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Downloads disappear-or never make it despite looking like they have.

kkorotev
kkorotev
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Some time ago and in an apparent "instant", Firefox stopped saving/getting/accepting/etc downloads from the www. It isn't sporadic, site-size based...the problem is 100% consistent.

Everything appears to happen as it should. Prompts, help windows, even the final DOWNLOADS window appears.

2 clues: 1) I am never aksed WHERE I want to save the download. 2) Although the DOWNLOADS window appears, including the correct name of the attempted download file; the "resolution" is almost instantaneous...as if the connection/download/etc never actually happens.

NO...the download file is not being stored in some hidden or unknown folder....it, simply, isn't happening.

Ideas? I really don't like IE, but am being forced to use it!

Some time ago and in an apparent "instant", Firefox stopped saving/getting/accepting/etc downloads from the www. It isn't sporadic, site-size based...the problem is 100% consistent. Everything appears to happen as it should. Prompts, help windows, even the final DOWNLOADS window appears. 2 clues: 1) I am never aksed WHERE I want to save the download. 2) Although the DOWNLOADS window appears, including the correct name of the attempted download file; the "resolution" is almost instantaneous...as if the connection/download/etc never actually happens. NO...the download file is not being stored in some hidden or unknown folder....it, simply, isn't happening. Ideas? I really don't like IE, but am being forced to use it!

All Replies (9)

kkorotev
kkorotev Question owner
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Refresh

cor-el
cor-el
  • Moderator
  • Top 10 Contributor
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See http://kb.mozillazine.org/Unable_to_save_or_download_files

kkorotev
kkorotev Question owner
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None of these fixes are working. Too bad...they look good!

Thanks, cor-el for trying! Any other ideas?

gluxon
gluxon
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Click on the AppButton -> Options -> General (Tab Box) -> Downloads -> Make sure "Ask me where to save files" is checked, and downloading something again.

If that doesn't work, try turning off you Anti-virus if you have one enabled.

kkorotev
kkorotev Question owner
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Nice Try gluxon! Just like the original problem, I make the changes you suggest and it LOOKS/FEELS like it is working, but no files end up being actually downloaded. Anti-Virus is not an issue.

Could this be some registry error?

gluxon
gluxon
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Have you tried safe mode? It temporarily makes Firefox reset itself to a fresh new install.

AppButton -> Help -> Restart with Add-ons Disabled...

Check everything, and click on "Continue in Safe Mode".

kkorotev
kkorotev Question owner
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Thanks again, gluxon...but even though I've uninstalled and re-installed multiple times I just tried 'SAFE MODE' and a re-start. No difference. Still no downloads.

The mystery continues...

Guenther Bosch
Guenther Bosch
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I had the same problem. It was a leftover from a addon that was "pimping" the Download Manager. Don't remember the name. Anyway.

Here is the solution (hopefully).

  • Type "about:config" in the location bar.
  • "Promise to be careful" :)
  • Filter for "downloadmgr"
  • All rows in bold are changed ones. Right click them to choose "Reset"
  • Restart FF
  • Test a download. Find it working.
  • Say loud and clear: "Thank U, Limex" :)
blackoctober
blackoctober
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  • Type "about:config" in the location bar.
  • "Promise to be careful"
  • Filter for "browser.download.manager.scanWhenDone"
  • Double-click to change from true to false and BAM! fixed
  • Test a download.

Modified by blackoctober