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Downloads folder is dead

2K views 39 replies 4 participants last post by  Laura7491 
#1 ·
Hello people... here is my problem:
Since last Friday my Downloads folder has been dead. What happens is I can not download any photo from any attachements. Also I can not 'Save As' any pic from the Internet to my computer. No error messages on Firefox, just does not save. :(

I already ran System File Check (SFC) tool that is supposed to repair what's broken, no luck ... did not repair. :( :down:

When I click on the Download button from attachments it shows me a file in the Downloads folder but when I click Save nothing happens. I used to be able to click on file in the DL window and open it. I don't even have this option any more. I changed downloading to the 2 different places and tried those... no difference. :(

The only place I can save pics to my computer from is my provider's ATT 'main' e-mail. Web e-mails Yahoo and Gmail do not work.
So frustrating!:(

I use Windows 7, M/Firefox v.18 browser.


Any suggestions, tips on how to repair the Download folder and be able to save pictures on my puter would be greatly appreciated.
Obviously I can not download a new Java version that I need to have.

Thanks a million in advance.
Laura.
 
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#2 ·
Dear L:
What were the cirumstances associated with the onset of the problem; associated, for example with a W7 update, installation or removal of a program anti virus update? When did your computer last work well; able to download a file?

Check your W7 update history.

Do any error or warning messages appear?

Which browser do you use? Never mind. I found it, FF18. have you tried FF's safe mode or with no add ons? I haven't used FF in yrs, so my suggestion may not be applicable.

Here's a tip, from 2010 for FF users with your problem.
http://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/699979

Have you tried a different browser? If you use IE9, try IE9 with no add ons.

Do you use an email client, or read your email using a browser?

Which computer security programs are installed on your computer?

Check the event viewer for errors on the date & day before the onset of hte problem.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/226084-event-viewer-open-use-windows-7-a.html

Have you tried saving /downloading a file to, for example, your desktop, or a new folder, such as C:\new_folder ?

BTW, SFT is not intended to repair that which is broken.
SFC 's purpose "This article describes how to use the System File Checker tool (SFC.exe) to troubleshoot missing or corrupted system files on Windows Vista or on Windows 7.

If a Windows Resource Protection (WRP) file is missing or is corrupted, Windows may not behave as expected. For example, some Windows functions may not work, or Windows may crash. The System File Checker tool (SFC.exe) scans for missing or corrupted system files and repairs them. "
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929833

Thus, SFC won't help if the problem is a corrupt file system, or a corrupt registry entry.

What happens if you boot to safe mode with networking?

Have you tried using system restore to go to a date prior to the onset of the problem?

Consider running chkdsk /r.
http://www.w7forums.com/use-chkdsk-check-disk-t448.html

Best of success.

RF123
 
#8 ·
Which W7; 32 or 64 bit?

Your computer profile notes Windows Vista.

Are your hardware specifications the same?

RF123
DVK01, sorry, I have not updated my profile. I got a new computer with Windows 7 between then and now. I am going to update my info as soon as I am done typing this. :) I have 64 bits based PC now (vs. 32 bits before) and my RAM is now 4 GB (vs. 2.00 before).
 
#9 ·
Dear L:
What were the cirumstances associated with the onset of the problem; associated, for example with a W7 update, installation or removal of a program anti virus update? When did your computer last work well; able to download a file?

Check your W7 update history.

Do any error or warning messages appear?

Which browser do you use? Never mind. I found it, FF18. have you tried FF's safe mode or with no add ons? I haven't used FF in yrs, so my suggestion may not be applicable.

Here's a tip, from 2010 for FF users with your problem.
http://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/699979

Have you tried a different browser? If you use IE9, try IE9 with no add ons.

Do you use an email client, or read your email using a browser?

Which computer security programs are installed on your computer?

Check the event viewer for errors on the date & day before the onset of hte problem.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/226084-event-viewer-open-use-windows-7-a.html

Have you tried saving /downloading a file to, for example, your desktop, or a new folder, such as C:\new_folder ?

BTW, SFT is not intended to repair that which is broken.
SFC 's purpose "This article describes how to use the System File Checker tool (SFC.exe) to troubleshoot missing or corrupted system files on Windows Vista or on Windows 7.

If a Windows Resource Protection (WRP) file is missing or is corrupted, Windows may not behave as expected. For example, some Windows functions may not work, or Windows may crash. The System File Checker tool (SFC.exe) scans for missing or corrupted system files and repairs them. "
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929833

Thus, SFC won't help if the problem is a corrupt file system, or a corrupt registry entry.

What happens if you boot to safe mode with networking?

Have you tried using system restore to go to a date prior to the onset of the problem?

Consider running chkdsk /r.
http://www.w7forums.com/use-chkdsk-check-disk-t448.html

Best of success.

RF123
UPDATE: everything - gmail and Yahoo works in Safe Mode (almost afraid to say LOL). Download folder is NOT dead any more. At least I can update Java upd. 11 now.

Now, I have no idea which add-on I should eliminate first, second etc... :confused:
 
#10 ·
UPDATE: everything - gmail and Yahoo works in Safe Mode (almost afraid to say LOL). Download folder is NOT dead any more. At least I can update Java upd. 11 now.

Now, I have no idea which add-on I should eliminate first, second etc... :confused:
OMG Guys I can't believe it ... I think I already found a trouble maker add-on Real Downloader. . Once I disabled it everything started working normal. I know I did not download this add-on myself. It probably was "thrown" on to me from 'somewhere'.

Thank a million to ALL of you for your help!!
You guys are awesome.
 
#11 ·
Run this scan, it will remove the Add-on you disabled and clean out any other suspicious items.

Click on this link to download : ADWCleaner and save it to your desktop.

NOTE: If using Internet Explorer and you get an alert that stops the program downloading click on Tools > Smartscreen Filter > Turn off Smartscreen Filter then click on OK in the box that opens. Then click on the link again.

Close your browser and click on this icon on your desktop:


You will then see the screen below, click on the Delete button (as indicated), accept any prompts that appear and allow it to reboot the PC. When the PC has rebooted you will be presented with the report, copy & paste it into your next post.

 
#13 ·
L:
Good that you can now / have susequently downloaded the Java update.

It was I who inquired re your OS. :)

Thanks for providing the hdwe update.

Thanks for responding to question dvk01 & I asked about IE9.

Keep us posted after you have followed Mark1956's advice.

RF123
Can I use Malwarebytes???

After this big problem that took me a long time to fix I am so afraid to download any more free software.
I hope you understand.
 
#14 ·
I am not permitted to advise on the use of anti malware programs.

If you want a TGF anti malware expert to evaluate your situation, left click "report" in the lower right area, light blue colored.
As the moderator for assistance.

I THINK that that is the correct procedure. Things might have changed.

Best of success.

RF123
 
#15 ·
I am not permitted to advise on the use of anti malware programs.

If you want a TGF anti malware expert to evaluate your situation, left click "report" in the lower right area, light blue colored.
As the moderator for assistance.

I THINK that that is the correct procedure. Things might have changed.

Best of success.

RF123
Thank you for the offer guys, I really appreciate it. But as I solved it now (keeping my fingers crossed) I can catch my breath. May be we will do it a bit later...

Once again, many thanks for the offer. :) Much appreciated...

 
#17 ·
Can I use Malwarebytes???

After this big problem that took me a long time to fix I am so afraid to download any more free software.
I hope you understand.
You can use Malwarebytes if you wish, but the scan I posted instructions for will remove the Add-on you found to be causing the problems, all its related files and registry entries.

There is nothing to fear with any of the software we use to clean up infections, they are guaranteed not to include any nasty surprises.

As you have already found Malware I will have this moved to the Malware forum and we can work one to one to make sure your PC is clean and fully protected.

If you do run Malwarebytes please post the log produced.
 
#18 ·
You can use Malwarebytes if you wish, but the scan I posted instructions for will remove the Add-on you found to be causing the problems, all its related files and registry entries.

There is nothing to fear with any of the software we use to clean up infections, they are guaranteed not to include any nasty surprises.

As you have already found Malware I will have this moved to the Malware forum and we can work one to one to make sure your PC is clean and fully protected.

If you do run Malwarebytes please post the log produced.
Mark, I use Firefox. Can I download it with Firefox?
 
#21 ·
L:
Good that you can now / have susequently downloaded the Java update.

It was I who inquired re your OS. :)

Thanks for providing the hdwe update.

Thanks for responding to question dvk01 & I asked about IE9.

Keep us posted after you have followed Mark1956's advice.

RF123
Run this scan, it will remove the Add-on you disabled and clean out any other suspicious items.

Click on this link to download : ADWCleaner and save it to your desktop.

NOTE: If using Internet Explorer and you get an alert that stops the program downloading click on Tools > Smartscreen Filter > Turn off Smartscreen Filter then click on OK in the box that opens. Then click on the link again.

Close your browser and click on this icon on your desktop:


You will then see the screen below, click on the Delete button (as indicated), accept any prompts that appear and allow it to reboot the PC. When the PC has rebooted you will be presented with the report, copy & paste it into your next post.

Hi Mark and RF, I ran ADW Cleaner twice. Honestly I forgot to paste the first report here. A few minutes ago I ran again... Here it is:

# AdwCleaner v2.106 - Logfile created 01/18/2013 at 22:45:50
# Updated 17/01/2013 by Xplode
# Operating system : Windows 7 Home Premium Service Pack 1 (64 bits)
# User : Laura - LAURA-HP
# Boot Mode : Normal
# Running from : C:\Users\Laura\Downloads\adwcleaner.exe
# Option [Delete]

***** [Services] *****

***** [Files / Folders] *****

***** [Registry] *****

***** [Internet Browsers] *****

-\\ Internet Explorer v9.0.8112.16457

[OK] Registry is clean.

-\\ Mozilla Firefox v18.0 (en-US)

File : C:\Users\Laura\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\ddns2x64.default\prefs.js

[OK] File is clean.

*************************

AdwCleaner[R1].txt - [857 octets] - [18/01/2013 22:39:38]
AdwCleaner[R2].txt - [916 octets] - [18/01/2013 22:40:23]
AdwCleaner[S1].txt - [17538 octets] - [18/01/2013 22:06:28]
AdwCleaner[S2].txt - [848 octets] - [18/01/2013 22:45:50]

########## EOF - C:\AdwCleaner[S2].txt - [907 octets] ##########

I have a question for you, Mark. - - - When do I click a Search button on ADW? You instructed that when I opened it I click a Delete button. Is the Search button usable, and how???
 
#22 ·
Hi Laura, this thread is now in the Malware forum so as nobody else will post here you needn't quote my posts in your replies.

The ADWCleaner has been run four times, please post the first log it produced, you will find it on your C: drive. It will be listed as this: AdwCleaner[S1].txt - [17538 octets] - [18/01/2013 22:06:28]

Running ADWCleaner with the Search button does the same as the Delete button but will not remove anything. There is no need to run it again, the last log is clean so whatever is causing the problem is not being detected by it.

I understand there is still a problem with IE, please could you send me a screenshot of the message you are seeing.

How to take a screen shot in Vista/Windows 7

How to attach a screenshot.
Below the Message Box click on Go Advanced. Then scroll down until you see a button, Manage Attachments. Click on it and a new window opens.
• Click on the Browse button, find the screenshot/folder you made earlier and doubleclick on it.
• Now click on the Upload button. When done, click on the Close this window button at the bottom of the page.
• Enter your message-text in the message box, then click on Submit Message/Reply.

Then follow these instructions to run IE with no Add-ons and tell me if the problem still exists.

How to run Firefox and Internet Explorer with no add-ons
 
#23 ·
Hi Mark, I am attaching my first report of the ADW run.

I think IE works now too.
What I did to test was:
1. I e-mailed an attachment to Yahoo account.
2. Clicked "Download" button. It asked me do I want to Open or Save?
3. I clicked Save first, and it did save.
4. Then I clicked Open and it did open an attachment.

I will save your instruction on how to run IE in Safe Mode and definitely do it as soon as I need.

I much appreciate your time, efforts and expertise. You are a very knowledgable person, and are definitely an asset to this Forum
. :)

Editing to say that I understood about a Search button. Thanks!! :)
 

Attachments

#24 ·
Thank you for the compliment.

The ADWCleaner log shows many Adware items have been removed, mainly from Firefox but a few items from IE.

You only need to run IE in safe mode when problems occur to prove if it is an Add-on causing the problem. If it runs well with the Add-ons disabled then you can be sure an Add-on is causing the problem. If the problem still exists then it's a fairly safe bet the PC has an infection.

Please feel free to post back if you have any further issues.
 
#25 ·
You are welcome Mark. I hear you about Adware.
Now I have a question about ADW Cleaner. How come a desktop icon all of the sudden changed to that white 'windows screen ' looking icon. What changed it?? I was surprised because I was not home and when I got back I saw a different looking icon.
:confused:
 
#26 ·
Difficult to find a clear explanation for that behavior, it is related to the icon cache. Chances are if you reboot the icon will return to normal.

This article relates to the problem and there is an automatic fix it to use if the problem persists.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2396571
 
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