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jneal0331

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How can I configure IIS to allow (open) *.dat files on web page?

I have upgraded servers and in the process of transferring my application to the new server. The web server runs our web site and an online database. Users can search for specific records and download the data for later analysis. We have two formats, pdf and dat files. The PDF works fine. However, the new site will not open the *.dat file.  I can see where the dat file is being created and can go to the folder and open it directly. Also, when I hover the mouse over the button, I see the correct link. However, when I click on the link it takes me to the message "page cannot be displayed." There must be a setting in IIS that allows certain extensions to be open.
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worldinchaos
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I'll assume you are using IIS 6, but either way, most IIS will have this option.

What you need to do is go to the IIS Admin section, and drill down to your default website, or the website which you want to make this change on.  Then right-click, and select properties.  After that, select the HTTP Headers tab.  The bottom option area is called MIME Map.  The button there is called 'File Types'.  Click it and fill in the boxes.  If you just want to be able to read the text of a dat file, I believe you need to associate that file as a text type file.  I believe that means that you type the .DAT part in the associate extension, and then type 'Text' in the MIME content type.  I will check to make sure in a bit, but this is definitely the direction you want to head.
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worldinchaos
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jneal0331

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well, perfect answer for this question I asked. However, it didn't have the results I hoped for. I will post a new questions soon.