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Transfer Data

Transferring data

Here are the steps to transfer files from a Windows machine to an SSH server like hpc.tue.nl using SCP or MobaXterm:

Method 1: Using SCP (via Command Prompt or PowerShell)

  1. Ensure SSH and SCP are Installed:

    • Windows 10 and later include OpenSSH by default. Check by typing ssh or scp in the Command Prompt or PowerShell.
    • If not installed, install OpenSSH from Windows settings under "Apps > Optional Features."

  2. Identify Your Files and Destination:

    • Source file: Know the full path of the file you want to transfer, e.g., C:\Users\YourName\Documents\example.txt.
    • Destination path: Determine the destination folder on the server, e.g., /home/yourusername/.

  3. Open PowerShell or Command Prompt:

    • Press Win + R, type cmd or powershell, and hit Enter.

  4. Run the SCP Command: Use the following syntax: 

    scp <local-file-path> <username>@hpc.tue.nl:<remote-directory>
    Example: 
    scp C:\Users\YourName\Documents\example.txt yourusername@hpc.tue.nl:/home/yourusername/

  5. Authenticate:

    • Enter your password when prompted.
    • You may be asked to confirm the server's fingerprint the first time you connect.

  6. Verify the Transfer:

    • Log in to the server using SSH (ssh yourusername@hpc.tue.nl) and navigate to the target directory (cd /home/yourusername) to confirm the file is there.

Method 2: Using MobaXterm

  1. Download and Install MobaXterm:

    • Download from the MobaXterm website.
    • Install the free version if you don't already have it.

  2. Connect to the Server:

    • Open MobaXterm and click on Session > SSH.
    • Fill in:
      • Remote host: hpc.tue.nl
      • Username: Your HPC username
    • Click OK and log in with your password.

  3. Enable the File Browser:

    • Once connected, MobaXterm will automatically open a file explorer on the left-hand side.
    • This shows your remote server's directories.

  4. Transfer Files:

    • Drag and drop files from your Windows file explorer to the desired location in MobaXterm's file explorer.
    • Alternatively, right-click on the remote directory in MobaXterm and use the Upload option to select files.

  5. Verify the Transfer:

    • Use the file explorer or the terminal in MobaXterm to navigate and check if the file is transferred successfully.

Tips:

  • For SCP, if you need to transfer a directory, use the -r flag: 
    scp -r <local-directory> <username>@hpc.tue.nl:<remote-directory>
  • For large files, MobaXterm provides an easier interface and progress display compared to SCP.
  • Ensure your firewall settings allow outgoing SSH connections (port 22).
  • If you encounter permission issues on the server, contact your system administrator.