How to fix "File Already Exists" Error in NetSuite SFTP Uploads

Background

When integrating NetSuite with an SFTP server, you may encounter errors that prevent file uploads. One such issue is the FTP_FILE_ALREADY_EXISTS error, which can occur even when files have unique names. This article explains why this happens and how to resolve it.

Failed File Uploads

While setting up an SFTP integration for a client, we ran into an issue where NetSuite kept failing to upload files, showing this error: FTP_FILE_ALREADY_EXISTS

At first, we thought it was due to duplicate filenames, but each file had a unique name. Even enabling replaceExisting (which should overwrite files) didn’t help.

Since I’ve handled SFTP integrations before without running into this, we knew something unusual was going on.

Troubleshooting the Error

To rule out an issue with the SFTP server itself, we used FileZilla to manually upload the same files. That worked perfectly, confirming that the problem wasn’t on the server’s end but with how NetSuite handled the upload. With no clear solution, we reached out to NetSuite Support.

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What We Found Out

Turns out, NetSuite handles SFTP uploads differently from tools like FileZilla. Instead of just uploading the file, it follows a two-step process:

1. File Listing (LS): NetSuite first checks if the file already exists by listing the files on the server.
   
   
2. Upload (PUT): Attempts to upload the file.

Here’s the catch: If a NetSuite account has never used SFTP before, this file listing function isn’t enabled by default. Since NetSuite couldn’t check whether the file existed, it just assumed it was already there and blocked the upload, triggering the FTP_FILE_ALREADY_EXISTS error.

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How We Fixed It

Once NetSuite Support enabled the necessary backend settings, everything worked as expected. NetSuite could now upload files without errors.

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What to Do If You See This Error

If you're dealing with this issue, here’s what you can check:

• Try uploading the same file with another SFTP client (like FileZilla). If it works there but not in NetSuite, the issue is likely on NetSuite’s end.
• Has your NetSuite account ever used SFTP? If not, a required backend feature may be disabled.
• Reach out to NetSuite Support and request to enable the necessary backend settings to resolve this SFTP issue.

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Work With NetSuite Integration Experts

Addressing these issues early can save you time and prevent roadblocks in your integration process. We’re always happy to share insights and collaborate to find solutions. If you're encountering similar integration challenges or looking to implement SFTP integrations without the need for a license, let’s connect and innovate together.

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Meet the Author

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With over a decade of hands-on experience in NetSuite development, Vanessa has worked with global NetSuite partners and end-users, specializing in implementation, integration, administration, and support. She has led and built teams of developers throughout her consulting career. In 2015, Vanessa co-founded CloudCompass Technologies, where she took on the role of Delivery Manager, overseeing managed services for NetSuite clients.

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