Read content of a file to string in Javascript

Question

On my website I got a form with an input:

<input type="file" id="text">

I'd like to get a content of a text file into a string variable using JavaScript. I used File API, but obviously it's not working in IE or some older browsers. I tried to use new ActiveXObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject") but some security reasons won't let me use it in IE, as it gives me an error: "Automation Server can't create object". From what I read, it seems to me that this cannot be used then without changing some security options in a browser and that's not what I want my users to do.

So is there any other simple way to read a file's content by using JavaScript only and to make it work in older browsers?

I don't think so. You can try uploading the file to a server and then reading it back from the server using AJAX. — Ted Hopp
– Ted Hopp, Commented Sep 4, 2012 at 7:51
Well, uploading the file is a thing I wanted to resign from, but thanks — krajol
– krajol, Commented Sep 4, 2012 at 7:58

Jeremy J Starcher · Accepted Answer · 2012-09-04 07:51:15Z

1

Most older browsers, no. There are some strict security limitations for Javascript.

If you are focusing IE/Windows-only and are trying to write something for your own local use, then HTA files have access to read-write routines.

answered Sep 4, 2012 at 7:51

Jeremy J Starcher

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1 Comment

krajol Over a year ago

Thank you for a reply but sadly HTA files aren't satisfying for me.

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