Why does the 'Downloads' gives me a full page which I can not just minimize to the task bar.
I'm running Firefox 34.05 as opposed to what the data will say (34.0)
Lately, when I press the 'Downloads' in Tools, I get a full page as if it is a new tab. I use to have a small block that I could minimize to the task bar. Is there something I can do to restore it to it former glorious self?
As a secondary question which seemed to happen at the same time comes this question. now when I download a clip it does not appear in the Download (now) page. It still downloads but I can not view it download, stop the download or even go to where it was downloaded. Any help would be appreciated.
All Replies (6)
Normally Tools > Downloads or Ctrl+j launches the Library dialog and displays the Downloads section (the Library dialog also shows History and Bookmarks). Regarding the size of the window, it could be that you used the dialog to view history or bookmarks and enlarged it. Firefox doesn't remember the size separately for the 3 different lists.
On the second point, since you have a few different downloaders, I'm not sure which one is malfunctioning, or maybe there's a conflict between them. You might check their pages on the Add-ons site to see if reviews or support information reports the same issue and mentions any workarounds.
jscher2000, I understand what you are saying about conflicts, however I haven't changed downloaders for a few months. They caused no problems for me for a long time and then this happened. Can it be reversed and if not maybe a backup of my preferences along with a new copy of Firefox will help right the situation.
I just noticed you have Firefox set to start up automatically in private browsing mode (Options > Privacy > Firefox will: Never remember history). This could be affecting the downloads list.
jscher2000, I changed it to Remember History and I've got a small window called 'Library'. It's not the same as before but it does the same job as before. My clips downloads are now showing and I can get to the folder using the 'new' window. I guess private browsing (for me) will not work the same as before. There are always VPNs.
I thank you so much for your help.
Now I know there is a place somewhere where all history is deleted once I shut off Firefox. All I have to do is find it and not mess anything up in the mean time. thanks, again
If you are in Private Browsing mode then you get the about:downloads page in a tab/window and not the Downloads Manager window with the Library. You also do not keep the download history if you close Firefox or leave PB mode.
Hi DM_Deleter, you can set Firefox to clear various categories of history at shutdown in the Options dialog. If you change the selector to "Firefox will: Use custom settings for history" then you will have access to the particular checkboxes and dialogs.
Regarding VPN, that's actually something you might still want for a different reason. Firefox's private browsing only controls what is saved on the PC. It does not change anything outside your PC, including the IP address assigned by your service provider. If you do not want websites to know your location or have records linked to your IP address, you should look into VPN services (or TOR).