Problems posting Excel spreadsheet

Best way to allow download from website

[arieng]

I have a client who wants to post an Excel spreadsheet on their site. I've tried to talk them out of it, citing compatibility issues among other things, but they are committed. The file contains formulas so they can't use CSV, and they are opposed to the idea of hiring a programmer to build something in PHP.

I've uploaded the spreadsheet and linked to it, but when I try to open it in a browser it asks for a username and password, as if I was trying to access via ftp.

What am I doing wrong? Is this a permissions issue?

[engine]

It could be as simple as the file you're trying to open is looking for other data which should be on the disk or a location specified in the spreadsheet setup. That'll be a problem with server permissions and files missing.

Try uploading a blank/empty spreadsheet and test that to see if you get the same effect.

There's no need for the spreadsheet online unless they want folks to edit it. A potential nightmare, imho.

Why not create a PDF from the spreadsheet and upload that?

Alternatively, zip the spreadseet up and provide it as a download to a HD.

[arieng]

Hmmmm...maybe a zip file would be the better avenue.

The problem with a PDF is that you lose all computational functionality.

This is a short cost calculator, enter some data and your annual cost savings spits out the other end. It's nothing complicated, just basic arithmetic. To make it even somewhat valuable, however, it needs to have the functions included.

I'll try your suggestions, but I think a PHP application is truly the way to go. I'll strengthen my "suggestion" in that direction.

Thanks a million Engine.

[phranque]

if you are using an apache server, the directory containing the excel file could have a .htaccess file containing directives which secure the directory with password protection.

[Monkey]

If it is to use the Excel model - could save the file as a web page with interactivity.

This will save the file as an HTML with an embedded ActiveX control (M'soft call it a web component).

This will preserve the formulas and functionality of the worksheets. The person who goes to the web page can use the model plus can save it into a local copy of Excel.

No prompts unless they've changed their security settings.