Viewing Documents Online Rather Than Downloading - Possible?

[Viewing Docs Online]

Hi,

I have searched and searched and even checked out the plug-in index list, but I cannot find a post on this topic.

I am trying to convince my community that these are the best boards for us and I really like all that I have seen thus far, however, when documents are posted in a thread and a link appears, when one goes to click on the link to view them, they automatically download.

Please, is there a way to view them online here in the forum and avoid them downloading automatically?

Thanks for the support.

[Craig]

Hi

I have marked this topic as a feature request. An admin should reply a little later today

[Brian]

Documents is kind of vague. Do you mean like something out of Microsoft Office?

If so, the ability to properly render documents generated by its programs in a web browser would be dependent on if they had browser plugins included in their software.

[Viewing Docs Online]

Hi, thanks for both getting back to me.

I tested posted a .pdf file and a Word .doc file and an MS Works .mps file.

All post as a link but when clicked on, immediately download to my computer.

Looking for capability to have them open up online in the thread or in a new window with an option of downloading, only after viewing them.

Please let me know.

Thanks for your support.

[Viewing Docs Online]

Sorry, I meant an MS Works '.Wps' file, not .mps file.

[Viewing Docs Online]

Here is the testing I speak of, in case it helps...

newdare.freeforums.net/thread/9/test

[risingphoenix]

I downloaded a plug in for opening attachments in a new window: www.proboards.com/library/plugins/item/314

It opens a new window however, it still downloads the files automatically.

The only difference being with the plug in that it now prompts/asks if one wants to keep or discard the file first - Which is better than it just automatically downloading it, however it still does not display the attachment.

I am still looking for functionality to view/display the attachments in a new window on the forum, or even in the thread, before downloading them, if at all.

As most often there is no need to download the file and a person just wants to view and read them online.

[®i©hie]

Dec 11, 2013 16:42:56 GMT -8 risingphoenix said:

I downloaded a plug in for opening attachments in a new window: www.proboards.com/library/plugins/item/314

It opens a new window however, it still downloads the files automatically.

The only difference being with the plug in that it now prompts/asks if one wants to keep or discard the file first - Which is better than it just automatically downloading it, however it still does not display the attachment.

I am still looking for functionality to view/display the attachments in a new window on the forum, or even in the thread, before downloading them, if at all.

As most often there is no need to download the file and a person just wants to view and read them online.

that's my plugin BTW.

depending on the file type it's gonna do that anyway, the only files that would possibly open would be a .txt or .css file

example:

cssfile.css (81 B)

file.txt (28 B)

[risingphoenix]

Hi ®i©hie,

I had just found you via the plug in page and was going to post to you about it (letting you know of this post).

Thanks for the plug in and your response. I tried both links you posted and only the .txt file opens for me in a new window.

The .css file automatically downloads too.

I tested all three file types again in the thread and the .pdf is only one that doesn't download automatically with your plug in as it gives a message with the option to choose but it does not display.

But I see now that both the .doc file and the .wps file do still auto download.

This automatically downloading of files .doc .css .wps is a concern especially since I understand from reading the forum, there is no virus scan on the boards for attachments.

Any way you know of I can view these file types on line here in the forum without downloading?

Thanks.

Edited to add just tested .jpg and they open in a new window too.

[®i©hie]

Dec 11, 2013 17:16:16 GMT -8 risingphoenix said:

Hi ®i©hie,

I had just found you via the plug in page and was going to post to you about it (letting you know of this post).

Thanks for the plug in and your response. I tried both links you posted and only the .txt file opens for me in a new window.

The .css file automatically downloads too.

I tested all three file types again in the thread and the .pdf is only one that doesn't download automatically with your plug in as it gives a message with the option to choose but it does not display.

But I see now that both the .doc file and the .wps file do still auto download.

This automatically downloading of files .doc .css .wps is a concern especially since I understand from reading the forum, there is no virus scan on the boards for attachments.

Any way you know of I can view these file types on line here in the forum without downloading?

Thanks.

a .css file should (usually) open itself in notepad (it does on the computer i'm using). although what browser you're using depends too sometimes.

the attachment is basically a saved file, stored on the website's server.

off hand, no i don't know of anyway to view them without downloading.

Dec 11, 2013 9:21:35 GMT -8 Brian said:

the ability to properly render documents generated by its programs in a web browser would be dependent on if they had browser plugins included in their software.

[risingphoenix]

I have notepad but the .css file did not open in a window. I use google chrome.

I even checked to ensure my browser is set to allow plug ins to run on this site and gave permissions but I am still getting the same results.

That is really too bad. Maybe I will post in the plug in suggestion forum to see if there is any luck in getting something created eventually.

Would you know of a free website with good security that people can post their documents to (for the file types mentioned) and use that as a link in threads instead? It isn't ideal but may serve.

I did a search and see there are a number of them... but I have no idea what ones are safe and reliable. E.g. I see justmycloud.com but there are some bad reviews.

I am searching CNET to see reviews. Guess I have some more studying to do unless anyone here can recommend a good one?

Either way, thanks for your time.

[®i©hie]

Dec 11, 2013 17:48:37 GMT -8 risingphoenix said:

I have notepad but the .css file did not open in a window. I use google chrome.

I even checked to ensure my browser is set to allow plug ins to run on this site and gave permissions but I am still getting the same results.

That is really too bad. Maybe I will post in the plug in suggestion forum to see if there is any luck in getting something created eventually.

Would you know of a free website with good security that people can post their documents to (for the file types mentioned) and use that as a link in threads instead? It isn't ideal but may serve.

I did a search and see there are a number of them... but I have no idea what ones are safe and reliable. E.g. I see justmycloud.com but there are some bad reviews.

I am searching CNET to see reviews. Guess I have some more studying to do unless anyone here can recommend a good one?

Either way, thanks for your time.

www.dropbox.com/ seems to be a popular one, but i don't have any personal recommendations.

[risingphoenix]

Ok, will study the reviews - thanks!