Using csNetDownload to control downloads with ASP.NET

This page shows how csNetDownload can be used to control downloads. There are a number of files of different types in a directory that is not web shared. Following a link, or clicking a button will run the download script and stream the file to the browser.

There is only one script that controls the downloads. The links pass the file details in the URL, and the buttons pass the file details as form variables.

The download links are split into two columns. The ones on the left specify that the file should be displayed "inline". On the right the file is indicated as an attachment. This makes a difference to Internet Explorer and Firefox, but Netscape will treat them both the same and display the file if it has a relevant plug in.

There are also differences between the browsers when files are saved. Internet Explorer and Firefox should prompt with the file name that the script has specified. Netscape is inconsistent with its prompts and it depends on the file type and how the browser is configured. Netscape will prompt with the asp file name when right clicking a link, but this can be prevented by using a form button instead of a link. Part of the aim of this demo is to demonstrate browser behaviour with different file types.

This demo was originally put together before Firefox was launched and it helped to identify the differences in behaviour between Internet Explorer and Netscape. Now Firefox has largely replaced Netscape and it has considerable improvments in the way it deals with a streamed download.

Inline	Attachment
Zip File	Zip File
PDF File	PDF File
Gif Image	Gif Image
Jpeg Image	Jpeg Image
Html file	Html file
Word document	Word document
Text document	Text document

Click Here to view the listing and description of "download.aspx".