What to exercise if you can't download or save files

This article describes steps to have if you lot are unable to download or save files using Firefox.

Note: The Refresh Firefox characteristic can fix many issues by restoring Firefox to its default state while saving your essential information. Consider using it before going through a lengthy troubleshooting process.

Table of Contents

  • one Check the Downloads panel for blocked downloads
  • 2 Articulate the download history
  • 3 Choose a different download folder
  • 4 Reset the download folder
  • 5 Cull a valid download folder in Safari Preferences
  • 6 Delete corrupt plist file
  • 7 Modify file type settings
  • viii Configure Net security software
  • 9 Enable downloads blocked by Security Zone Policy
    • 9.one Reset system Net Security settings
  • ten Other solutions

Check the Downloads panel for blocked downloads

Firefox includes a download protection feature to protect you from malicious or potentially harmful file downloads. If Firefox has blocked an dangerous download, you volition run into a warning bulletin near the file in the Downloads panel, along with options for handling the awaiting download. You lot tin open up the Downloads panel to view completed and pending downloads by clicking on the Downloads push button (the down pointer on your toolbar). Run across the articles Where to find and manage downloaded files in Firefox and How does built-in Phishing and Malware Protection work? for more than information.

Clear the download history

Immigration the download history can fix some problems with downloading files:

  1. Click the Downloads push button download icon 57, and and then click . The Downloads window volition open.
  2. In the Downloads window, click Clear Downloads.
  3. Shut the Downloads window.

Choose a different download folder

Firefox may non be able to download files if there is a problem with the folder in which downloaded files are saved:

  1. In the Menu bar at the pinnacle of the screen, click and select . Click the menu button Fx89menuButton and select .
  2. Select the console.
  3. Observe the Downloads section under Files and Applications.
  4. Click the Browse Cull push next to the Save files to entry.
  5. Choose a different download folder for saving files.
  6. Close the about:preferences page. Whatever changes you've made will automatically be saved.

Reset the download folder

If y'all have tried the above suggestions, y'all can restore the default Firefox download folder settings:

Alarm: Changing advanced preferences tin affect Firefox's stability and security. This is recommended for advanced users only.

  1. Type about:config in the address bar and press Enter Render .
    A warning page may appear. Click Accept the Risk and Continue to get to the nearly:config page.
  2. In the Search field, enter browser.download.
  3. If any of the following settings are in bold text, reset their values. To reset a value, click the Delete Fx71aboutconfig-DeleteButton or Reset Fx71aboutconfig-ResetButton button, depending on the preference:
    • browser.download.dir
    • browser.download.downloadDir
    • browser.download.folderList
    • browser.download.lastDir
    • browser.download.useDownloadDir
  4. If desired, you tin can revert dorsum to your preferred download folder settings in your Firefox Options Preferences Settings panel, in the Downloads section under Files and Applications.

Choose a valid download binder in Safari Preferences

If you receive the error <filename> could non exist saved, because an unknown error occurred. , your problem might be caused by an interaction with the Safari browser and your operating system.

To ready the problem, open up Safari's Preferences and modify the Relieve downloaded files to: setting to a valid folder (such as your Desktop). Then restart Firefox.

Delete corrupt plist file

If you receive the error <filename> could not be saved, because you cannot modify the contents of that folder. Alter the folder properties and try again, or try saving in a dissimilar location., your trouble might be caused by corrupt plist files.

To set this problem, become to your domicile directory and delete this preference file:

  • ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.internetconfig.plist

Alter file blazon settings

If downloading sure file types does not work, check to make sure Firefox is not prepare to handle those file types differently from others. Encounter Manage file types and download actions in Firefox for instructions on how to view and change how different file types are handled.

Configure Cyberspace security software

Internet security software, including firewalls, antivirus programs, anti-spyware programs, and others tin block certain file downloads. Check the settings in your security software to see if there is an setting that may be blocking downloads.

To diagnose whether Net security software is causing issues, yous tin try temporarily disabling it, seeing if downloads work, and and so re-enabling the software.

Enable downloads blocked by Security Zone Policy

Downloading an executable file (e.g., an .exe or .msi file) may fail, with the Downloads window showing Canceled under the file name.

This happens considering Firefox honors your Windows security settings for downloading applications and other potentially unsafe files from the Internet. To resolve this trouble, apply the solution given below.

Reset organization Internet Security settings

You can reset your system Net security settings in Cyberspace Explorer. Come across How to reset Internet Explorer settings at Microsoft Support for instructions.

Other solutions

You may exist able to diagnose your download problem by following the steps given in the Troubleshoot and diagnose Firefox bug commodity.

These fine people helped write this article:

AliceWyman, philipp, Tonnes, Michael Verdi, scoobidiver, Swarnava Sengupta, Mike Cooper, Wesley Branton, Lan, pollti, Joni

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