How to get 404 error when file is not available?

[itman]

Hi!
When a file is deleted or expired and public user is trying to open it using the link that previously pointed directly to that file (domain.com/.../category_name?download=999:filename), PD throws login screen with access error instead of 404 error. Also search engines complain about redirecting.
It there a setting or workaround to get 404 error in case the file is no longer available?

[lpatrick]

Since all download files presumable are under the phocadownload folder, maybe you can create a specific .htaccess file in that top folder and redirect to a specific URL/Article with a general message that the file unfortunately no longer exists and who to contact maybe if they feel that would not be correct.
See here for some tips: https://stackoverflow.com/a/19962936

Also know that you can monitor your Joomla site so you know which dead links exist: see https://petermartin.nl/en/focus-on/joomla/seo

I hope this helps

[Jan]

Hi, thank you for your idea.

Jan