form field file value is missing?

[littleelmo]

I'm stumped with this one.

I'm using a form to upload a file. ANd Using a "confirm" and a "back" back buttons set up for the user. The thing is, when the user selects "back" the file they selected is gone. (a blank file field). I've tried passing the value via a session variable as well as a hidden field. I know it's there because I can display this file name to the screen, but not in the form field. Heres the snippet of code:

<input type="file" name="fupload" size = "35"
value="<?php echo $filename ?>"> <br>
<input type="submit" name="confirm" value="submit">

That value is not being displayed. And when I view source, I can see it there...but not to be found in the text field.

Any ideas?

[jolly]

i think its a restriction set up by the browser for security reasons only the user can specify the file to upload otherwise you could start uploading anything off the users system without them knowing it..very dodgy

[Anon]

I am working on the same problem. If you get this, could you send me a message with the solution?

Thanks & good luck.
Doug S.

[jbutler]

Warren is correct.
The way the "file" type of form element works is to provide an interface to point to a file on the local drive. When the page is refreshed, the pointer is not displayed in the field for two reasons:
(1) security, as Warren said, and
(2) because the symbolic link the field value represented is no longer valid, as the browser is seeing a "new" page.

You are seeing the value in the source code because your browser is persistent, but not too clever.

In short, you cannot specify a valid default value in a "file" form element.

[Anon]

Hi Everybody,

My problem is so similar, but a bit difference. I made a form in two parts, the first part upload all values to the tables, but the second part is dynamic and it depends on the previous form, then I need to recall one ID generated second before to related all the second group of values with the first one group and then I can't making it.
I think that maybe if I can pass this $ID through the different pages as far as the page that I make the insert it can work.

Please let me know how can I make that.

Thanks.

James Butler wrote:

Warren is correct.
The way the "file" type of form element works is to provide an interface to point to a file on the local drive. When the page is refreshed, the pointer is not displayed in the field for two reasons:
(1) security, as Warren said, and
(2) because the symbolic link the field value represented is no longer valid, as the browser is seeing a "new" page.

You are seeing the value in the source code because your browser is persistent, but not too clever.

In short, you cannot specify a valid default value in a "file" form element.