Why won't Firefox let me download anything?
Basically, I've been having a problem the past few days. I can't download anything on Firefox, or any other browser I try to use. The files download no problem, and when it's in the process of doing so I even see the files being prepared in the proper folders.
However, when the download finishes, the file just... disappears. It's the same thing for every file I try to download, not just one or two. Varying from games, to music, etc.
When I search them up in the start menu, it shows up, but when I click it, it tells me it's searching for the file, but I can choose to browse for it myself, leaving me very confused. Going to its file location takes me to Recent, where it shows the files I downloaded as 1 kb shortcuts, but with the original file nowhere to be found.
If I may note, after the download these disappearing files still take up all the space on my disk that they claimed they would, not just 1 kb. Additionally, about a week or two before this happened, my computer mysteriously started losing a lot of space on the C: Disk, to the point where I got a warning for having such low space; even though I wasn't doing anything. Not sure if that plays any part in this, but I figured I'd add that in anyway.
Does anyone here have a solution to this? I'd appreciate responses, please.
Chosen solution
If downloads hang at the last minute (just before reaching 100%), the cause might be antivirus software which tries to scan the file and during that process hangs the Firefox instance.
In order to fix the problem, try disabling the scanning as follows:
- In the Location bar, type about:config and press Enter. The about:config "This might void your warranty!" warning page may appear.
- Click I'll be careful, I promise!, to continue to the about:config page. A list of settings should appear
- Filter the list by typing in the search bar at the top. Type in scanWhenDone. You should now find the "browser.download.scanWhenDone" preference.
- Double-click on that preference to set the value to false.
- Next, try to download something and see if it still hangs.
Please reply and tell us whether this helped you!
Read this answer in context 👍 7All Replies (4)
Sounds like a security suite doesn't like what you downloaded and deletes the download or hides it.
And as far as you PC losing a lot of space, it sounds like you have a serious issue going on there - far more than a Firefox support issue.
My advice is to seek out a Windows Operating System support forum.
Hello,
The Reset Firefox feature can fix many issues by restoring Firefox to its factory default state while saving your essential information. Note: This will cause you to lose any Extensions, Open websites, and some Preferences.
To Reset Firefox do the following:
- Go to Firefox > Help > Troubleshooting Information.
- Click the "Reset Firefox" button.
- Firefox will close and reset. After Firefox is done, it will show a window with the information that is imported. Click Finish.
- Firefox will open with all factory defaults applied.
Further information can be found in the Refresh Firefox - reset add-ons and settings article.
Did this fix your problems? Please report back to us!
Thank you.
Chosen Solution
If downloads hang at the last minute (just before reaching 100%), the cause might be antivirus software which tries to scan the file and during that process hangs the Firefox instance.
In order to fix the problem, try disabling the scanning as follows:
- In the Location bar, type about:config and press Enter. The about:config "This might void your warranty!" warning page may appear.
- Click I'll be careful, I promise!, to continue to the about:config page. A list of settings should appear
- Filter the list by typing in the search bar at the top. Type in scanWhenDone. You should now find the "browser.download.scanWhenDone" preference.
- Double-click on that preference to set the value to false.
- Next, try to download something and see if it still hangs.
Please reply and tell us whether this helped you!
Ah, that was it! Thanks, Waka!