2 out of 3 ain't bad but it's not good enough

[Guest]

Any help/pointers greatly received on the following....
I have a dynamic asp page of files for viewing
and I want to let a user select a file and
a) record the user and document they viewed in a access database table
b) open the selected file (pdf) in a new window
I can get a) working <a href....>, I can get b) working (call another page with insert routine)
but not both
I've tried all sorts of combinations and ideas but with no success
TIA
Judith

[MikeL7]

I would make the link goto a page to just insert the proper info, like user name and date time ect. Then response.redirect to the proper file. Pass the name of the file to the insert page by a form parameter (GET or PUT), either one will work just depends if you want to use a hyperlink or button. On the insert page use the form variable as the name of the file and insert into the databse. You can pass the name of the file in the URL or as a form variable to the insert page or query for it if its in a db. You will have to modify the insert record behavior to insert without the submit action and change the redirect to the variable that is the file name.

[Guest]

Thanks Mike
I think I've tried all that but what I don't think that does and hence my problem is open the pdf file in a new (non pop up because of sucurity) window
ie Page 1 list of files -> click on link with id value -> page2 (inserts to database) -> opens pdf window
but then shutting the pdf window loses website
Sorry if I've misunderstood