External File Not Opening when Linked to Storyline

Nov 10, 2014

By Jagannathan T S

Guys,

Hope you are doing better!

I added a picture and then applied trigger - Jump to URL/File - linked an excel file (.xls) from my desktop.

Then, clicked the green check mark to see if the file opens, but the folder opened and the file was selected.

I published the course and when I clicked the object, I got different responses based on the browser:

1) In IE - I could sense that some new window is trying to open, but not opening.

2) In Chrome - the object didn't have any click impact.

I tried publishing the same for LMS and uploaded in SCORM CLOUD - the result was same. Also, I turned off all pop-up blocker in both IE and Chrome settings. I also tried changing the location as mentioned in some tutorial with \story_content\external_files\test.xls but proved to be waste of time.

Can someone help me out in this?

Regards

Jagan

10 Replies

Wendy Farmer
Hero

over 9 years ago11/10/14 at 9:45 am (UTC)

Hi Jagan

I have just tested in SL1. I added a graphic and linked an excel file to it and published.

In IE, when I click the graphic I get the message - open or save, I click open and excel opens the file.

I uploaded to Scormcloud and same behaviour...click the graphic, do I want to open or save the file...opens excel and displays the spreadsheet.

Do you want to upload your .story here to test?

over 9 years ago11/10/14 at 10:00 am (UTC)

Hi Wendy,

Thanks for your response.

Here is a test file and let me know if it works. Please find attached the source and the published file. I have linked an .xls file to an object.

Regards

Jagan

Testing_File_output.zip
Testing_File.story

Phil Mayor
Hero

over 9 years ago11/10/14 at 10:22 am (UTC)

Seen this once on a clients machine where security setting on the machine prevented this happening.

Jagannathan T S
Author

over 9 years ago11/10/14 at 10:30 am (UTC)

Well - to add a point - I am also getting a pop-up window to Open or Save if the same file is added to Resources tab but not as a trigger on an object!

Wendy Farmer
Hero

over 9 years ago11/10/14 at 11:05 am (UTC)

Hi Jagan

here is your test file and I have added a graphic and a link to a spreadsheet on your slide. Mine works fine yours doesn't. As Phil said it might be a security setting on your machine.

Your link does not work for me. There is no spreadsheet in the external files folder. Your published zip folder according to Scormcloud contains no files.

I have attached my sample spreadsheet, .story file and published zip file

What Phil said above about security settings (found this the web) - you could try the following

1. Go into your IE settings (click the gear in the upper right).
2. Select 'Internet Options'
3. Select the 'Advanced' tab
4. Begin typing the word 'security' and it will automatically move your cursor along to the right section ('sec' should be enough to get you there). Alternatively, scroll down to the 'Security' section, though typing is quicker.
5. Check the box for 'Allow active content to run files on My Computer'
6. Restart your machine

Jagannathan T S
Author

over 9 years ago11/10/14 at 11:15 am (UTC)

Thanks Wendy,

Let me try this solution, but as I told - it works perfectly when added to Resources tab.

Regards

Jagan

Jagannathan T S
Author

over 9 years ago11/10/14 at 11:15 am (UTC)

Thanks Wendy,

Let me try this solution, but as I told - it works perfectly when added to Resources tab.

Regards

Jagan

Jagannathan T S
Author

over 9 years ago11/10/14 at 11:48 am (UTC)

Excellent! Thanks Wendy for your timely help! It works perfect! It's all related to the IE settings you mentioned. But I wonder how the same settings had no role while accessing the file from Resources Tab!

Whatever it is - job is done and it's cool.

Regards