If the server is misconfigured, it treats the .shtml file as a generic binary file download, or it serves the page without executing the includes. Fix 1: Update the Apache Server Configuration (.htaccess)
Locate your location / block or the specific block handling your web files. Insert the ssi on; directive:
Add the following lines:
If the browser downloads the file instead of viewing it, the server is likely sending the wrong . Ensure the server is explicitly told that .shtml is an text/html file type (as shown in the Apache step above). 5. Check for Executive Bit (XBitHack) view shtml fix
Ensure your SHTML file actually contains valid SSI directives. A common mistake is a missing space or colon.
Verify that an entry exists mapping *.shtml to the SSINC-shtml handler.
Browsers aggressively cache responses. If you accessed the .shtml file while the server was misconfigured, your browser stored the "raw code" version. If the server is misconfigured, it treats the
If your website is hosted on a Windows Server running IIS, the view problem usually stems from a missing Handler Mapping or an uninstalled SSI role feature. Step 1: Install the SSI Feature Open the on Windows Server. Click Add Roles and Features .
The server-side fix is working properly.
Use this checklist to systematically fix your issue: Ensure the server is explicitly told that
To help me narrow down your specific setup, could you let me know:
For Windows servers running IIS (Internet Information Services), SSI is not enabled by default.
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