First make a batch file to call the ftp command. Call it, say, userpage.bat and add the following two lines:
@echo off
ftp -s:c:\batch\userpage.ftp
This means call the Windows ftp program with the source code (or ftp commands) in the file c:\batch\userpage.ftp.
The text file userpage.ftp can be called any name and be put into any convenient directory, but in this example both the batch file and the input data will be in the same directory (c:\batch) and be listed next to each other in a dir listing. That's just an easy way to remember where they are.
The data in this file consist of ftp commands and automatic inputs to ftp requests from your ISP (namely username and password). This means, unfortunately, that the file will contain your password in clear text.
There are several ways around that. One is to write a program which creates the ftp file from an encrypted source and then securely erases it afterwards. NOT EASY.
The first command will be to open the connection to your ISP with the open command, using the iprimus site as an example:
open home.iprimus.com.au
Specify the username alone on the next line:
bobb777
The password goes on the next line:
12345678
Add put commands if you are uploading files, or get commands if you are reading files from the web-site. An example might be:
put c:\home\index.htm
put c:\home\main.css
If you have data in other directories, you can change directories on the ISP with the cd command, for example:
cd images
Then upload to that directory with another put command:
put pcb.jpg
If you need other changes in directory use the ".." prefix to go up one level and then to another directory (just like DOS), for example:
cd ..\data
Then maybe put another file up:
put pcbprog.zip
Finally exit with the bye command:
bye
At a DOS prompt, just enter the command ftp. Type the open command and your ISP will then issue the username and password prompts. The first will echo as you type, but the other will not (phew).
The remaining commands are as above, namely the put, get, cd and finally the bye commands.
To see what other commands are available, just type help or ?.
>ftp
ftp> help
Commands may be abbreviated. Commands are:
! delete literal prompt send
? debug ls put status
append dir mdelete pwd trace
ascii disconnect mdir quit type
bell get mget quote user
binary glob mkdir recv verbose
bye hash mls remotehelp
cd help mput rename
close lcd open rmdir
ftp>
Help on individual commands is also available:
ftp> help lcd
lcd Change local working directory
ftp>