Digital Downloads & Site Root

I use Yahoo Web Hosting and my web site is on a shared web hosting server. It appears, after speaking with Yahoo, that I am unable to create a new folder outside my root folder. They explained that I could create a subdirectory within my root and apply password security to keep the public out; however, I am uncertain if this option will work with the creation of a download center.

Are there any options to consider? I really need a create a download center for the digital goods my business is looking offer. Can Digital File Pro allow for the access of a password protected subdirectory within my root folder? In other words, can I enter a user name and password into digital file pro to allow access for product download? Is there a way to house my digital files within the subdirectory, but have any prying eyes redirected to the download center within their user account?

I am open to options.

Thank you.

No, digital file pro cannot pass a username and password to access a password protected directory.


Really the only way to protect files that you offer for download using digital file pro is to place them outside of the site root where they cannot be accessed using a URL. this the only 100% certain way to ensure that a user cant access the file directly.

the only other option that I can come up with that is still not 100% secure, is to give the file a random name:
8cbcbdb8bd7d27c6ff17a196ae27c268d1d2d057.jpg

in your database store this name and the friendly name:
myimage.jpg

in the download file server behavior, link the File Name to the encrypted file name "8cbcbdb8bd7d27c6ff17a196ae27c268d1d2d057.jpg" and link the Save as option to the friendly name "myimage.jpg"

this way the file name on the server behavior is not very easily guessed, and it is given a friendly name in the save as dialog box.

Do you know of any third party FTP services in which I may consider as a secure site to upload my digital products and reference with digital file pro? Also, if I am ultimately unable to secure my documents, is it possible to insert code that will redirect the user to my login page?

Originally Said By: mora398588

  Do you know of any third party FTP services in which I may consider as a secure site to upload my digital products and reference with digital file pro? Also, if I am ultimately unable to secure my documents, is it possible to insert code that will redirect the user to my login page?  

Do you, perhaps, mean hosting services? FTP is just file transfer protocol - or the means in which you move files around to the server and back and forth.

If you are looking for hosting that allows "below root" publishing, I would recommend a company like Little Oak: www.littleoak.net/

They have tremendous customer support, uptime is great, features are spectacular, and the cost is great too considering the kind of support they have. And I think they have what you want... on the main account, you have the Primary folder. Under that is your "www" folder which will hold your documents accessible to the public. But, you can also create as many directories as you like under the primary and you can password protect those directories however you see fit.

Best regards,

Brian