To force a file to download using ASP.NET (or classic ASP for that matter), you must add a header to the page. The header should look similar to:

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Response.AddHeader("content-disposition", "attachment; filename=File.doc")

However, in some instances you may use an HTTP Module or HTTP Handler to handle downloading of files. These are used quite often if you store files in SQL server.When using a module or handler, you’ll most likely take the “cheap” way out and reference your files by an ID number. The problem with this is that if your user doesn’t support a particular type of file in-browser, they will by downloading the file with a filename of download3.aspx and not File.doc. So, you should always add the filename with the type associated even if you are not forcing a download. To do this, use the following:

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Response.AddHeader("content-disposition", "inline; filename=File.doc")

This header appends the filename to the document.