Error handling when downloading file from ASP.NET Web Handler (.ashx)
I have a web page which a user can download a PDF file via an ASP.NET web handler (.ashx). It is implemented like the answer in this question. The problem I have is when I do do this window.top.location.href = url; in my JavaScript I have no real control over what happens if there is an exception thrown in the handler. The user experience, when everything works correctly, is that they essentially stay on the page they were on and the browser tells them that they can download the PDF file. However, when there is an exception thrown in the handler they are redirected to the URL of the handler and shown a blank page.