Looking at a file on an ftp without downloading it - Possible?

I have an ftp to which my application will connect to make a software update. A text file on the ftp contains all SERIAL NUMBERS that are eligible to download the update.

The way I was going to do it: My application downloads the file and check the application's serial number against the downloaded list. I still think this would work ok, but just in case some kind of "hacker" (let's just not play on words) could do something against that - I wondered if a file can be checked on the ftp, without downloading it.

Afterall, it's only a textfile in which SN are written one after the other. If it comes local on a machine, even tho the process takes 1 second and the file is deleted afterward, I'm afraid someone could find a way to have unlimitted updates.

Thanks.

hmmm, anything you want to view...

...you have to download first!

Well, not exactely :)
You could just put it in the ITC buffer (not really sure if it has some kinda temp-file) and process it from there, and if it's finished just empty the buffer in some way.

So just "download" it with the ITC (Internet Transfer Control) to a buffer (mybuf = Inet1.OpenUrl(MYURL))

So don't use the WebBrowser control, because it uses Internet Explorer and I think it stores the file somewhere temporarily.

Hope it helps a bit.

for a computer to show you something, it has to KNOW what it is showing you. You cant watch the premier without going to the cinema!

(Source: "Stupid Analogy Ltd.")

you could also open the file and don't close it after you're finished with the processing, if it's open they can't use it!! : )

but not sure... it's not that good when the prog crashes while processing. But

Code:

---

On Error GoTo Delete
Delete:
Kill MYFILE

---

will work I think...

BTW, wossname what was the last post about?

Use encryption on the file, then decrypt it in the buffer as said earlier. This would make it a lot tougher for would be 'hackers' to see your Serialz, and also if people have firewalls, they will be able to see every connection made, so will be able to get info on your file's location on the FTP server you are using, then subsequently access it (if server isn't passworded... ;)). Use encryption, there are many examples scattered about the forum - do a search, as I am no expert on it.

Later

REM ;)

hehe stupid from me not to think about that :)
Cool REM!