asp.net mvc - Redirect / show view after generated file is dowloaded -

i've got controller action downloads dynamically generated file:

    public actionresult downloadfile()     {         var obj = new myclass { mystring = "hello", mybool = true };         var ser = new xmlserializer(typeof(myclass));         var stream = new memorystream();         ser.serialize(stream, obj);         stream.position = 0;          response.clear();         response.addheader("content-disposition", "attachment; filename=myfile.xml");         response.contenttype = "application/xml";          // write data         stream.writeto(response.outputstream);         response.end();          return content("downloaded");     } 

just reference:

    public class myclass     {         public string mystring { get; set; }         public int myint { get; set; }     } 

this working, , file (myfile.xml) downloaded.
however, message "downloaded" not sent browser.

similarly, if replace return content("downloaded");
return redirect("www.something.com");
browser redirected before file downloads.

as bit of pre-amble, user journey is:

• user fills out form on previous view
• form submitted
• xml generated , downloaded
• user redirected / "downloaded" view shown (so hitting f5 won't re-post form)

each http request can have 1 response - you're trying sneak in 2 (the file, , page).

normally when send "content-disposition: attachment" http header browser stay on current page , pop file save dialog (or automatically save file in downloads).

you're going have change strategy if want prevent re-submission of form. i'd suggest bit of javascript disable form's submit button , show "completed" message in div overlay?