ITS Documentation
Using SSH Secure Shell to Transfer Files with sftp [Windows]
S4299 • May 2005

This document describes how to use the version of SSH Secure Shell included in the Information and Technology Services (ITS) Windows Internet Access Kit to copy, or transfer, files from one computer to another over the Internet. SSH uses sftp (secure file transfer protocol).

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Obtaining the Software

SSH Secure Shell is installed as part of the Windows Internet Access Kit. See the Internet Access Kits web page for details. Once installed, SSH Secure Shell is inside the UM Internet Access Kit desktop folder.

You can also download a free stand-alone SSH Secure Shell installer. You will need to authenticate with your U-M uniqname and password.

Connecting to IFS and Other U-M Host Computers

ITS provides a number of shortcuts to make it easier for you to open secure file-transfer connections to popular host computers at U-M. (A "host computer" is one that allows other computers to connect to it; it "hosts" connections from other computers.) Here's how to use the shortcuts.

  1. Make sure you have a working Internet connection. If you use a modem, establish a dial-up connection. If you use Ethernet, your connection should already be available.

  2. On your desktop, double-click the UM Internet Access Kit folder.

    3. The shortcuts are right there. To open a file transfer connection using a shortcut, double-click the shortcut's icon. For example, to connect to your ITS-provided IFS home directory, double-click the ITS Home Directory icon. (You might have to single-click some icons to see their full names.)

  3. Double-click the ITS Home Directory shortcut to open a connection you can use to transfer files to and from your home directory. SSH will open.

    4. Screen shot of the IITS Home Directory shortcut.

  4. In the Connect to Remote Host dialog box:

    1. In the User Name field, type your uniqname.

    2. Click Connect.

      3. NOTE: For an SFTP file transfer connection to IFS, use the sftp.itd.umich.edu host name.

  5. In the Enter Password dialog box, type your UMICH Kerberos password, then click OK.

    6. THE FIRST TIME YOU CONNECT: The first time you connect to any host computer, you will see a Host Identification dialog box asking if you want to "save the new host key to the local database." Click Yes.

    CAUTION! Use your uniqname and UMICH password with SSH Secure Shell for SFTP only when connecting to U-M hosts. Do not use them with non-U-M hosts. Some host computers at U-M -- such as those run by individual schools, colleges, or departments -- may require different user IDs and passwords.

  6. A window showing your local computer on the left and your home directory on the right will open. You are now ready to transfer files.

Transferring Files

Transfer files by dragging their icons from one side to the other of the window. You can copy files from your local computer to your IFS home directory and vice versa.

Screen shot showing how you can drag and drop files from one side of your window to the other.

Deleting a File From Your Home Directory

  1. On the home directory (remote) side of your window, click a file to select it.

  2. From the Operation menu, select Delete.

  3. In the Confirm delete dialog box, click Yes. The file will be deleted.

Renaming a File in Your Home Directory

  1. On the home directory (remote) side of your window, click a file to select it.

  2. From the Operation menu, select Rename.

  3. The file name will become editable. Make whatever changes to the file name you wish.
  4. Click anywhere outside the file name to save the changes.

Closing Your Connection

  1. From the File menu, select Disconnect.

  2. In the Confirm Disconnect dialog box, click Yes. This will close your connection to the host computer. It will not disconnect your dial-in or other connection to the Internet. The window turns gray, to show that you are not connected. And there is a "not connected" line at the bottom left of the window.

    3. Screen shot showing that you are not connected.

    WARNING! Your computer account will continue to accrue dial-in charges for as long as you have an open modem connection to the Internet. Close your modem connection any way possible, even if it means turning the power off to your modem. You are responsible for all charges.

  3. To exit SSH Secure Shell, pull down the File menu and select Exit.

Connecting to Other Computers for File Transfer

  1. Open SSH Secure Shell for file transfer by double-clicking the SSH Secure Shell File Transfer icon (To get to it, open the UM Internet Access Kit folder, then the SSH Secure Shell folder.) An SSH Secure Shell file transfer window will open.

    2. HINT: Do not double-click the SSH Secure Shell Client icon; that will open a terminal connection instead of a file transfer connection.

  2. From the File menu, select Connect.

  3. In the Connect to Remote Host dialog box:

    1. In the Host Name field, type the host computer's address.

    2. In the User Name field, type your user name for the computer to which you are connecting. (For most U-M computers, use your uniqname.)

    3. Click Connect.

  4. In the Enter Password dialog box, type your password for that computer, and click OK.

    5. THE FIRST TIME YOU CONNECT: The first time you connect to any host computer, you will see a Host Identification dialog box asking if you want to "save the new host key to the local database." Click Yes.

    CAUTION! Use your uniqname and UMICH password with SSH Secure Shell only when connecting to U-M hosts. Do not use them with non-U-M hosts. Some host computers at U-M -- such as those run by individual schools, colleges, or departments -- may require different user IDs and passwords.

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Additional Resources

Visit ITS's Information System to obtain ITS computer documentation and other resources. A list of relevant documents follows:

We welcome your comments; please send e-mail.

ITS's Online Help Desk provides a variety of computing help resources.

For further help with SSH secure shell, send e-mail or phone (734) 764-HELP.

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