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Attempt to download an EXE file is first cancelled (without my consent), then, after restarting the downloaded file fails to appear on my computer.

  • 2 replies
  • 5 have this problem
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  • Last reply by moffatbrian

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Just installed FF v.5 on Win XP. Now I am unable to download exe files. I have worked through suggestions on a FF-help page entitled "Unable to download or save files".

I have turned off my firewall with no success. I use ESET NOD32 and SpyBot. I AM able to download image files (and I assume other types as well).

I can download exe files with Chrome without difficulty.

Just installed FF v.5 on Win XP. Now I am unable to download exe files. I have worked through suggestions on a FF-help page entitled "Unable to download or save files". I have turned off my firewall with no success. I use ESET NOD32 and SpyBot. I AM able to download image files (and I assume other types as well). I can download exe files with Chrome without difficulty.

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Does this issue happen in safe mode?

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Yes it happens in Safe Mode also. And, again, this only starting happening recently and doesn't appear to be correlated with any system change that I am aware of.

However, I found a solution on a rather old article. It seems that the problem is corrected by setting to "false" the following item in the about:config.

browser.download.manager.scanWhenDone

The kb article where I found the answer is at: http://kb.mozillazine.org/Browser.download.manager.scanWhenDone

I still don't know why the "virus scan" and/or application of the "Windows security policy checks" causes this problem. However, I have now observed that the file appears while being downloaded. And, then, immediately after download, the file is removed - no idea what is triggering this deletion.

Thank you for your help.

Modified by moffatbrian