Downloadable videos open in WMP (instead of download)

Hello all,

I was able to set up free downloadable videos but when the download button is clicked (after check out), the videos open in Windows Media Player instead of downloading the file. I was able to download the file by "right-clicking/save target as" but how to I make it work in the way that it is 'supposed' to work? That is: just download to the customers computer when they press the download button? I've tried this on two different computers (both windows, but one XP the other Vista) and got the same results.

Any help aprreciated,
Tony

The way files are managed is really more browser dependent based on user settings ...

For example, I load the Zen Cart demo products and click on the mp3 for the music product in FireFox and I am asked what I want to do with the file, where "Save" is an option ...

In IE 6.x, Windows Media Player automatically opens for me and starts to play the file ...

To avoid this problem, Zipping all of the files for Download will allow them to be downloaded without the browser or settings on the user's computer changing that ...

I doubt you want me going to my account to "Play" that 8meg file all day long over and over and over again ... :eek:

Thank you Linda,

After reading your advise, I think that a zip file is probably the best thing to do - and it occurred to me that I could even take advantage of that by including other items in the zipped folder (a nice jpeg image coupon to entice a next visit, maybe some instructions, etc.).

However, I have downloaded some of the same types of video files (MPEG) from other sites and (somehow) WMP did not intrude in the process. Any ideas as to how that might have been done? Just curious, at this point, as I'm pretty much sold on your zip file advise. I can PM you those websites I'm referring to if you'd like (I think that posting links might be frowned upon here {???}:unsure:).

I believe there is something that can be configured on your site for that but again I don't know that it works with all browsers ...

Have you asked your hosting provider about this?

Thanks Ajeh,

No- haven't contacted hosting provider. After thinking on this over the weekend, I think I'll just work on zipping the files as you first advised - seems to be the best thing to do.

Thanks again,
Tony:yes:

The other advantage of using a zip file is is forces the viewer to decide where to save the file.

When it opens in WMP, the wmv actually does get saved to the viewer's computer... but it's in their temp files.

~Roland