FTP Not Showing All Files - LimitRecursion

Many users encounter the frustrating issue of FTP not displaying all files in a directory because of a restriction known as LimitRecursion. This problem can make it challenging to navigate and manage files effectively.

However, there are solutions available to resolve this issue. By implementing the recommended steps, users can overcome the LimitRecursion problem and ensure that all files are correctly displayed in the FTP directory, streamlining their file management processes.

This article explains how to resolve FTP not showing all files in the directory due to LimitRecursion.

Increase Recursion Limit

IMPORTANT: This solution will require root access. If this needs to be obtained, follow the guide on requesting root access.

1. Access your server via SSH as the root user or using the Terminal in Root WHM
2. Edit /etc/pure-ftpd.conf 
   1. This can be edited with nano, vim, or your preferred terminal text editor if it is installed
      EXAMPLE: nano /etc/pure-ftpd.conf
3. Locate the line with LimitRecursion and change the first number, which is typically 8000 by default
   EXAMPLE: LimitRecursion 8000 8 refers to 8000 max files with a max of 8 directories down.
   TIP: If using nano from the previous example, you can find this quickly using Control+W and typing LimitRecursion then pressing enter.
   Set it to the rounded-up number of however many files you have in the directory you are having a problem viewing.
   You can quickly check this with the command ls -1 | wc -lvia SSH within the directory with a large number of files.
   IMPORTANT: Increasing this will increase how long it takes the directory to load when using FTP.
4. After changing the value and saving it, restart PureFTPd with either of the following commands
   /scripts/restartsrv_pureftpd or service pure-ftpd restart
   TIP: It is strongly suggested to restart the FTP client after making this change. It has been found that FTP clients can sometimes "cache" the LimitRecursion value from the server and will not clear it until it is restarted.