---
title: "FTP displays login directory as root"
date: "2014-12-22"
category: "ftp"
slug: "ftp-displays-login-directory-root"
---

When connecting to FTP, you may find that the login directory appears as `/` (root) and you cannot navigate to parent directories. This has two common causes.

## Cause 1: Defective FTP Client

Some FTP clients (such as Windows Explorer) incorrectly interpret the initial directory as root. For example, the server reports:

```
Response: 230 Login successful.
Command: pwd
Response: 257 "/home/mylogin"
```

A properly functioning client would display `/home/mylogin` as the current directory. A defective client instead shows `/`, preventing navigation to parent directories like `/home` or `/var/www/html`.

**Solution:** Use a different [[accessing-ftp-server]] or upgrade your current FTP client.

## Cause 2: Jailed User

Secondary users can be jailed to a specific directory via the [[logging-into-the-control-panel]] under **User** > **Manage Users** > _select user_ > **FTP** > **Jail**. A jailed user can only access files within that directory and cannot navigate outside it.

**Solution:** Disable the jail setting to restore full filesystem access.
