$http_referer

[OwenTheSamoan]

I'm using HTTP_REFERER to see what pages are being looked at before a member of my site comes to my HOME page. HTTP_REFERER works perfectly if the previous pages viewed are linked to the HOME page and they use the link to get to it. However, if they type in the address of theHOME page into the browser or scroll backwards or forwards to the HOME page the HTTP_REFERER does not work. Any ideas on what I am doing wrong or what I can do?

Owen The Samoan

[drew010]

The http referer is only sent when a user clicks a link or fills out a form or is sent via a header location direction, and that really is only true if the browser is set to send it. Its not a very reliable thing to depend on, but a referer isnt sent from type ins or clicking back/forward buttons.

[OwenTheSamoan]

Thank you for your reply. Is there anything else I can use in place of HTTP_REFERER?

[drew010]

thats really the only thing that can tell you where they came from, and well yeah its not even that reliable.

[OwenTheSamoan]

Oh well, thanks anyway.