How to download .txt files on hyperlink click?

Question

I have a hyperlink that I added to my ASP.NET web form. Here is the code:

<asp:HyperLink ID="lnkDownloadG2" Visible="false" runat="server" NavigateUrl="~/Savefile/input_overwriteG2.txt" Target="_blank">Download</asp:HyperLink>

When I click on the hyperlink I want the file to download to downloads folder (or whatever folder is specified in browser settings). Instead it is opening in a new tab. How can I force the file to download instead of opening up in a new browser tab?

Try this solution https://stackoverflow.com/questions/37650/how-to-implement-a-file-download-in-asp-net — Louay Hamada, Aug 19 '17 at 00:36
@LouayHamada Where do I put that code? Do I make make a new file? And if yes, what file extension do I use? — justinpees, Aug 19 '17 at 00:41
You must use that code into function and call it on click Button. I don't think you can what you want with HyperLink — Louay Hamada, Aug 19 '17 at 00:44

score 2 · Accepted Answer · answered Aug 19 '17 at 00:40

Answer to your question might be in this StackOverflow article: how to force a download file prompt instead of displaying it in browser

For non HTML5 approahc you will have to trick the browser by changing the headers (from your app side or directly at server lever) see this article for more details: http://www.tipsandtricks-hq.com/forum/topic/force-a-file-to-download-instead-of-showing-up-in-the-browser

How to download .txt files on hyperlink click?

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