How to open .DOC in MS-Word file thru a link ?

sherbir · August 3rd, 2004, 06:55 AM

I have an application that supports uploading and downloading of .DOC files designed in servlets.

Everything works fine.

My problem is the downloading part.

When I click a link, eg..<a href="/path/to/the/.doc/file">, the file opens succesfully...but in the browser and not MS-Word.

I want MS-Word application to open and then that file to be called in MS-Word.

I do not want to display the file in the browser.

Any suggessions using Javascript or JSP ?

Please Help.

Thanx alot

Regards,
Sherbir

bmains · August 3rd, 2004, 08:20 AM

Hey,

I believe that you have to download it to your machine for that to work. Every doc I've seen loads in the browser, even if you specify target="_blank".

Brian

ChrisScott · August 3rd, 2004, 08:23 AM

Hi Sherbir,

You can do it in IE, but your clients will need to set their browser settings to allow scripting of unsafe ActiveXObjects in your pages (this maybe ok for an intranet, but IMHO only the truly stupid would trust this in a public website)...

Code:

<script type="text/javascript">
var wordApp = new ActiveXObject("Word.Application");
wordApp.Visible = true;
wordApp.Documents.Open("[UrlOfWordDocument]");
</script>

HTH,

Chris

sherbir · August 3rd, 2004, 11:50 PM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by ChrisScott
Hi Sherbir,

You can do it in IE, but your clients will need to set their browser settings to allow scripting of unsafe ActiveXObjects in your pages (this maybe ok for an intranet, but IMHO only the truly stupid would trust this in a public website)...

Code:

<script type="text/javascript">
var wordApp = new ActiveXObject("Word.Application");
wordApp.Visible = true;
wordApp.Documents.Open("[UrlOfWordDocument]");
</script>

HTH,

Chris

Hey Chris,
Thanx alot 4 ur advise. Actually I searched alot on the Internet also 4 this stuff and found that the idea u gave was quite useful.

I have implemented the same in my servlet but therez a problem...
I get an error saying that 'Automation server can't create object'...when I use the ActiveXObject thing.

Y's that so ? Any idea ?

How do u suggest I should remedy the situation ?

Regards,
Sherbir

ChrisScott · August 4th, 2004, 03:17 AM

Hi Sherbir,

You need to allow scripting of unsafe ActiveX controls, otherwise IE will prevent you creating the word application object.

In IE tools -> Internet Options -> Security -> Custom Level, there is a setting "Initialize & script ActiveX controls not marked as safe", set this to prompt or enable.

But be sure you only allow this for sites you trust, otherwise somebody could seriously damage your machine.

Cheers,

Chris

jake · January 26th, 2005, 02:46 PM

I appear to have the opposite problem.

I'd like to get a spreadsheet to open in the browser but it keeps opening up Excel

The code looks like this

<a href="Operator.xls" target="_blank">Operators</a>

I've tried javascript pop ups but that only seems to work for 'htm extension?

jake

Greg Griffiths · January 26th, 2005, 09:42 PM

You can use the Active X approach - see http://www.greggriffiths.org/webdev/both/excel/ - otherwise you need to configure IE so that it handles them in the way you want - seesee http://support.microsoft.com/default...NoWebContent=1

jake · January 27th, 2005, 06:30 AM

Thanks Greg:D

joefawcett · January 27th, 2005, 10:42 AM

If lowered security settings are not possible then you may be able to adapt this approach:
http://support.microsoft.com/default...;EN-US;q260519
Your users can then open or save the document but it shouldn't open in the browser.

--

Joe (Microsoft MVP - XML)

sbiddle · February 16th, 2005, 04:16 AM

The fix is a mere 2 second job - go to a Folder then click on Tools | Folder Types | File Options and go down to DOC, click on Advanced and remove the checkbox from 'Browse in same window'. You're now fixed..