how do i block a file download with .htaccess?

andrew_u · 04-09-2008, 04:14 PM

hi, i would like to play a song on my index page, but not have the url let the link be "downloadable"
right now i have set the permissions on it to '666'
but then i cannot play the file.
can i use .htaccess to allow me to play the mp3, without it being able to be downloaded?

**Fox** · 04-09-2008, 05:07 PM

To the best of my knowledge, if it can be played or embedded, it can be downloaded.

Skie · 04-10-2008, 09:11 AM

I think the closest you could do is use a Flash based player and have it set to now allow the files to be saved. Beyond that, I'm not aware of anything that .htaccess can do to limit downloading. When a file is "streamed" it's essentially downloaded. The server doesn't know the difference between streaming and right click->save as.

andrew_u · 04-10-2008, 04:45 PM

hmm. could i encrypt the file name aswell?

Skie · 04-10-2008, 05:16 PM

You'll probably stop 95% of the people, but it's that other 5% that know what they're doing and will get the file no matter what. The only way to truely stop someone is to not provide the files for public access. Even DRM will only work for so long.

andrew_u · 04-11-2008, 05:16 PM

alrighty then.

royax · 04-23-2008, 01:05 AM

You can only block the IP address from a certain range of country where they access your site. You can add this on your .htaccess file

<Limit GET HEAD POST>
order allow,deny
deny from 192.168.1.1
allow from all
</LIMIT

A usefull code Generator is http://thinkhost.com/services/generators/htblock.shtml

04-09-2008, 04:14 PM	#1 (permalink)
andrew_u Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 3 OS: home xp	how do i block a file download with .htaccess? hi, i would like to play a song on my index page, but not have the url let the link be "downloadable" right now i have set the permissions on it to '666' but then i cannot play the file. can i use .htaccess to allow me to play the mp3, without it being able to be downloaded?

04-09-2008, 05:07 PM	#2 (permalink)
Fox TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: NJ Posts: 7,752 OS: XP Pro, CentOS My System	Re: how do i block a file download with .htaccess? To the best of my knowledge, if it can be played or embedded, it can be downloaded. __________________ Antec Neo Power 500W, ABIT IP35-E, Intel E2180@2.66Ghz, Corsair XMS2 2x1GB DDR2-800, PNY 8800GT, 320GB Seagate * lazy college student alert *- If I've inadvertently ignored a thread, please Let me know about it Have I helped you solve your problem? Donate to Techsupportforums Klart Skepp!

04-10-2008, 09:11 AM	#3 (permalink)
Skie Manager, Alternative Comp Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Chicago burbs Posts: 2,194 OS: Gentoo Linux, CentOS, OS X My System	Re: how do i block a file download with .htaccess? I think the closest you could do is use a Flash based player and have it set to now allow the files to be saved. Beyond that, I'm not aware of anything that .htaccess can do to limit downloading. When a file is "streamed" it's essentially downloaded. The server doesn't know the difference between streaming and right click->save as. __________________

04-10-2008, 04:45 PM	#4 (permalink)
andrew_u Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 3 OS: home xp	Re: how do i block a file download with .htaccess? hmm. could i encrypt the file name aswell?

04-10-2008, 05:16 PM	#5 (permalink)
Skie Manager, Alternative Comp Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Chicago burbs Posts: 2,194 OS: Gentoo Linux, CentOS, OS X My System	Re: how do i block a file download with .htaccess? You'll probably stop 95% of the people, but it's that other 5% that know what they're doing and will get the file no matter what. The only way to truely stop someone is to not provide the files for public access. Even DRM will only work for so long. __________________

04-11-2008, 05:16 PM	#6 (permalink)
andrew_u Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 3 OS: home xp	Re: how do i block a file download with .htaccess? alrighty then.

04-23-2008, 01:05 AM	#7 (permalink)
royax Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 25 OS: XP Service pack 2	Re: how do i block a file download with .htaccess? You can only block the IP address from a certain range of country where they access your site. You can add this on your .htaccess file <Limit GET HEAD POST> order allow,deny deny from 192.168.1.1 allow from all </LIMIT A usefull code Generator is http://thinkhost.com/services/generators/htblock.shtml