Linking to a .exe file

causing an internel server error

[mack]

I am trying to link to a .exe file for download and instalation. When the link to the .exe is clicked the server responds with an internal server error... Any ideas?

Mack.

[robert adams]

sounds like you don't have the permissions correct on either the .exe or the directory it is in.

robert

[bill]

Depends on what type of server you're using, but it sounds like you may need to set the MIME type for .exe files so that they won't get executed. Another possible solution might be to zip the files.

[mack]

I tried dropping the following into htaccess...

"AddType application/octet-stream exe"

Should I place this text in another htaccess for the directory that serves the .exe file?

Mack.

[bill]

Technically the .htaccess settings should trickle down to your sub-directories, so if you have it in the ROOT, that should cover your download directory...

[mack]

Yep I thought so...

I tried it in both locations, still getting the dreaded 500 error :(

I supose it is possible my host have banned .exe files from being served.

Might have to host the file else where and see how that works out.

Mack.

[bill]

You might get better advice from the gurus in the Apache Forum [webmasterworld.com] on this one... Is zipping not an option?

[DaveAtIFG]

Bill's has a point. I circumvented a similar difficulty long ago by serving a zipped .exe file. Didn't even need to fool with the MIME type. On my server a zipped file downloads by default.

[mack]

Zipping might be the only option.

What are your views on this. What percentage of users would know what to do with a zip file?

Mack.

[bakedjake]

What percentage of users would know what to do with a zip file?

One stat to look at is how many of your users use Windows XP; It has an unzip program built into the shell that treats zip files much like folders. It's pretty intuitive, IMHO.

Also: Sorry if this seems like a stupid question, but you're not trying to serve the file from a defined "ScriptAlias" directory, are you? If you are, or for some reason your host has your entire webspace enabled to serve scripts, you won't be able to serve the .exe.