custom download directory

[arthomas]

Hello
First, thanks for this awesome plugin, I just found it, and I am in awe of its robustness and wide array of options, there are not many plugins like that! it certainly is one the top wordpress plugins.
I have been offering a lot of files for free during the years, I want to start charging for them now, but I cant move them all to the default protected directory, because it will break a lot of links.
Isn't it possible to define a different protected directory (under the same domain), it seems that it isn't, but why? will it ever change? is there any workaround for that?
Thanks in advance

[arthomas]

BUMP

[Jason Caldwell]

Thanks for your patience.
I'm very sorry for the delayed response.

This directory MUST reside at:
/wp-content/plugins/s2member-files/

However, if you'd like to create a SYMLINK in this location, which points to another directory, possibly on a different drive or another area of your server, it is fine to do this.

[arthomas]

seems to complicated
why are you not providing this possibility? is it technically impossible? or a different another reason?

[Jason Caldwell]

seems to complicated
why are you not providing this possibility? is it technically impossible? or a different another reason?

I understand. Actually though, it's not a huge deal if you have SSH access to your web space.
You just log in via SSH and just type in something like this:

The syntax is: ln -s [directory] [shortcut]

Code: Select all

ln -s /full/path/to/your/protected/files/ /path/to/plugins/s2member-files/ 

See: http://help.hardhathosting.com/question.php/95

I will certainly consider adding an option to change the location of /s2member-files/ in a future release.
@TODO :: possible config option for /s2member-files/ custom location, other than with SYMLINK.

[smiles]

The problem is that most people do NOT have SSH access by default and many hosts aren't too keen on giving SSH access (at least not w/o extra fees). Plus, most people don't know how to use SSH even if they DO have access. I mean look at the OP above, to him creating a sym link seems too hard when in reality it is VERY simple when you know how.

Most people don't even know where to start at all. They don't know HOW to login using SSH even if they DO have access (some have SSH access and never even know it). So for those of you wondering, you can download the free Putty SSH client to access your server through SSH. I seem to also recall finding a built-in (undocumented) SSH client in Windows XP but I can't seem to recall the name now, so Putty will do.

Once installed, simply launch Putty, enter your HostName (usually the IP address of the server) and select to connect using SSH. Accept the key then enter your username and password (this is usually the SAME as your FTP login info). Now you are logged in and ready to use SSH on your hosting account.

Now simply use the Code that Jason gave you (obviously changing the paths to what you need them to be for YOUR setup) and you have created a Symbolic Link using SSH. Pretty simple, right? Believe it or not, once you learn how SSH is just as easy as FTP.

Good luck to all!

~smiles

[arthomas]

Thanks Jason and smiles.

I will look into it, I never used SSH, although I don't consider myself a noob at all. I have been a web developer for 5 years, but I never used SSH.

[Jason Caldwell]

@smiles
Thanks for posting these helpful details.
~ Much appreciated!

The problem is that most people do NOT have SSH access by default and many hosts aren't too keen on giving SSH access (at least not w/o extra fees). Plus, most people don't know how to use SSH even if they DO have access. I mean look at the OP above, to him creating a sym link seems too hard when in reality it is VERY simple when you know how.

Most people don't even know where to start at all. They don't know HOW to login using SSH even if they DO have access (some have SSH access and never even know it). So for those of you wondering, you can download the free Putty SSH client to access your server through SSH. I seem to also recall finding a built-in (undocumented) SSH client in Windows XP but I can't seem to recall the name now, so Putty will do.

Once installed, simply launch Putty, enter your HostName (usually the IP address of the server) and select to connect using SSH. Accept the key then enter your username and password (this is usually the SAME as your FTP login info). Now you are logged in and ready to use SSH on your hosting account.

Now simply use the Code that Jason gave you (obviously changing the paths to what you need them to be for YOUR setup) and you have created a Symbolic Link using SSH. Pretty simple, right? Believe it or not, once you learn how SSH is just as easy as FTP.