: Where is lls?
A: !ls

Q: Why doesn't `mirror' download files starting with a dot (or re-uploads
   them all the time)? I can see the files on the server using `ls -a'.
A: Try `set ftp:list-options -a'.

Q: ^Z doesn't work in Cygwin.
A: Use "SET CYGWIN=TTY".  This must be done before starting a shell, if any.

Q: lftp consumes 100% CPU on MacOS X Tiger just waiting at the command prompt.
A: See http:https://www.mail-archive.com/lftp%40uniyar.ac.ru/msg02101.html for
   a workaround for MacOS X bug.

Q: lftp hangs in "Making data connection" state.
A: Try "set ftp:prefer-epsv no". Probably a router on the path to the server
   does not recognize the EPSV command.

Q: ssl:key-file setting is not applied to sftp and fish connections.
A: Use sftp:connect-program and fish:connect-program settings instead, e.g.:
   "ssh -a -x -i path-to-key-file"