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Firefox ignores the downloads options (save to/ask) changes name

  • 2 replies
  • 8 have this problem
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  • Last reply by Dinobelf

Dinobelf
Dinobelf
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When trying to download an attachment from gmail Firefox ignores the preference settings for saving, (save to/ask always). When the download arrow is clicked, the attachment is downloaded immediately with no "ask'. The file is put in 'Downloads' an it changes the name to rubbish and then adds .part to the name. I have Firefox 56 on Mac Sierra 10.12.6 and Gmail. I have tried changing prefs, clearing cache, shutting down and restarting between changes but nothing changes. I was happening in the previous versions of Firefox also. I see this was a problem back in 2013 but it seems those solutions don't apply.

When trying to download an attachment from gmail Firefox ignores the preference settings for saving, (save to/ask always). When the download arrow is clicked, the attachment is downloaded immediately with no "ask'. The file is put in 'Downloads' an it changes the name to rubbish and then adds .part to the name. I have Firefox 56 on Mac Sierra 10.12.6 and Gmail. I have tried changing prefs, clearing cache, shutting down and restarting between changes but nothing changes. I was happening in the previous versions of Firefox also. I see this was a problem back in 2013 but it seems those solutions don't apply.

Chosen solution

I solved the problem by uninstalling Firefox through Clean my MAC 3. I exported all bookmarks first and renamed the crash report and diagnostic files and folders for later use if needed. I then opened Safari, downloaded and installed FF. It works fine so far and the problems have gone.

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jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
  • Top 25 Contributor
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The .part extension indicates that the download is still in progress. Once the file is fully saved, .part should be removed. If that isn't happening, hmm, why is that...

Do you notice any difference in Firefox's behavior downloading Gmail attachments based on the type of file?

In case it makes any difference, can you set Firefox to "Always ask you where to save files" on the Preferences page. Note that the layout changed in Firefox 56. Either:

  • Mac: "3-bar" menu button (or Firefox menu) > Preferences
  • Linux: "3-bar" menu button (or Edit menu) > Preferences
  • Windows: "3-bar" menu button (or Tools menu) > Options

Firefox normally will display the "General" panel but, if not, in the left column, click General. Then scroll down to the "Files and Applications" section where the first setting lets you choose between always saving to a preselected download folder or letting you choose the destination every time.

Does that help?

Dinobelf
Dinobelf Question owner
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Chosen Solution

I solved the problem by uninstalling Firefox through Clean my MAC 3. I exported all bookmarks first and renamed the crash report and diagnostic files and folders for later use if needed. I then opened Safari, downloaded and installed FF. It works fine so far and the problems have gone.