Normally, after clicking a download link, a dialog box opens to prompt for the download file destination, and then the file is downloaded.
A while ago this behavior reversed on my computer.
Now when I click a download link there's a long delay (depending on the file size) during which the file is apparently downloading. Then the dialog box opens and the file save immediately.
The behavior reverts to "normal" after a reboot, but it doesn't stay that way for long.
Any ideas what's going on?
I'm using WinXP SP-3.
Thanks
- Follow via:
- RSS
- Email Alert
Question
Answers (6)
0
Votes
What have you installed before this started?
Sounds like something is installed which is some form of Download Manager.
Col
Col
28th Nov 2011
Replies
I have some Firefox download plug-ins installed, (FlashGot, DownThemAll, and dTa OneClick!), but they were all installed and working long before the strange behavior began. I will try removing them to see if it makes any difference, but downloads work normally for a while after reboot, how can these download managers be causing the problem (the strange behavior happens even if I don't use one of these download managers).
YossiD
29th Nov 2011
I agree with @OH Smeg - Sounds like one of your managers has become damaged or corrupted (or incompatible) - Disable all and just use it as normal...
Spannerz
30th Nov 2011
0
Votes
The answer is I don't know
But after working with Windows for many years I long ago gave up believing that it even works part way right.
Here I would say that whatever is being used as a Download Manager is not loading initially at Boot Up but some time after and hence the issue that you are seeing.
I've seen similar things happen when some USB Scanners & Web Cams are used they slow down the Loading of all the services that need to load at Boot Up and if you do not take steps to rectify this they either simply do not load consistently or load a long time after the system starts.
Yep I know it shouldn't happen but it does.
Col
Here I would say that whatever is being used as a Download Manager is not loading initially at Boot Up but some time after and hence the issue that you are seeing.
I've seen similar things happen when some USB Scanners & Web Cams are used they slow down the Loading of all the services that need to load at Boot Up and if you do not take steps to rectify this they either simply do not load consistently or load a long time after the system starts.
Yep I know it shouldn't happen but it does.
Col
29th Nov 2011
0
Votes
Hmmm
How often do you perform Disk Cleanups, etc? Maybe there's an issue with your temporary file folder?
Personally, I prefer Chrome's behavior over Firefox's, but I'm sure that the solution is simple. Be sure to check your applications and content settings in Firefox (I may not use it personally, but rather familiar with it because of my job)... Ensure that there aren't any other add-ons or applications that are interfering with your Downloads.
Just a thought...
Personally, I prefer Chrome's behavior over Firefox's, but I'm sure that the solution is simple. Be sure to check your applications and content settings in Firefox (I may not use it personally, but rather familiar with it because of my job)... Ensure that there aren't any other add-ons or applications that are interfering with your Downloads.
Just a thought...
29th Nov 2011
Replies
I think this is a system issue as the behavior is the same in FF8, IE8, and Chrome15.
Disk cleanups - not as often as I should. How would that affect this?
Anyway, I'm overdue for a reformat/reinstall so I suppose the problem will go away and my curiosity will remain unsatisfied.
Thanks just the same.
Disk cleanups - not as often as I should. How would that affect this?
Anyway, I'm overdue for a reformat/reinstall so I suppose the problem will go away and my curiosity will remain unsatisfied.
Thanks just the same.
YossiD
30th Nov 2011
0
Votes
Downloading in Windows can be problematic.
well, one way to see if the reboot process actually helps with the downloading is to execute a clean boot and ensure the task scheduler is disabled. then test your theory by running the computer normally and see if downloading works all day for you. (since the anti virus will be disabled as well, you should limit your net activities to safe sites and downloads that have been cleared to be virus free)
if a clean boot. didn't help, then use a freeware call "Free download manager" and use it instead of the built in windows feature.
if a clean boot. didn't help, then use a freeware call "Free download manager" and use it instead of the built in windows feature.
30th Nov 2011
0
Votes
My FireFox asks me every time
There is an option that changes this. Look through your options for a download location. You can select "Always ask". If this is the setting then the only thing that could interfere is an add-on. Keep in mind that your settings, both in FireFox and your add-ons, could change after updates. Updates should happen frequently.
30th Nov 2011
0
Votes
Or I suppose you could run Whats Running
On the system and see what is running when you first boot the system and then what has been added when the behavior starts
http://www.whatsrunning.net/download.aspx
Col
http://www.whatsrunning.net/download.aspx
Col
30th Nov 2011
