ftp to a remote host works just fine but when the need to transfer local files from my pc to my local server arises , I get a connection closed by remote host error

Are you going through the same port on you internal system?
Have you tried using SSH?

which computer is running the ftp server? are you trying to ftp to a machine that isnt running ftp services? also what os are using and which ftp server.

we use ibm aix which comes with a 3rd party ftp tool ... thats all i know guys ... educate me

Is the data connection - port 20 blocked ..

__________________
I haven't lost my mind....
Its backed up on tape somewhere

it is possible that ftp is disabled on your Aix server.

To confirm that ftp is not disable check your /etc/inetd.conf file
issue

more /etc/inetd.conf

if # is in front of this line that means ftp is disabled

ftp stream tcp6 nowait root /usr/sbin/in.ftpd in.ftpd

if this is the case remove the # to enable ftp
and issue
kill -HUP (inetd process id)

or

Try to ftp to the Aix server or from the Aix server and
check /var/adm/messages or syslog for any error message

Post back any error message I might be a able to help

very strange ! it worked later ... thanks for you time ... how do u check if ur port is blocked ? and how am I to find out details abt my ftp daemon ?