setting up text file downloads

[sean]

I'm working on a web-based application that allows the users to save data
sets as a text file on the server. Once they generate the file, they are
given a link to download it. The link is just a simple anchor tag, <A HREF="extract.txt">Download</A>.
Problem is, when the link is fired the text file loads in the browser window.


Is there some way to access the browser funtion you get when you right-click
on a link that lets save the target as a file? Besides giving the file some
fake extension to force the browser to ask users what they want to do with
the file? Thanks, Sean

[Andrew]

I've been trying to do something similar and have a partial answer to your
question. If your using VbScript and ASP then try something like this:

<%
Response.contentType = "Application/save"
Response.AddHeader "Content-Disposition", "filename=filename.txt;"

Response.Write "the text you want in the file"
%>

This seems to have some problems but should give you a good starting point
to jump from. When this script is run it should promt the user to download
"filename.txt". Like I said I have had some problems with this myself, but
give it a shot.


"sean" <sean_witte@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>I'm working on a web-based application that allows the users to save data
>sets as a text file on the server. Once they generate the file, they are
>given a link to download it. The link is just a simple anchor tag, <A HREF="extract.txt">Download</A>.
>Problem is, when the link is fired the text file loads in the browser window.
>
>
>Is there some way to access the browser funtion you get when you right-click
>on a link that lets save the target as a file? Besides giving the file some
>fake extension to force the browser to ask users what they want to do with
>the file? Thanks, Sean