well..
this is a problem with the
different browsers..
1.- Solution to netscape. and any browsers that handle mimetipes Correctly ..
(except IE in some versions )
there's a mapping betwen mimetype and application that Handles it ..
as an example:
open Netscape choose Edit Menu and choose preferences.
in the Applications Part you will find a looong list of MimeTypes Extensions and the program that is used to handle the document..
well when i told you to use "Application/download" the browser found no application to handle the file so it prompts you what to do with the file ..
so problem solved ..
but in the case you want the REAL application to handle the file
you should use the REAL mimetype the file you are sending
so if you want to force client download a pdf format file you sould use the mymetype "application/download" but if you desire to open the file you sould use "application/pdf" as the mimetype ..
IE has a different way to use mimetypes .
mymetipes are located inside of the Operating system . so you would find it on Control panel or IE's preferences depending wich version of SO your cleints got (9598 ME 2000 etc.)
IE would use Mimetypes only if the URL hasn't extension. as .exe .html or.txt if the URL has an extension it would give precedence to extension rather than the Mimetype .. in your case the sevlet Has not extension so Probably IE would use Mimetypes ..
as a conclusion is "browsers" option what to to with the file you are sending
you can "Suggest" the Browser what to do with the file using mimetypes; but at the end the browser's option what to do with the file so you can't
Assure in the server side how the Browser would handle the data you are sending
Mimetypes is a Declaration of the type of data you are sending; but not inforces how to manage it..
grettings ..