Hi! I've looked through other messages, but couldnt find any similar questions, so I hope you dont mind me starting a new thread :)

I have my own domain and also have a .htaccess file uploaded to my blinkies folder to prevent direct linking. I havent had the domain long, so I'm unsure whether my current bandwidth is high due to thieves. Is there any way to find out if my graphics are being direct linked? If they are being linked, how can I get to the person's site from their IP to prove it before I block them?

Also, I would like to prevent direct linking to *all* of my images, but when I uploaded a .htaccess file to my main directory, it prevented images appearing on my hostee's sites. Is there any way to prevent this whilst still protecting my site?

I would really appreciate any help you can offer :)

I had the same problem.

My solution: create a php script that would display only images and it can be changed like images.php?img=1 or 2 or 3, etc..

Then i could use the power of PHP to block invalid referers, log the IPs of stealers, and deny access to my files.

To find out about direct linking, try:

http://www.lissaexplains.com/html6.shtml

Bellportal: Thanks for the reply :) I know how to create a .htaccess file, but was wondering if it's possible to find out who is trying to direct link. If they were direct linking my blinkies they would get a 'dont steal' image, but how would I know if someone is linking another graphic from my site? Maybe no-one is direct linking, but I would like to be able to find out.

Sami Fouad: I'd like to give PHP a try. Is there any chance you could point me in the direction of some tutorials which explain how to do what you suggested?

If you get decent stats from your host they may be able to tell you who is constantly viewing your images and who referred them to your site.

The referrer may be the person direct linking to your images. Speak to the customer support people at your host.

HTH,

Thanks for getting back to me so quickly. I'll have a good poke around my stats and see what I find!

Thanks for your help!

Who is your host?

I'm with keenhost.com

As I said, I'm pretty new to all of this, so I dont know if their stat reports are 'good' or not, as I have nothing to compare them to. They are easy to read, etc, but it's just working out what it means ;)

I know what you mean. You should contact your host if there is ANYTHING you don't understand.

They should be there to help.

HTH.