Returning *.doc file

The Case
====================================
User select (using checkbox) the data to be included in the *.doc file.
Then click submit and send. Then the script should record the requested
data in database. Then generate a file with the requested data and return
to the user.
====================================

Current algorithm
====================================
Record the requested data in database. Then generate a file with the
name "requested_data.doc" and save at server. Then return the URL
for download the file to the users.
====================================

Problem
====================================
If a few user do the same thing (request *.doc file), then it might happen
a case when first user still downloading the file, second user access the
script and request for different data, then another file is generated and
over-write first user requested file. This will cause a problem of incorrect
data being downloaded.

Second problem is that, after the user download the file, the file is remain
at the server (undeleted). Other user may download the file.
====================================

Preferred algorithm
====================================
This is the way I wish to do, but don't know how to do it.

After recording the data into database, directly generate the file and
return
the file to the user without generate and save the file to server.
====================================


Previously I tried to directly generate the data and return to the user, but
I only able to directly return the data without any file type
(looking at the URL, it still is: http://www.domain.com/generateFile.php).
It means that the user will be returned with data which is displayed in the
browser and not prompt out a window asking them to save it.


Can someone please provide me the guide to do it?

Thanks.





Peter CCH

Peter Chan wrote:

> Second problem is that, after the user download the file, the file is remain
> at the server (undeleted). Other user may download the file.

Why not send the file dircetly to the user??

Something like:

You got your 'generateFile.php' which generates the word doc, but
instead of calling the generateFile.php file directly, call a script
like the one below

$filename = generateFile.php
Header ("Content-Type: application/pdf");
Header ("Content-Disposition: attachment; filename=$filename");
readfile($total);


This way no file is places on the server, but sent directly to the user....

ps: the application/pdf should be changed to a word doc type, but I'm
not sure what it is, but try to google after it.