File Download from my Site

[Zimmo]

Hi guys,

Looking for a bit of simple help no doubt.

I need a function on my site to enable users to download files, beit a Word Document, Powerpoint Presentation or likewise.

I have used the following with success:

<a href="downloads/SkillatArms.doc">Download</a>

However, within the past few months I have now noticed that when users click on the above link, instead of them being presented with a Dialog box asking whether they want to Save the file or Open it, instead the browser directs them to a new page displaying the word document.

How do I get round this, or alter my code to enable them to download the file opposed to viewing it??

A simple question I'm sure for those more experienced!!!

With regards,

Zimmo

[snowdonkey]

Is the behavior the same in all browsers?

[Chrisjc]

Hi guys,

Looking for a bit of simple help no doubt.

I need a function on my site to enable users to download files, beit a Word Document, Powerpoint Presentation or likewise.

I have used the following with success:

<a href="downloads/SkillatArms.doc">Download</a>

However, within the past few months I have now noticed that when users click on the above link, instead of them being presented with a Dialog box asking whether they want to Save the file or Open it, instead the browser directs them to a new page displaying the word document.

How do I get round this, or alter my code to enable them to download the file opposed to viewing it??

A simple question I'm sure for those more experienced!!!

With regards,

Zimmo

I used to get the same problem the other thing I found that worked nicely is if you take your word file or any other file that you have this problem with, and put it in a ZIP file and point to that ZIP folder. This will then ALWAYS show the option menu to your user. I my self do not know of any other way to force that option. VIA HTML

Example

<a href="downloads/SkillatArms.zip">Download</a>

and in side the zip of course would be the file SkillatArms.doc


Hope that helps!

Chris

[mtnative]

I generally never click on a "download" link. You could instead instruct visitors to place their mouse / pointer over the link, right-click, which will bring up a menu, and select "save target as" from the list of options.

There may also be a browser option set to instruct the browser to specifically open a linked document instead of offering the download option?

[AricC]

Why would you never click a download link?

[mtnative]

It is a matter of control. Some times download links have other functions associated with them that I would rather not deal with. So, I do the "save target as" routine, where ever possible, so I know exactly what is going to happen next. Some times you don't have this choice, if a link does not attach directly to a file, but I like to avoid it whenever I can.

[Zimmo]

Many thanks guys for your help! Typical after I posted this message (seeing as i'm new to this site) I forgot where this site was!!!!!! lol.

I think the idea Zipping the file and then using that could be the best way to go - If I start telling my target audience to Right Click and then save target as it would confuse them!!!!!!

Once again many thanks, and here's to my next problem!!!

Regards,

Paul