topic Re: ODS _webout ensuring I get the correct file format in SAS Enterprise Guide

ODS _webout ensuring I get the correct file format

SASAlex101 — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 20:38:23 GMT

I have a web application which uses _webout as the ods destination and the procs return an xlsx file. I have the following application headers:

data _null_;
rc = stpsrv_header('Content-type','application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.spreadsheetml.sheet');
rc = stpsrv_header('Content-disposition','attachment; filename=SomeReport.xlsx');
run;

When I call the stored proc from Edge, what happens is that the file download dialogue will appear like this:

However what I'd like is for the browser to download the file automatically using the flyout menu like this:

Through research, it may appear that the header's are incorrect and/or the stored proc is not returning the (recognizable) binary content of the xlsx file. Is this true? The file I'm getting is an excel file. I open it and it works fine. Where in the stored proc would I ensure the binary content is valid and recognizable as an xlsx? is it something I set in the SP targets wizard?

I've ruled out the java script in the webpage code as I can run the hyperlink of the stored process directly in my browser without javascript to test reports and it results in the same behavior.

Re: ODS _webout ensuring I get the correct file format

Quentin — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 21:28:48 GMT

I would think that is browser behavior, so you'd have to see how Edge decides what to do with a file. From this page, it looks like users can configure their browser download options:

https://onlinecomputertips.com/support-categories/software/edge-download-options/

For downloading Excel files, I use:

rc = stpsrv_header('Content-type','application/vnd.ms-excel');

you might try that and see if it makes Edge handle it differently.

When I use that an Edge, I get a little download popup:

Note your first picture says it's from internet explorer, not Edge.

Re: ODS _webout ensuring I get the correct file format

SASAlex101 — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 14:33:53 GMT

Wow that's weird. I am using edge, but for some reason the popup is from IE. I didn't notice that.
Turned out that both content type headers work in Chrome - I get the flyout menu downloaded as an excel file. but not Edge. Perhaps the Edge I'm working with is trash.

Marking solved as you're right; it's simply browser behavior.

Re: ODS _webout ensuring I get the correct file format

AlanC — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 15:51:53 GMT

Keep in mind that modern Edge uses the Chromium engine so same as Chrome. That may/may not be relevant but, im general, Chrome and Edge should work mostly the same. Same extensions work in both.

If you have an ancient version of Edge, that would be an issue. Check file associations as well. Remove IE if possible. That should be doable depending on your version of Windows.