Download a text file?

squeaky

Hi,

I'm trying to let a reader download a text file from my site. If I use the normal syntax for downloading a zip file, for example, the text doesn't actually download it just opens the file in the current window.

How do I adjust the syntax to download the darn thing? Anybody know please?

The files concerned are for MSE Old Style and you can see the relevant page if you Click Here (The text button currently says "view" because I don't know how to make it "download")

TYIA etc

wolfman

I'm not 100% sure on this, but I believe it's to do with how the browser handles the MIME type, which in this case is a txt file.

The only way I'm really aware of (and use, for jpgs) is server-side code to flush the txt file to the user, which in turn creates a "save-as" prompt. I'm guessing you're just using standard html though so aren't able to do this.

Instead (not really a fix more of a work around), you could have a hyperlink to the txt file, and a note to users to right-click and select save-as.

shrek101

I would you use the the mouse button right click and a "save as" prompt would come up and save to whatever HD you want. Assuming the site hasn't disabled that particular option.

squeaky

This is silly. One of the most common file formats there is and no way to download it directly. Sheesh!

I've been scouring the web and still haven't found anything I can use, as yet. I've currently got it set to open in a new window so the reader can use the standard "File" >> "Save as" option (which I'll add in at the top of the text).

About the best I can do; since it gives the reader the option of just reading it or, later, choosing to save it.

Thanks guys.

shrek101

Cant you drag and drop the link into a download manager such as getright, that usually works.

squeaky

I don't have it. Would everybody else need to have it too?

shrek101

You could try the trial version of it, another one is flashget, used them both for years great for downloading and can have multiple downloads from the same site, thus speed up downloading, even on 56k.

Getright comes with a little box which you can add on desktop, then you just drag n drop the link and it downloads into c:\downloads by default or alternatively into a custom folder nominated by yourself.

http://www.getright.com/
http://www.amazesoft.com/ [flashget]

squeaky

? Are you saying that I'd have to host these files on my OWN pc? Not a chance. Ever.

I'm happy enough hosting on my web pages, but not on my machine.

Edit: As for flashget and its "Seriously fast downloads" it can't even download its home page "seriously fast" Harumph!

Edit #2: You seem to have missed the point. I don't want this text download for ME I want it for everyone ELSE. I just want people to be able to download a text file instead of merely viewing it.

shrek101

I wont add any further, sorry I even added to this thread

sra

You could try renaming the file so it's extention is rtf (and change the link to that on the page of course)

I think most browsers would give you the 'what do you want to do box' as default with rtf rather than opening it

and just about anything will open rtf's

sra

Just googled - click rtf's on this site brings up the box for me with ffox and IE:
http://web.uvic.ca/cal2005edit/GradProgs/downloads/