Try setting a preference in about:config

• See --> http://kb.mozillazine.org/About:config
• Preference to set (see values below) --> browser.download.manager.retention
  • 0 (<- that is a zero) indicates that the download should be removed upon completion (of download)
  • 1 indicates that completed and canceled downloads should be removed on quit (when you quit or exit Firefox)
  • 2 indicates that downloads should never be removed automatically (default)

Download history can now be managed in the Library window where you can also manage History and Bookmarks. You can open the Library window with

• Firefox button > History > Show All History (or History > Show All History on the Menu Bar) or CTRL+SHIFT+H
• Firefox button > Bookmarks > Show All Bookmarks (or Bookmarks > Show All Bookmarks on the Menu Bar) or CTRL+SHIFT+B
• click "Show All Downloads" at the bottom of the new interface (see below)

Firefox 14 also has a new download interface. You can also use the old download window if you choose

• Information here --> http://www.ghacks.net/2012/04/18/firefoxs-new-download-internet-how-to-restore-the-old/

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The first suggestion seems to have done the trick, thanks. Sure seems like it was easier to set this in previous versions. Why fix it if it ain't broke?

"Sure seems like it was easier to set this in previous versions. Why fix it if it ain't broke?"

I agree.

Somewhere in the development of the new Downloads interface (see link in my original post), several items changed and this was one of them:

• on Options > Privacy, you now have a combined "Remember my browsing and download history"
• browsing history and download history were previously separate selectable items and un-checking the download history item, kept the download history window clear immediately after the completion of the download
• download history can now be managed from the Library window (along with History and Bookmarks) whereas downloads were previously managed only in the downloads window (see that information in my original post)
• you now have the option of the new download window/interface or the old style (see information in my original post)

I can not explain the reasoning of the developers in making the change(s). There are a number of bug reports where extensive conversations between developers occurred over a period of time resulting in the changes and I have not taken the time to try to read all of them to understand their reasoning.

We are all uncompensated volunteers here to try to help other users find solutions to problems.

I find myself agreeing with some changes and disagreeing with other changes made to Firefox. One like this, that makes users edit the hidden prefs in about:config, where users could previously easily un-check an item on the Options interface, just does not make sense to me. That's my 2 cents worth.