FTP Error 250: Requested File Action Okay
FTP reply code 250 is the general success response for file and directory operations. You will see it after CWD (change directory), DELE (delete file), RMD (remove directory), RNTO (rename to — the second half of a rename), MKD (make directory — though 257 is more common), and other file-system-level commands. Code 250 confirms the operation was performed on the server's filesystem. It is the file-operation equivalent of 200 (which confirms protocol-level commands). The response text usually includes a brief confirmation like '250 Directory successfully changed' or '250 Delete operation successful.'
Status
250 Requested File Action OkayExample
220 ftp.example.com FTP server ready
USER alice
331 Password required
PASS ****
230 User alice logged in
CWD /uploads/2026
250 Directory successfully changed
DELE old_report.pdf
250 Delete operation successfulHow to Troubleshoot
No troubleshooting needed
Code 250 is a success response. The requested file or directory operation was completed. Continue with your next operation.
Verify the operation took effect
After CWD, send PWD to confirm the current directory. After DELE, send LIST to confirm the file was removed. After MKD/RMD, send LIST to confirm the directory change.
Common Causes
Directory change successful
highThe client sent CWD /path/to/directory and the server confirmed the working directory was changed. Subsequent LIST and file operations will use the new directory.
File deleted successfully
highThe client sent DELE filename and the server removed the file from the filesystem. This operation is permanent and cannot be undone.
File renamed successfully
mediumThe client sent RNFR (rename from) followed by RNTO (rename to) and the server renamed the file. Code 250 appears after the RNTO command.
Directory removed successfully
mediumThe client sent RMD to remove a directory. The server confirmed the directory was deleted. The directory must have been empty for RMD to succeed.
Related Error Codes
Command Okay
The FTP command was understood and executed successfully.
Pathname Created
The directory was created or the current directory path is being returned.
Requested File Action Pending Further Information
The server is waiting for additional information to complete the requested action.
Requested Action Not Taken, File Unavailable
The file or directory operation failed. The path does not exist, or access is denied.
References
| Specification | Section |
|---|---|
| RFC 959 | RFC 959 §4.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
This reference was compiled from official RFCs, protocol specifications, and hands-on troubleshooting experience. AI tools were used primarily for formatting and organizing the content on the page.