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Sites that use javascript code to initiate a download fail in FF but work in IE.

  • 6 replies
  • 15 have this problem
  • 40 views
  • Last reply by Xircal

Allen Clark
Allen Clark
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All the financial websites I use (TD Ameritrade, SunTrust bank, AmEx, etc.) allow me to download monthly statements in pdf. These used to be direct links to a pdf file, which could either be downloaded or viewed directly in Firefox. Now they're javascripts that probably formulate the pdf file on the fly from records, then download. I get a garbage file on my desktop instead. In IE, the javascript triggers a query to view or download. In Firefox, I believe there is a flash of a window that pops up, then nothing. I've tried disabling AdBlocker and have the sites listed to allow pop-ups, so that's not it.

All the financial websites I use (TD Ameritrade, SunTrust bank, AmEx, etc.) allow me to download monthly statements in pdf. These used to be direct links to a pdf file, which could either be downloaded or viewed directly in Firefox. Now they're javascripts that probably formulate the pdf file on the fly from records, then download. I get a garbage file on my desktop instead. In IE, the javascript triggers a query to view or download. In Firefox, I believe there is a flash of a window that pops up, then nothing. I've tried disabling AdBlocker and have the sites listed to allow pop-ups, so that's not it.

Chosen solution

Try running Firefox in Diagnose Firefox issues using Troubleshoot Mode. If it functions properly in that configuration, then one of your add-ons is the culprit.

See also: https://support.mozilla.com/en-US/questions/819362

Read this answer in context 👍 3

All Replies (6)

Allen Clark
Allen Clark Question owner
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Update - it turns out that the garbage file downloaded is actually the pdf file, but with an erroneous extension (.do, .aspx, others), so if I replace the extension with .pdf, I get a presentable file. As this is variously bad across multiple sites, it must be an error in either Firefox or Adobe add-on. Other ideas?

Xircal
Xircal
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Chosen Solution

Try running Firefox in Diagnose Firefox issues using Troubleshoot Mode. If it functions properly in that configuration, then one of your add-ons is the culprit.

See also: https://support.mozilla.com/en-US/questions/819362

Allen Clark
Allen Clark Question owner
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Bingo. Still not clear why, but on using Safe Mode, I got a dialog box asking how to handle the file. Leaving the checkbox to apply that solution henceforth for that type of file now has it working correctly when running normally. Thank you.

Xircal
Xircal
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You're welcome.

condonmj
condonmj
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I have a similar problem. I cannot read or download PDF documents in Firefox 5 but could do so in 4. I use Java 6.0.26

I now have to use IE or Chrome which both work succesfully. Do you have a solution for me?

Thanks.

Modified by condonmj

Xircal
Xircal
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@ condonmj, could you please start a new thread? This one is 2 months old and Firefox has been updated to version 5.0.1 in the meantime.

Click this link which will take you back to the forum list and then click the green "Ask a Question" button on the right: https://support.mozilla.com/en-US/questions

Please include the web address to the site where you get the problem.