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Directly open a Local or Network file from dbFront

+1 vote

I would like my users to be able to click on a link in the data and directly open a Local or Network file. How can I do this?

I have also attempted to use the action button feature to open a network file share using the UNC folder name without success.

in How To by (7.2k points)

1 Answer

+1 vote

NOTE: The OpenURL action button in dbFront 1.2.2.1247 now supports direct download of local file:// resources. For more details see Download and Open Local Network resources

Most browsers will block your efforts because it represents a significant security risk.

For more details see:

​There are a number of hacky attempts to make it work but most browsers will make this difficult.

To see the problem:

  • Create a new OpenURL Action button,
  • Set the URL to: file://C:\YourFolder\YourFile.txt,
  • Set the Destination to: "Redirect" and save the button,
  • Open the browser console (F12),
  • Click on your new Button,
  • The console will show the error: "​Not allowed to load local resource: file:///C:\YourFolder\YourFile.txt"

You can experiment with other path options or try the browser extensions below.

​If you are willing to change the Browser configurations or install extensions for your users, then you should be able to find a workable option but it won't be a nice clean solution.

Some promising browser extentions are:

I would be tempted to go back to the drawing board and look for alternatives.

by (64.9k points)
edited by
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