link to an .exe-file

Hi,

You cannot run a program from a server in the manner you are asking. However, if all you want is for people to read the pdf, without having to save it:
On windows, at least, whenever you attempt to download a file, you are given the opportunity to either save it to disk or run it from the server. If they have acrobat installed on their system, they should be able read it off the server. If you want, your link could go first to page that provides a link to acrobat reader and then to the *.pdf itself.

Vinny

sorry for being unclear, it's not about pdf, it's only about an exe-file.
i want my users to be able, to click a link and start the program (the link is linking to ), without being asked where to save it. i don't think there is a possibility for doing that, but you guys outthere have a lot more experience...

Perhaps not quite the answer you need, but a link to file_name.xls will open Excel, file_name.doc will open MSWord, etc. If you make the file_name.* files blank/empty files at least your visitor will have the associated application open (assuming it's on their computer).

Hi,

Other than plug-ins, *.zip files and the examples AndyB gave, you cannot execute an *.exe. Too much of a risk of a virus. You can, however, execute server-side (at least M$, AOL, & other ISPs do it when installing & downloading updates), but how that is implemented and/or limited I don't know.

Vinny