Save as dialog box

Question

User746671234 posted

I've a button to Export file to Excel.  On this button I've written the code to generate excel file now in the end I have to show the dialog box to show the file and to save file in client.  How could I do this from code behind.  I'm using ASP.NET

Currently I'm saving it using hard code like

Dim excelFilePath As String =  "d:\test.xls"
Dim fi As FileInfo = New FileInfo(excelFilePath)
excelPackage.SaveAs(fi)

I want to show save as dialog and user will select the folder to save.

Answer 1

User475983607 posted

If I understand correctly, your requirement is not possible in a web application since the code is running on the web server.   Also, how will the user know where to save the file on the remote server?

If you expect the user to save the file on their system then allow the user to download the file.

Answer 2

User746671234 posted

If I understand correctly, your requirement is not possible in a web application since the code is running on the web server.   Also, how will the user know where to save the file on the remote server?

If you expect the user to save the file on their system then allow the user to download the file.

Yes I have to allow user to download the file in client machine.  But then I have to show another box with download file option.   I have to directly show save as dialog box to save file locally.

Answer 3

User475983607 posted

Yes I have to allow user to download the file in client machine.  But then I have to show another box with download file option.   I have to directly show save as dialog box to save file locally.

The browser controls the save dialog which you have no control over.  The best you can do is set the content disposition header.

https://weblog.west-wind.com/posts/2007/may/21/downloading-a-file-with-a-save-as-dialog-in-aspnet

Keep in mind the code you've shared saves the file on the web server.

Answer 4

User746671234 posted

mgebhard

ravininave

Yes I have to allow user to download the file in client machine.  But then I have to show another box with download file option.   I have to directly show save as dialog box to save file locally.

The browser controls the save dialog which you have no control over.  The best you can do is set the content disposition header.

https://weblog.west-wind.com/posts/2007/may/21/downloading-a-file-with-a-save-as-dialog-in-aspnet

Keep in mind the code you've shared saves the file on the web server.

Tried like this but it's not working

Dim filename = "DailySales" + Format(DateTime.Now, "ddMMyyyyHHmmss") + ".xlsx"
                Response.ContentType = "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.spreadsheetml.sheet"
                Response.AppendHeader("Content-Disposition", "attachment; filename=" + filename.ToString)
                Response.TransmitFile(filename.ToString)
                Response.End()

I just wish to open a save as box and get the file path from the user.

Answer 5

User475983607 posted

Did you read the link???  You have no control over the save prompt.

Answer 6

User746671234 posted

Yes, I have copied the whole code. 

Did you find any problem in my code?

Answer 7

User475983607 posted

Did you find any problem in my code?

There is nothing wrong with the code.  It is not possible to force the browser to show the save as dialog.

Answer 8

User746671234 posted

Alright is there any way to open excel file directly without saving it.  Below is my code where I am saving the file as xls.  I don't want to save it directly instead I am thinking to open it directly and then if user needs he will save it.

Dim filename = "test" + Format(DateTime.Now, "ddMMyyyyHHmmss") + ".xlsx"

Response.Clear()
excelPackage.SaveAs(Response.OutputStream)
Response.AddHeader("content-disposition", "attachment; filename=" + filename + ";")
Response.Charset = ""
Response.ContentType = "application/vnd.xlsx"
Response.End()

Answer 9

User475983607 posted

ravininave

Alright is there any way to open excel file directly without saving it.  Below is my code where I am saving the file as xls.  I don't want to save it directly instead I am thinking to open it directly and then if user needs he will save it.

Your requirement is not possible and assumes every client has Excel installed.  Anyway, remove the line below...

Response.AddHeader("content-disposition", "attachment; filename=" + filename + ";")

or set Content-Disposition to inline.

Response.AddHeader("content-disposition", "inline; filename=" + filename + ";")

Keep in mind, this question is related to HTTP and how browser work not Web Forms.  

https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/HTTP/Headers/Content-Disposition