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how can I open downloads without first saving to file?

  • 5 replies
  • 33 have this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by mtaheri

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I can no longer given the choice of whether I want to open a downloaded file from the internet or save it to disk--I must save it to disk and go through several minutes of wasted effort before I can read the file--how can I fix this?

I can no longer given the choice of whether I want to open a downloaded file from the internet or save it to disk--I must save it to disk and go through several minutes of wasted effort before I can read the file--how can I fix this?

All Replies (5)

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You can right click a downloaded file in the Download Manager and either use Open Containing Folder to go to that folder of use Open to run the file.

Make sure that you remember downloads.

  • Tools > Options > Privacy > Firefox will: "Use custom settings for history" > "Remember download history"
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Sorry, this doesn't help at all. I'm trying to find a way to immediately open email attachments without first saving them, and then going from email to the new file location and opening them. I can't get to Download Manager without first telling Windows to save the attachment, and specifying a location. I can't find anything on the Firefox toolbar that governs how email attachments are handled.

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Yes, how dumb. There used to be an option in Tools to just open all files - ie it is automatically downloaded, so why do you have to save it to a designated location before you can open it? At least 5 more RSI clicks are needed. No such problem with Explorer so I'll be unistalling Firefox forthwith.

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You can't really but you can get it to save automatically to a folder. I created a folder that it automatically saves to then allows me to view the file. That folder is a file movement folder. Go to tools - options - I have checked "show downloads window ..." and save flies to button. it reduces the clicks necessary to open the file.

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I don't want to save, just want to open. This worked before and now suddenly it just gives me the option to save. However for WordPad documents it still gives me both options. I checked Tools > Options > Applications and the file options are set to 'Always Ask me' , e.g. for Microsoft Office Word file, but Firefox still tries to save MS Word files.