Keep Counter from changing upon return?

[So-N-So, Inc.]

Here's the scenerio, I have a main page with a counter which uses frames. The user clicks to view a flash movie so I use GetURL with _top set to go to the movie URL. At the end of the movie there is a Return to main page button. When this button is clicked the counter changes when the main page is loaded back in using GetURL. Is there a way to make the counter NOT change upon the return from the movie page? Perhaps there is a URL command that just tells it to return to the previous page? Or do I need to deal with sending a CGI command to the counter script?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[MasterShin]

Are you using your own script, or a given counter by a company like - thecounter.com?

If you are using your own script, with visual basic, you can use the Session mode...

Waiting for your replay...

[So-N-So, Inc.]

I'm using a counter supplied by my ISP.

[MasterShin]

I think there is another way. You make it that when going back, it'll start from the second frame with Javascript.

But, why don't you make a seperate page and movie without the counter, that on turning back it goes there??

[flishkut]

if you can get to the cgi-script (im assuming its cgi) and edit it - then you could add an extra if clause -

if (x==1)
{
//add the counter script here but remove the
//part that says $counter++; (or whatever the
//variable is called that is the counter)
}
else
{
//add the unchanged counter script here
}


then, if you add on the end of the flash movie - when
it uses the geturl to load the counter, add ?x=1 onto
the end of the url call (eg: http://www.you.com/counter.cgi?x=1)

that way, if x is set, the script knows that you are returning to it and that it should not increment the counter
otherwise, x is not set and it will do what it normally does. If you cant get to your ISP's cgi counter script
that you are using then it is very easy to find a cgi counter that you can edit.

good luck
flishkut

[MasterShin]

Flishkut, that is a good idea, but how will the Flash movie know when not to add the x=1?
What about the CGI parsing the variables?

[flishkut]

because the geturl in the flash movie is only loaded after the counter loaded on the main page - so the geturl should always add it.

if im mistaken here then you could pass a variable to flash - and if that variable was set then add ?x=1, if
not then dont.

*shugs*

goodluck

[MasterShin]

Now that's a great idea with no problems.

[So-N-So, Inc.]

Thnaks FlishKut! editing the cgi script and passing the variable is a great idea. You are absolutely right that the counter will alwysa be loaded before the movie is played!
Thanks again!