Re-directs Without htaccess

[curtiss]

Hey all - I've recently set up a new YaBB board on the server that I use (rented hosting account from Netfirms). Unfortunately, YaBB's index file is called YaBB.pl, not index.pl. So, I was wondering if there is a way to set up my server so that the index page will be YaBB.pl.

I have tried using .htaccess files, but the server doesn't seem to recognize them (they are not hidden, and they don't seem to affect anything). I also attempted to make an index.php that simply included my YaBB.pl file, and I tried to make an index.shtml that included my YaBB.pl file, but neither of those ideas worked.

I wouldn't be too worried about it, except that I just set up a subdomain to lead to our forums, and I can't get it to do so, since there is no recognizable index file in that directory.

If there are no ideas, I will take a look at how much work needs to be done to change the name of YaBB.pl file.

[Allen]

easiest way would be to create a index.php with a meta refresh to the other page...

[tthurgo]

Originally Posted by Allen

easiest way would be to create a index.php with a meta refresh to the other page...

But meta refresh looses search engines.

Rather create a Perl script with this:

use CGI; 
my $q = CGI->new(); 
print $q->redirect( 
  -location => 'http://someothersite.com/page1.cgi', 
  -status => 301, 
);

[curtiss]

Very nice info. I'll give that a try. I knew that Meta refreshes were a no-no, but I hadn't seen any other suggestions, so that's what I had been using. You've been extremely helpful to me today Tom.