--- title: Why do I see “Connection attempt failed…” when downloading or uploading EDI files via FTP or sFTP? description: Fix the “Connection attempt failed” error when Acctivate EDI cannot connect via FTP or sFTP due to blocked network ports 21 or 10022. --- [Skip to content](https://hub.acctivate.com/articles/why-do-i-see-connection-attempt-failed-when-downloading-or-uploading-edi-files-via-ftp-or-sftp#main-content) [Go to Customer Portal](https://hub.acctivate.com/tickets?hsLang=en) ![Acctivate - A CAI Solution](https://hub.acctivate.com/hubfs/Images/Logos/acctivate-cai-logo-svg.svg) - [Knowledge Base](https://hub.acctivate.com/articles) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Knowledge Base](https://hub.acctivate.com/articles) - [Go to Customer Portal](https://hub.acctivate.com/tickets) - [Support Resources / Create Ticket](https://acctivate.com/support) [Support Resources / Create Ticket](https://acctivate.com/support) Hello. 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[EDI](https://hub.acctivate.com/articles/troubleshoot?hsLang=en#edi) November 11, 2025 # Why do I see “Connection attempt failed…” when downloading or uploading EDI files via FTP or sFTP? ## Learn what causes the “Connection attempt failed” error in Acctivate EDI FTP/sFTP transfers and how to resolve blocked port issues. ### **Answer** When attempting to **download or upload EDI files** via **FTP or sFTP** in Acctivate, you may see this error: > **Error:** A connection attempt failed because the connected party did not properly respond after a period of time, or established connection failed because connected host has failed to respond. ![](https://hub.acctivate.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Nov-11-2025-10-29-47-7526-PM.png?width=422&height=164&name=image-png-Nov-11-2025-10-29-47-7526-PM.png) This message indicates that the connection between your workstation and the EDI FTP/sFTP server could not be established. In most cases, this is caused by a **firewall or network security setting** that is **blocking the necessary communication ports**. --- #### **Cause** Acctivate uses different ports depending on the connection type: - **FTP:** Port **21** - **sFTP:** Port **10022** If these ports are blocked on your workstation, server, or router, Acctivate will not be able to connect to the EDI endpoint. --- #### **Resolution** Follow these steps to resolve the issue: 1. **Verify your EDI connection type** - Open **Configuration Management** in Acctivate. - Navigate to **EDI → Trading Partners**. - Review the settings for the affected trading partner to determine if the connection is **FTP** or **sFTP**. 2. **Check workstation and server firewall settings** - Ensure that outbound traffic is allowed on the correct port: - Port **21** for FTP - Port **10022** for sFTP - If needed, add an **exception** in your Windows Firewall or security software for Acctivate. 3. **Review network/router settings** - Confirm your router or network firewall allows traffic on the required ports. - If your company uses a managed IT service or network administrator, ask them to verify these settings. 4. **Test the connection** - After updating your firewall or router settings, return to **EDI Configuration Management** in Acctivate. - Test the connection again to confirm that the error no longer appears. --- #### **Expected Result** Acctivate successfully connects to the EDI FTP or sFTP endpoint and downloads or uploads transaction files without error. #### **Additional Notes** - If the issue persists after confirming firewall settings, test the FTP/sFTP connection outside Acctivate using a client such as **FileZilla** to confirm network access. - For more information on EDI setup in Acctivate, see: 🔗 [Acctivate EDI Configuration Documentation](https://docs.acctivate.com/docs/ConfigurationEDI.html#system-defaults) - [Getting Started](https://hub.acctivate.com/articles/getting-started?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Basics](https://hub.acctivate.com/articles/getting-started?hsLang=en#basics) - 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