.htaccess and a long url question!

[SniperUK]

ok what do i change in .htaccess so that instaed of having http://mydomain.com/index.php?id=main i could make it to
http://mydomain.com/?id=main

but before that how can i view my current .htaccess file
i am hosted with hostrocket but as they have set it so users cant view the file for reasons such as deleteing it
by mistake etc its a hidden file which ftp softeare do i need to use to view that file?

also as i have some long links how can i set a script so i inster the actula link but i only link to that script so it would look something like this goto.php?id=advert and it redirects to the url!

I saw somehing on thing or another board but forgot to make a note of it on how it was done!

Thanks

[TWTCommish]

Run a search on Download.com for an FTP program...basically any standard FTP program should work.

As for redirection...URLs are usually stored in a database and linked with the ID number...there are pre-made banner rotators that should be able to help you out.

[lynlimz]

hi,

if you're trying to shorten the url by removing index.php, you can just do this.

( if i got your message correctly )

add this line into your .htaccess file

DirectoryIndex index.php

all requests to: http://www.domain.com would refer striaght to index.php, therefore, you can specify directions by: http://domain.com/?action=anything

I'm assuming:
- you have .htaccess support
- your server is running apache
- you wanna do that! ehehz

hope that helps

[KeithMcL]

Actually Chris, not all FTP programs will show you the .htaccess file. I know, because I kept getting the login window when trying to access my main page on my site once and using WS_FTP, CuteFTP, LeechFTP among others, none would show the file.

Eventually I had to run ftp from the run line in wondows and ftp into my site that way. Then go into the folder where you think the file is and type ls -al. That will show you all files including hidden ones. If it's there type delete .htaccess and hit return. That should delete it )

Hope this helps.

rgds,

[lynlimz]

hmm..
try checking your ftp configuration.
some have options of hiding all files/folders beginning with a .XXXXX

if they dun, try getting another ftp client like smartftp http://smartftp.com
or aceftp 1.31...

[TWTCommish]

Really, Keith? That's quite odd...is that something the host can do purposely? I've never had a problem accessing the file with CuteFTP or WS_FTP...

[yakkoslw]

Hello,
You can view .htaccess through your Control Panel, just go to the directory where it is, and type in .htaccess in the "Edit/Create File" text field, then click the submit button right next to it, and then you'll be able to view your .htaccess file.

To view more information on the .htaccess file, visit the newest thread in our KnowledgeBase: .htaccess Thread

[SniperUK]

thanks all smartftp does allow you to view it!
Thanks