XP includes a built-in FTP service component that lets FTP clients connect to the machine and read or write files; however, this service doesn't install by default. To install the FTP service, perform the following steps:
- Click the Start button, click Control Panel, and then click Add or Remove Programs.
- Click Add/Remove Windows Components.
- In the Windows Components Wizard dialog box, if you are running at least Windows Server 2003, select Application Server, and then click Details.
- Select Internet Information Services (IIS) and then click Details.
- In the Internet Information Services (IIS) dialog box, select the File Transfer Protocol (FTP) Service check box and click OK.
- In the Windows Components Wizard dialog box, click Next. If prompted, insert your Windows CD.
You can use the Microsoft Management Console (MMC) Internet Information Services snap-in to configure the FTP service (go to Start, Programs, Administrative Tools, then click Internet Information Services). After the snap-in starts, expand the computer name, and then expand FTP Sites. A Default FTP Site will have been added. Right-click Default FTP Site, then select Properties from the displayed context menu to set options such as Home Directory, accounts, and anonymous access. To stop the FTP service, right-click the FTP site and select Stop from the context menu; likewise, select Start from the context menu to restart the service.