If you're using Windows Server and facing this error:
530 User cannot log in, home directory inaccessible
across all FTP users and domains, this guide will help you resolve it based on a real-world case handled with the server team.
If longer than 15 characters:
- Go to:
Server Manager → Local Server → Computer Name - Rename it to something 15 characters or less
- Restart the server
This was the actual breaking cause in most of the case.
- Open IIS Manager
- Go to:
Sites → Your FTP Site (IP address) - Click Basic Settings
- Click Connect As…
- Select:
Application user (pass-through authentication)
- Click OK → OK
Do NOT use a specific system user like ftpuser
Step 3: Verify FTP Root Directory
In Basic Settings, ensure:
Physical Path:
C:\inetpub\vhosts\Servers\7Step 4: Remove Unnecessary FTP Sites
- Open IIS → Sites
- Remove or disable extra FTP sites such as:
- FTP
- FTPNew
Keep only the default Plesk FTP site
Step 5: Fix defaultLogonDomain (If Hostname Changed)
After renaming the server, IIS may still use the old hostname.
Update using command:
%windir%\system32\inetsrv\appcmd.exe set config -section:"system.applicationHost/sites" "/[name='YOUR_FTP_SITE_NAME'].ftpServer.security.authentication.basicAuthentication.defaultLogonDomain:YOUR_HOSTNAME"
Restart-Service ftpsvc
plesk repair ftp -yplesk repair fs -y
