Managing files on your Enigma2 box doesn't have to involve USB sticks or complicated commands. FileZilla provides a drag-and-drop interface that connects your PC directly to your receiver. This guide will get you connected and transferring files in minutes.
Follow these steps for your first connection:
- Download FileZilla Client from filezilla-project.org
- Enable FTP on your Enigma2 box:
- Go to MENU > Setup > System > Network
- Select Adapter Settings
- Choose your active network connection
- Go to Password & Security (or Services)
- Set FTP to Enabled (Port 21)
- Find your receiver's IP address (shown in the network menu)
- Open FileZilla and enter:
- Host: [Your receiver's IP, e.g., 192.168.1.100]
- Username:
root - Password: [use your own password]
- Port:
21 - Click Quickconnect
You should now see your PC's files on the left and your receiver's files on the right!
Knowing where to put files is half the battle. Here are the essential directories:
| Directory Path | What Goes Here |
|---|
| /etc/enigma2/ | Settings files, bouquets (channel lists), auto timers |
| /usr/lib/enigma2/python/Plugins/ | System plugins (extensions) |
| /media/hdd/movie/ | Recordings (if you have an internal hard drive) |
| /media/usb/ | USB drive contents (ideal for picons, recordings) |
| /tmp/ | Temporary files - great for uploading .ipk install files |
| /usr/share/enigma2/ | Skins, default picons, radio backgrounds |
- Download a picon pack (e.g., transparent 220x132 for your satellite) - Enigma2 Picons
- Extract the ZIP file on your PC - you'll get a
picon folder - In FileZilla, navigate to
/media/usb/ on your receiver (right side) - Drag the
picon folder from your PC (left side) to the receiver - Wait for the transfer to complete
- Restart Enigma2 (MENU > Standby/Restart)
- Download the
.ipk file to your PC - In FileZilla, navigate to
/tmp/ on your receiver - Drag the
.ipk file to the /tmp/ directory - On your receiver, go to MENU > Setup > Software Management > Install local extension -
- Choose Memory/Tmp and select your .ipk file
- Install and restart
Alternative installation method - How to install an ipk on any enigma2 receiver
- In FileZilla, navigate to
/etc/enigma2/ on your receiver - Select all files (Ctrl+A)
- Right-click and choose Download
- Choose a safe location on your PC
- All your settings, bouquets, and timers are now backed up!
For more reliable transfers, adjust these settings:
Always set this to Binary for media/files:
- Go to Transfer > Transfer Type > Binary
- Go to Edit > Settings > Connection > FTP
- Increase Timeout to 120 seconds
After uploading scripts or plugins:
- Right-click the file on the receiver
- Select File permissions
- Set to 755 (for executable files)
β’ FTP is not enabled on your Enigma2 box (go back to Part 1)
β’ Wrong IP address - check your receiver's network settings
β’ Firewall blocking - temporarily disable Windows firewall to test
β’ Try SFTP instead: Use port 22 instead of 21 (more secure, often enabled by default)
β’ Wrong file permissions - set to 644 for config files, 755 for scripts
β’ Wrong directory - double-check the path
β’ Need a restart - Enigma2 often needs a restart to recognize new files
β’ File corruption - try Binary transfer mode (see Part 4)
β’ Use a wired Ethernet connection instead of WiFi if possible
β’ Close other bandwidth-intensive programs on your PC
β’ Transfer fewer files at once - do batches of 10-20 instead of hundreds
While FTP is convenient, consider these security tips:
- Use SFTP when possible (port 22) - it's encrypted
- Change from default password if your image allows it
- Disable FTP when not needed in your receiver's network settings
- Only enable on trusted networks - not on public WiFi
For regular use, SFTP is recommended. The setup is identical to FTP in FileZilla - just use port 22 instead of 21.
β’ Bookmark your connection in FileZilla: Click the bookmark icon after connecting
β’ Use the search function (Ctrl+F) to find files quickly on your receiver
β’ Compare directories to sync files between your PC and receiver
β’ Edit files directly by right-clicking and choosing "View/Edit" - changes save automatically
- FileZilla downloaded and installed
- FTP enabled on Enigma2 receiver
- IP address noted from network settings
- Connected using Host: [IP], User: root, Port: 21
- Transfer mode set to Binary
- Know key directories (/etc/enigma2/, /media/usb/, /tmp/)
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[How To] Filezilla Client
β
FULL GUIDE (ENGLISH β DETAILED VERSION)
How to Use FileZilla with an Enigma2 Receiver β Complete Step-by-Step Guide
1. What You Need
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A computer with FileZilla Client installed
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An Enigma2 receiver (Dreambox, Vu+, Zgemma, Edision, Amiko, etc.)
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PC and receiver must be on the same network
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Optional: files to upload (picons, plugins, settings, softcams, etc.)
2. Find Your Receiverβs IP Address
On your Enigma2 box:
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Press Menu
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Go to Information
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Select Network
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Write down the IP
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