Posted by Jonathan N. Little on 01/13/07 17:28

Graham Stow wrote:
> I have set up a 'downloads' directory on a website, but when I fire up the
> browser and click on the files in it, they open within the browser itself.
> How do I get the 'File Download - Do you want to open or save this file?'
> dialog window to pop up, giving the user the choice of running the file or
> saving it? I've fiddled around with the permissions of both the directory
> and the files themselves, but can't find a setting that works - either the
> user's permission is denied or the file opens in the browser.
>

Because your looking in the wrong place. Not a server setting, but a
browser setting. It is how *your* browser is set to handle targeted file
type. As a web designer, your really do not have control over how your
visitors' browsers are setup, so stop trying. For example if they use IE
and have it set to open Word documents in their browser rather than
download (unwise IMHO) so be it! Their choice.

Don't futz with your server's mime settings to falsely identify files of
the wrong type in attempts to *force* downloads that has been suggested.

--
Take care,

Jonathan
-------------------
LITTLE WORKS STUDIO
http://www.LittleWorksStudio.com

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