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Most downloaded files like .zip, .doc open in hex editor

  • 6 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 24 views
  • Last reply by initials

initials
initials
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When I open downloaded files using the small popup menu (the one that opens when you click the "arrow pointing downwards" button) they are opened using the text editor.

When I click "Show All Downloads" and open the files from there, they use the right program. This happens in safe mode as well.

I'm using Ubuntu, files open correctly in the file manager.

When I open downloaded files using the small popup menu (the one that opens when you click the "arrow pointing downwards" button) they are opened using the text editor. When I click "Show All Downloads" and open the files from there, they use the right program. This happens in safe mode as well. I'm using Ubuntu, files open correctly in the file manager.

Modified by initials

All Replies (6)

guigs
guigs
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Is there a stored mime type in the Application settings?

initials
initials Question owner
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guigs said

Is there a stored mime type in the Application settings?

There are multiple entries for zip files, with names like application/zip etc. I have them all set as "Always ask".

When I clicked the dropdown, most of them have the entry "Use Archive Manager (default)", but on some of them the entry is "Use (default)" (with two spaces).

I'll try changing them, and find a zip file to download.

EDIT: I can't seem to reproduce this. Google drive and github both works correctly.

Modified by initials

initials
initials Question owner
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guigs said

Is there a stored mime type in the Application settings?

I've reproduced the original problem. I configured a server to always return a mimetype of "application/octet-stream". The downloaded file will be opened with a hex editor.

Since there are no entry for that mimetype, I can't change it.

guigs
guigs
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Seamonkey 1.x used to let you add a new file type, but not anymore.

This suggests an add on OpenDownload: http://mntnoe.com/2010/02/workaround-for-handling-applicationo...

Addon: click here

cor-el
cor-el
  • Moderator
  • Top 10 Contributor
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If the content type is "application/octet-stream" then Firefox then Firefox will always offer to save the file. I don't know why Firefox would open the file in a hex editor.

Try to rename (or delete) the mimeTypes.rdf file in the Firefox profile folder to reset all file actions.

You can use this button to go to the current Firefox profile folder:

initials
initials Question owner
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cor-el said

If the content type is "application/octet-stream" then Firefox then Firefox will always offer to save the file. I don't know why Firefox would open the file in a hex editor. Try to rename (or delete) the mimeTypes.rdf file in the Firefox profile folder to reset all file actions. You can use this button to go to the current Firefox profile folder:

I deleted mimetypes.rdf and reset the config in the article, but it doesn't solve the problem. It still offers to open files with the hex editor.