Overview

Welcome to Cerberus FTP Server. This guide walks you through the essential setup steps required to get from purchase to your first successful client connection.

Additional assistance is available through the Cerberus Support Portal and Product Documentation.

Step 1: Obtain your license key

Your license key is required to activate Cerberus FTP Server after installation.

Online Purchase

Your license key is automatically emailed to the address used during checkout. If you do not receive it within a few minutes, check your spam or junk folder.

Sales-Assisted Purchase

Your Cerberus sales representative will provide your license key directly by email.

Tip: Keep your license key in a safe location. You will need it the first time you launch Cerberus after installation.

Need Help? If you cannot locate your license key, contact Cerberus Support or your sales representative.

Step 2: Verify system requirements

Before downloading Cerberus FTP Server, verify that the host machine meets the minimum system requirements. Full details are in the Hardware Requirements documentation.

Minimum Hardware Requirements

Supported Operating Systems

Important: Cerberus only supports Microsoft operating systems still under active Microsoft support, with the latest Service Packs applied. If installing on Windows Server Core, the Cerberus GUI may not display correctly — manage Cerberus via the Web Administration page in that environment. For more information see How to Configure and Manage Cerberus via a Browser.

Step 3: Download Cerberus FTP Server

Always download Cerberus FTP Server from the official downloads page to ensure you are using the latest stable release.

Download:
https://www.cerberusftp.com/support-downloads/

Installer filename:

CerberusInstall64.exe

Additional resources:

• Product Documentation
• FAQ Knowledge Base

 Additional resources are available online: Documentation Library  ·  FAQ Knowledge Base

Step 4: Install Cerberus FTP Server

Full installation instructions are available in the Installing Cerberus documentation.

Important: Do not name your Windows server Cerberus. The installer attempts to create a local account with this name and installation will fail if the machine already uses it.

Installation Steps

1. Close all running applications.
2. Log in using an Administrator account or an account that belongs to the local Administrators group.
3. Run CerberusInstall64.exe.
4. If prompted by Windows User Account Control (UAC), select Yes.
5. Click Next on the Welcome screen.

Select a Service Account

Choose one of the following options:

Standard Cerberus Account (Recommended)

Creates a new local Windows account named Cerberus to run the service. You will be prompted to create a password.

Existing Local Account

Uses an existing local Windows account.

Existing Domain Account

Uses an Active Directory domain account.

6. Accept the End User License Agreement.
7. Keep the default installation path whenever possible.
8. Complete the installation.
9. Click the green arrow to launch Cerberus and begin the Setup Wizard, or click Finish.

Step 5: Configure Basic Functionality

Before users can connect, you must:

1. Configure firewall and router ports.
2. Create at least one user account.

Step 5a: Configure ports and firewall rules

Forward incoming traffic from your firewall or router to the server hosting Cerberus FTP Server.

Main Default Protocol Ports

Optional services and integrations

Tip: To use the "Check for Updates" feature, allow outbound HTTPS traffic (port 443) to www.cerberusftpserver.com.

Step 5b: Create your first user

Full user management documentation is available here: Adding and Modifying User Settings.

Create a user

1. Open Cerberus FTP Server.
2. Navigate to User Manager.
3. Select the Users tab.
4. Click New.
5. Enter a username and complete any desired profile settings.

Assign a virtual directory

1. Select Virtual Directories.
2. Click New.
3. Browse to an existing folder or create a new folder. Ensure the Windows user account running the Cerberus FTP Service has full NTFS permissions in that shared folder, subfolders and files
4. Assign the folder as the user's root directory.
5. Configure permissions such as:
   • Read
   • Write
   • Delete
   • Other required access rights
6. Click Add.

Configure user access

Review and configure:

• Constraints
• Allowed Protocols
• Login Restrictions

Supported protocols include:

• FTP
• FTPS
• SFTP
• HTTPS

Save the user account.

The user can now connect using their credentials and assigned protocol.

Need Help? Have questions about passive mode, firewall setup, or connecting FTP clients? The Cerberus FAQ Knowledge Base covers the most common setup questions.

Step 6: Getting support

Self-Service Resources

Contacting Support

Cerberus has a tiered support structure with Level 1 and Level 2 teams. Both teams work together — the primary difference is technical depth and scope of tasks. All support requests are routed appropriately to ensure you receive the right level of help.

To be assisted most effectively, it is strongly recommended that you register on the Cerberus Support Portal before submitting a request. To register, visit the portal and click the Login link at the top of the page. Doing this ensures we can assist you as quickly and efficiently as possible: How to Submit an Effective Cerberus Support Request.

Before Submitting a Ticket

We strongly recommend registering for the Cerberus Support Portal before creating a support request.

Benefits include:

• Faster account identification
• Faster license verification
• Improved ticket resolution times
• Access to account and ticket history

Support Resources

Tip: When submitting a support request, include as much relevant information as possible to help the support team resolve your issue quickly.

This version should paste cleanly into a Zendesk Help Center article, preserving headings, tables, callouts, and formatting.