The first step to upload with Dreamweaver MX is to define a local site on your local computer and a remote site corresponding to your web space.  A local site simply lets Dreamweaver know where your files are located on your computer.  A remote site lets Dreamweaver know where to put the images, pages, and downloadable files you want associated with your web site.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to define local and remote sites in Dreamweaver MX 2004:

1. Launch Dreamweaver MX.
2. Open the Site menu located in the top navigation bar.
3. Select Manage Sites…
4. Next, click New and choose Site.
5. Under Site name type in a name for your site in Dreamweaver MX. This is only seen in Dreamweaver MX, so you can call it "My Web” or “Bob” or anything else.
6. Define your Local Root Folder by clicking on the folder icon next to the text field. Use the dialog box to find and select the local directory you created. Your local site is now defined.  Although you can use Dreamweaver to upload files that are not in this directory to the remote site, it’s a good idea to make sure that all of your website’s files are located in your local site directory.
7. Now, enter the full URL of your site – that is, http://www.yourdomainname.com – in the HTTP Address field.  Make sure you replace “yourdomainname.com” with your actual domain name.
8. Select the Remote Info header from the left panel.
9. Under Access, select FTP.
10. In the FTP Host field, type www.yourdomain.com.

Important: Replace “yourdomainname.com” with your actual domain name. Do not insert any prefixes (i.e. http:// or ftp://)

11. type PUBLIC_HTML in the Host Directory field.
12. In the Login field, type your Main FTP Username associated with your hosting plan.
13. In the Password field, type your FTP Password.  (If you store your password, keep in mind that anyone with access to your computer will now be able to access your website as well.)
14. Click Test to test your connection to the hosting server. If the test is not successful check below the “Troubleshooting” section.
15. Click the OK button to save the new site in Dreamweaver. You can now use your Dreamweaver to publish your site.

Troubleshooting:

1. If you are told that Dreamweaver cannot find the host or server, please check that you have entered the FTP Host details correctly.  As long as your domain name is registered and has propagated, your FTP Host should be www.yourdomainname.com.
2. If you are told Dreamweaver cannot open the remote folder subsite, you will need to check the Host Directory field.  Please make sure it is set to www or public_html.
3. If you are told you do not have permission to publish to this site, you will need to check your Main FTP Username and FTP Password.
4. If you seem to be publishing correctly, but the changes are not appearing on your website, refresh the page to reload.