URL Download Copy Command

[Izzy Econ]

I am trying to download a file from an https:// webpage. The type of file I am trying to download is the type you click on and then it asks you to save the file.

For reference, the file I am trying to download is from the Phl Fed's webpage: https://www.philadelphiafed.org/rese...dian-forecasts. I am trying to download the 'Median Forecast Data for Levels' file. url: "https://www.philadelphiafed.org/-/media/research-and-data/real-time-center/survey-of-professional-forecasters/historical-data/medianlevel.xls?la=en".

I have been trying to use the view / copy commands:

copy "https://www.philadelphiafed.org/-/media/research-and-data/real-time-center/survey-of-professional-forecasters/historical-data/medianlevel.xls?la=en" "c:\temp\medianlevel.xls"
Error: remote connection failed -- see help r(677) for troubleshooting r(677);

Can someone please help me with writing the command for this?

[Nick Cox]

It's not the command; it's your connection. As you cite,

. error 677
remote connection failed -- see help r(677) for troubleshooting
r(677);

Do you have Stata 14 or an older version? Have you checked

help netio

?

"Izzy Econ": if that is your real name, fine. Otherwise, please note http://www.statalist.org/forums/help#realnames

[Izzy Econ]

I understand the error code implies it is a connection error, but I think it is actually timing out from an invalid url code. I think it is unable to load the url which causes it to timeout, not that there is an issue with the conneciton.
I had used the 'help netio' code and have played around with the http proxies, but I still get the same error message.

[William Lisowski]

It seems to work for me; the file downloaded with no problem.

[Chris Vecchio]

The file download also works for me. You mentioned modifying the http proxy settings. Are you trying to download the file from a work pc? If so, do you use a proxy to connect to the internet? I ask because my organization's proxy was the culprit behind all of my past issues downloading files via Stata.

If you are connecting through a proxy from work, have your local IT confirm that the proxy allows traffic sent using Stata's user-agent string.

Some things to check before going to your IT department based on my experiences. The answers to these questions can help them diagnose the issue:

- Can you download the file manually using an internet browser?

- Can you use the copy command to download a file from a different https:\\ site? An http:\\ site?

[Nick Cox]

I agree with Chris. Locally, what turned out to be is crucial is to get three settings right.

    Turn on or off the use of a proxy server

        set httpproxy {on|off} [, init]


    Set proxy host name

        set httpproxyhost ["]name["]


    Set the proxy port number

        set httpproxyport #