I am trying to connect to a linux (Red Hat Linux 7.1) server I recently installed from my Windows PC but keep getting:

ftp: connect: Connection refused

This also happens when I try to run:

ftp localhost

from the Linux server itself.

1) What do I need to look for to check that the ftp server is installed and running properly
2) If it is then what could be the problem
3) How do I make the ftp server auto start when the Linux server is started.

Phillip

Usually the easiest way to setup FTP by default on Redhat is to type setup as root and from there you will find services to select from. Then place a mark next to FTP to start the FTP server, this should also enable it to start at boot time.

Though being version 7.1, you might want to download and install a later version, I think Redhat on that version used wu-ftpd as the default FTP server, as your version on this would be outdated and could have some security issues.

You could also use a different server like proftpd or a secure one as sftp which are usually more stable and recommended over wu-ftp in most cases.