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How do you download Firefox to a Windows 8 laptop? Never get RUN dialogue box.

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I have this problem with everything I try to download. After I click on download, I never get the RUN dialogue box. The computer indicates it has downloaded the file, asks if I want to open or save, but will not run the executable file no matter what I try. I have turned off the pop-up blocker, I'm in the administrator account, I don't know what else to try. I've searched google for answers, and have contacted a couple of software support sites, but have not happened across the answer. The last one suggested I use Firefox, but I can't download this either.

I have this problem with everything I try to download. After I click on download, I never get the RUN dialogue box. The computer indicates it has downloaded the file, asks if I want to open or save, but will not run the executable file no matter what I try. I have turned off the pop-up blocker, I'm in the administrator account, I don't know what else to try. I've searched google for answers, and have contacted a couple of software support sites, but have not happened across the answer. The last one suggested I use Firefox, but I can't download this either.

Chosen solution

I solved my problem by turning off (unchecking) "Enable Protected Mode" In Microsoft Explorer / Tools / Internet Options / Security (tab) Then restart Explorer and start your download all over again. Once I finally got Firefox downloaded, it worked fine, and I have quit using Explorer.

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All Replies (9)

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I don't know whether IE10 is the same as IE9 in this regard, but if you click the Tools ("gear") button to access the menu, you should be able to find the download manager with your downloads and run them from there. See http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/wi.../using-download-manager-in-internet-explorer.

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One other thought: Occasionally the Windows Installer gets some jobs backed up waiting for you to restart Windows and stops working normally or at all. In that case, you have to restart Windows and let all previous updates or new installs complete.

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When I click on Tools, and then View Downloads, I get a list of the programs I have downloaded. The pulldown menu gives me the choices Open and Open With, which clicking on either of gives a list of choices Adobe Reader, Internet Explorer, etc. Right clicking on the downloaded file gives me the choices Delete file, Copy download link, Go to download webpage, Open containing folder, Report file is unsafe, and Rerun security checks. Still haven't found anything that says RUN. I even found the app for RUN that used to be accessed from the Start button, but when I type in the location and name of the file I get the same What do you want to open with? list. And yes I've restarted the computer. Many times. Anybody got any idea what I'm doing wrong?

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Hi Ihate8, the action of Open varies based on the type of file. An executable file will run when you open it, or at least it should. Does the list show the Firefox setup file? Currently, it should have a name similar to "Firefox Setup 23.0.1.exe".

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Sorry, I think you have a different issue, one that sometimes occurs with certain malware. I haven't tried the solutions in the following thread, but hopefully something will help.

This is not a new issue in Windows 8, actually, so if you find relevant advice for Windows 7, it's also worth a look.

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My new laptop won't open the Ver 23 .exe file after I download it to Windows 8. What should I look for?

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Chosen Solution

I solved my problem by turning off (unchecking) "Enable Protected Mode" In Microsoft Explorer / Tools / Internet Options / Security (tab) Then restart Explorer and start your download all over again. Once I finally got Firefox downloaded, it worked fine, and I have quit using Explorer.

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I tried this(Turn off Enable Protected Mode) and it didn't work for me. I downloaded Opera and the .exe file ran and Opera installed. So something is wrong with the Firefox module. Any other ideas?

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Hi jborchel, what happens when you try to run the Firefox installer -- nothing, specific error message, gets part way, etc.?

If the file you downloaded has "stub" in the name, try downloading the full installer from this page (scroll down to your preferred language): https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/all/