[bradley27]

Hiya

Trying to remember how to reset the settings for download files off the internet

Basically i selected a file to download and the file started downloading without asking me where to save it!!!

I dont recall ever changing any settings but whatever!

Anyone assist?

Im not using Firefox, im using XP Internet Explorer

[kiwiguy]

In IE, Tools, Internet Options, Advanced.

Under Browsing, tick "notify when download is complete"

[DoubleHelix]

As far as I know, the option to save a file when downloading through Internet Explorer is controlled through File Types options for each separate file type.

[Broni]

IE won't ask you.
You need to edit registry to change IE default download directory.

Go Start>Run, type in:
regedit
Click OK.

1. In the left hand pane navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer
...if there is no Download Directory key...
2. Right click on the white region of Regedit's right hand pane, click New, and then click String Value
3. Enter Download Directory for the name of the new DWORD Value and press Enter. The new value should now appear in Regedit's right-hand column.
...if there is Download Directory key...
4. Right click the new value and choose Modify.
5. Click Modify and set the Value Data field to be the path to the directory you want IE to send downloads, then click OK.

[DoubleHelix]

Originally Posted by Broni

IE won't ask you.
You need to edit registry to change IE default download directory.

Internet Explorer is capable or prompting for a download location for each file. You don't need to select one default directory.

[Broni]

I must disagree.
I'm not aware of such IE setting to change default download directory, except for registry edit.
In Firefox, it's possible.

[DoubleHelix]

Well, I know it's possible to select a download folder because I've always had that option and still do. I think we're just talking about two separate things. Yes, you can configure a default download directory, but you can also configure your computer to prompt for a download location for each file individually.

[Broni]

you can also configure your computer to prompt for a download location for each file individually.

I'll be more than happy to agree, if you show me how to do this with IE.

[DoubleHelix]

Attached are screen shots of this functionality on my computer. (This seems rather silly, but I'm trying to be a good sport to help the poster.)

For Windows XP (I don't have Vista up at the moment): To change the "Confirm open after download" feature, open My Computer. Click Tools -> Folder Options. Click the File Types tab. Scroll to the file type you want to change this behavior for. Select it, and click the Advanced button. Place a check mark next to "Confirm open after download". Click OK twice to close the open dialogs boxes and save the change.

Now you should be prompted to save a file (for the types on which this setting was changed) and can select the location of your choosing.

[Broni]

Cool. We're getting somewhere.
It's a partial solution, however it won't work in Vista.
In Vista there is no "File types" tab under "Folder options".
You have to go Start>Default Programs>Associate a file type..., but there is no "Confirm open after download" option anymore.

However, I think I found the solution.

Start Internet Explorer.
Go Tools>Internet Options>Security tab.
Make sure that the first icon, Internet is selected.
Then, choose Custom level.
Scroll down to Downloads.
Make sure that Automatic prompting for file download is checked.