HTML Help

curtranhome · Joined: 04 Jun 2008 Posts: 76

Hey people,

I want to try and get my site to download a file when a link is clicked, something like the torrent sites.

can any1 help me plz

thnx alot ahead of time, and srry if this is in the wrong forum

PayneLess Designs · Joined: 28 Feb 2007 Posts: 4235 Location: MS

I don't use torrents at all. Too much malware picked up through them.

If you just want people to download a file, put that file in a format that will trigger the browser's download function. Normally a zipped format will do it: Code: <p><a href="file_name.zip" title="Mouseover Description">Download "File Name" (File Size: XXKb)</a></p> If you have lots of files for download, I recommend using a nice style div container and an unordered list: Code: <div style="width: XXpx; margin: 2%; padding: 5px;">
<h3>Download Files Here:</h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="file_name.zip" title="Mouseover Description">Download "File Name" (File Size: XX Kb)</a></li>
<li><a href="file_name.zip" title="Mouseover Description">Download "File Name" (File Size: XX Kb)</a></li>
<li><a href="file_name.zip" title="Mouseover Description">Download "File Name" (File Size: XX Kb)</a></li>
.
.
.
<li><a href="file_name.zip" title="Mouseover Description">Download "File Name" (File Size: XXKb)</a></li>
</ul>
</div>

curtranhome · Joined: 04 Jun 2008 Posts: 76

ok thank you :D

PayneLess Designs · Joined: 28 Feb 2007 Posts: 4235 Location: MS

You're welcome. Post back here if you have more questions or code doesn't work for you.

sasankasb · Joined: 11 Aug 2009 Posts: 2

This does not work in IE7. It simply open up the file.
How to download the file in IE using the same technique.

Rest of the browsers are working fine.

Thanks
Sasanka

PayneLess Designs · Joined: 28 Feb 2007 Posts: 4235 Location: MS

Are you saying IE7 no longer prompts the user to "open" or "save" the file?

Zip Files Downloaded with Internet Explorer Are Not Saved to Your Computer

Reset Open/Save Choice for Internet Explorer Downloads in Vista

sasankasb · Joined: 11 Aug 2009 Posts: 2

I am trying to download a xls file in IE 7 (OS - XP SP3)
It simply opens up the file in the browser instead of showing the download dialog.

Browser is showing all junk characters when clicked on the link meant for download. Rest of the browsers are working fine and showing the download dialog.
Even IE 6 is working fine.

Thanks
Sasanka

PayneLess Designs · Joined: 28 Feb 2007 Posts: 4235 Location: MS

Seems the file extension associated has changed and it is using IE to display file. Read:

Reset Open/Save Choice for Internet Explorer Downloads in Vista

Reset the Always Ask Before Opening This Type of File Setting for XP & Vista
The alternative is find the file on your computer that IE keeps opening, right-click on the file and select "Open With". Browse to the program that you want associated with that file extension. If you want to use the same program all the time, be sure to check the box that states to always open with program selected.

Brookswfisher · Joined: 15 Aug 2009 Posts: 1

Thanks so much for the code to trigger downloads on my website PayneLess. It worked great!!

PayneLess Designs · Joined: 28 Feb 2007 Posts: 4235 Location: MS

You're very welcome. Always like good news. Made my weekend.

DanFinelli · Joined: 13 Feb 2010 Posts: 1

i hope its not too late to ask but i tried what u said for my html and when i try to download it it says error 403 Forbidden meaning i cant access this file any suggestions?

PayneLess Designs · Joined: 28 Feb 2007 Posts: 4235 Location: MS

DanFinelli wrote: i hope its not too late to ask but i tried what u said for my html and when i try to download it it says error 403 Forbidden meaning i cant access this file any suggestions? Can you give details? What link did you use and what are you downloading?