can't find downloaded files usng vista o/s Closed

Question

Hello,
I can't find any files that I download.I watch it download completely,the run,save prompt pops up for a millisecond,then disappears,and the file is gone.I am using Vista(wich is crap) and it is probably the cause of my problems.Does anybody know if there is a fix for this problem,or any way I can find my disappearing files???Any suggestions will help.
Thank you

glen · Accepted Answer

hey dont know if anyone has put this on here already but i've been having the downloading problem with firefox (where the file dissapears) for about a week but IE has been downloading fine I tried changing no end of settings all over windows which none worked and even creating a new user account which also didnt work.

the SOLUTION which I got thanks to what someone else said was to disable the auto scan in firefox. to do this you have to type in "about:config" in the address bar then click the i'll be safe or something button, then type in "browser.download.manager.scanWhenDone" in the filter bar near the top one option should show up that says true under the value double click it and it should then say false and also all the text should go bold.

this was all I had to do to make it work and all files where downloading fine after. hope this helps someone.

jose · Answer

There is probably a gap of Vista. In a customerÂ´s computer also something similar happens. When I order to a page download a file, the pop-up start and say if I want to execute the file or save it, I ordered save it in a determinate location on the computer. The process start and seems to be all ok, but when the download process ends I cannot find the file in the place I ordered to save nor in any place in the hard drive. ItÂ´s a curious mistery of Vista Premium.
Hope anybody find a solution to this problem.

same · Answer

Having the same problem.. Any help???

TIef · Answer

Same problem.... piece of crap

Dude · Answer

I am experiencing same problem, it does not complete the download, at the end it does not give the option to run or open, I think something is stopping or blocking it, worked yesterday, so going to do a system restore to see if that helps

JC · Answer

Try to uninstall all updates you've installed, it works ;)

Tief · Answer

Just go to the control panel and disable UAC. (User Account Control) After a reboot, I re-enabled my UAC and the downloads are still working.
Good luck. 

PS: I found this answer somewhere on the net.

steve · Answer

I had the same problem, definately related to security updates from Microsoft. 

I uninstalled about 6 of the latest security updates and restarted, no change. Did windows update, got the latest of them all and now I can download fine.

S

am stuck · Answer

ok am a novice user: how do I uninstall the security updates, sum1 pls reply back

Punisher · Answer

Im Currently running Vista OS Service pack 1
about 2 weeks ago I tried download xfire (a gaming messanger) and Mozilla Foxfire. Since these 2 week I have tried downloading various things however they say they download, the bar completes, I save the file to desktop and once it finishes downloading the file is not there I have tried various things including installing new updates, Just did windows update and still cannot download, also tried disabling the UAC and turning it back on. I still cannot download, if anyone is having the same problems or knows a solution please help me

Punisher · Answer

i have also unistalled all updates and that also did not work

pappason · Answer

i have the same problem    I created a folder and now extract all downloaded files to it and that seems to work

Daks · Answer

Same Problem...!!!! Plsssss.. Show us the solution to solve this problem.???

wanenz · Answer

hi
Same problem - after 2 hours I decided IE can get stuffed and got hold of Firefox - able to download files etc no problems.

Punisher · Answer

Wanenz one problem I cant get firefox because I have tried to download I and I cannot find the file, im sure the problem is IE but I have no other browser

Joel · Answer

Yeah same problem here. I've tried downloading them to ANYWHERE and it doesn't work. Any file too.

If anyone has a solution PLEASE inform me. It is such a worrying problem. Thanks a lot, Joel

Noldor · Answer

ive been having the exact same problem for about 2 weeks now and its starting to drive me crazy. Ive installed all windows updates, disabled and reabled UAC and still no change if anyone can please let me know what I can do as I dont think I can take much more of shitty vista.

van · Answer

i dont think its IE. I have the same problem with firefox:)

giggler · Answer

did you find a solution.many thanks

DaBernzo · Answer

I'm currently experiencing this problem as well.
Computer specs en OS:
Intel Q6600 (2.40 GHz)
GeForce 8800 GT 512 MB
2048 MB DDR2-800 MHz RAM
Windows Vista 64-bit Ultimate

When I try to download a file in internet explorer (32 bit) everything goes smooth untill I ask it to open or run. Then everything dissapears. I can find the file with search option of Windows but it's a 1 byte file and when I try to open it it gives me the window to search for that file.
When I download it on 64 bit version, I can manage it, but I can't download 2 files with the same browser (so I have to close IE and reopen it to download the second file).
However, my windows live messenger is now affected as well. Every file ppl send to me gets succesfully received but cannot be found anywhere.
Firefox has the same problem for me.

I've tried all the above suggested solutions and nothing works. So please, if anyone found the solution, post it here!

Many thanks in advance

Bernd

giggler · Answer

i uninstalled everything to do with windows and still cant download...................helpppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppp

idiotboyboy · Answer

HEY PPL.... A VERY VERY VERY GOOD NEWS....

I KNOW HOW TO SOLVE YOUR PROBLEM... ON CANT FIND DOWNLOADED FILESS....

FIRST, GO SEARCH "MSCONFIG"

GO TO THE TAB, STARTUP

UNTICK ALL, AND TICK THOSE APPLICATION U WANT TO START UP...

THEN RESTART YOUR COMPUTER....

THEN OKAY LE...

*i tried on my fren computer, and I helped her, and it succeeded... !!! ^.^... so maybe is the work of some virus...

*if all vista o/s happened to be like this, the windows would have been in red alert, as no one can download anything
*since there is only a small portion of ppl who cant find downloaded files, it meant tt these small portion of ppl got a virus....

add me in msn ^.^ idiotboyboy@hotmail.com

bell88 · Answer

I had the same problem, now everything works. First, Check to c if u  have more than 1 security programs installed.  if this is the case u would have to uninstall one.. for an example. I had avg and norton. I uninstalled norton and kept Avg.. NOW I can download save and run files. HOPE THIS HELPS.

Punisher · Answer

Idiotboyboy knows what he is talking about, He helped fix the problem with my computer like it was nothing THANK YOU IDIOTBOYBOY

bigbob · Answer

I feel all your pain
same problem
stuck in a hotel and realy need a file 
someone is going to get an angry email

Microsoft is real shit · Answer

I have the same problem -- for years. YOu jsut have to manually root around this piece of shit they call an OS to find it.
Windows is really, really a load of shit. Yes, Linux distros are better.

Shah 25 · Answer

Hi There,

I have same problem couple of weeks ago.

This is mainly your web browser problem. (Because of the settings changed). We can resolve in two ways.

1. Change your  web browser, like Mozilla/Firefox etc.
2. Another easy way is reset your computer to a known restore point. ( The document will not be deleat
ed, but programs saved after this resore point may be deleated)

Regards,
Shah 25.

AE · Answer

Another misterious solution for this problem.
Using Windows Server 2008 64bit edition.
This problem arises when I choose to use "Classic Start Menu" instead of default ugliest one.
Works 100% on my computer:
- choose "Classic Start Menu", re-logon - files disappeards from destination folder imediately after downloading
- choose "Start Menu", re-logon - downloading works as it should...

Grisha · Answer

For me the solution was to fix the Windows Defender. I've made some modifications in my registry previously, and then those abnormalities occured. All the required Defender routes must be set to the original Program Files folder. If you - just like me - modified the Program Files path in the registry, for automatc directory installation selecions You need to move it back, or somehow move the Defender's directory in your Program Files folder.

pavel · Answer

ive deleted avg, and both ie and mozilla work fine now. I used foxit as a substitute browser coz both mozilla and ie didnt download.

Redishblack · Answer

Has anyone found a solution yet? ive uninstalled the updates, ive restored it, made a new account to see if I could download on it, I disable UAC and I dnt think its IE or firefox...though im not certain cuz I cnt download firefox to test it >> please help...

xerobeatz · Answer

hey guyz just asking, im sure that u guys know that when u finished downloading the files its just not there, right, but did u guys notice that the total memory of the computer also decreases. I mean not the used memory, but the total memory of the computer..as if theres a phantom hard disk or something..i kept downloading, and the total memory space just kept decreasing..not the total available space, not the used space but the total space of the hard disk

Leif · Answer

My new PC running genuine Vista Ulitmate X86 is affected by this problem. Unable to DL anything regardless of UAC or turning on or off all firewalls and Anti-Virus programs. Happens regardless of IE7 OR Firefox. Running latest microsoft updates and SP-1. This situation only started a few days ago. Tried resetting IE7 to factory- no change. Ran virus check and Defender check-no problems and no change.

Tomcat · Answer

I had the same problem on mine for days but I have now FIXED IT. 

I tried all the user control thingy and uninstalling the latest security updates but none of that worked. For me in the end it was AVG 8.0, I uninstalled AVG, reset my pc and my problems where gone. Im going to reinstall AVG now and see what happens.

Tomcat · Answer

OK I installed AVG again, and guess what the problem came back, so im sorry but AVG had to go. I have just installed Avira Anti-virus and I have no problems downloading.

Leif · Answer

Thanks Tomcat! I'll be sure to watch AVG once my system is done doing a factory state reinstall!

Strange thing is I run AVG on all 6 of my PC's and only my new Lenovo laptop was affected by this problem. I'm going to try installing AVG again on the fresh install and see what happens!!!

wendy · Answer

Yep another AVG victim here, just uninstalled it and can now download again

Have been googling for the past few days and there`s all these techy answers about messing with the registry etc, glad my patience paid off because it was just a simple case of hitting the uninstall button on AVG 8.0 and I don`t have to mess about putting back what I messed with trying other ways :o)

Think those that have found AVG to be the culprit should fill in a feedback form letting them know what their program is doing so they can fix it :)

Tomcat · Answer

I dont understand whats wrong with AVG, I haved used AVG for years, I installed version 8 about 3 weeks ago and everything was fine at first, then all of a sudden I could not download. Well AVG thats one way of stopping us getting a virus, BAN us from downloading lol.

Tugar · Answer

This problem is caused by conflicting security programs, (assuming that Internet Explorer's security settings are set properly)
Windows Vista along with Internet Explorer are very sensitive to EXTRA security programs.
This doesn't seem to be a problem with Firefox.
Only use one quality security program with Vista, especially,if your operating in Internet Explorer.
Remove any remnants of security programs that may not have been completely uninstalled.
If your computer came with a trial version of some security system and you installed another, make sure to remove the original one.

Tomcat · Answer

by the way for me it was not just confined to internet explorer, I could not download using firefox either??.

Leif · Answer

My problem was also not just associated with IE7 but also Firefox.

src · Answer

Hello All, you can click on the Windows icon > Search, type in downloaded files or a name similar to the file you downloaded then click on Enter or Search. It will point to the place where the Vista automatically saved it.

hope this helps.

Lei · Answer

No, the problem was that Vista was NOT saving the file. To be precise, the file would be saved and then immediately deleted. I tested this using a slow USB drive where I could see the file saved and then subsequently deleted. The same would happen if I chose to "Run" the file instead of "Save" the file. This whole issue, at least on my part, was not operator error.

amal · Answer

hey guys, I just unistalled my avg , also deleted its setup file.
and downloaded a fresh one and installed it...
lol now that file was showing up on ma desktop...
maybe the antivirus was playing wid us...
try this and tell us about it

GS · Answer

funny, I just tried clearing all IE7  temp files, forms cookies...etc  then restarting IE  and its working!

another billion reason to hate vista~~

www.myspace.com/trini_baptiste · Answer

You will find your downloaded files that you saved by going to Start>Documents>Downloads
or go to Start Search, Type in (Download), find it in the result column above under subsection labeled Files 

Hope that helped. I actually fine Vista a little more Idiot friendly. LOL

jules · Answer

In firefox, go to tools -> downloads, and pull up the list of things that you downloaded, if that list is empty, you'll have to download again.  With that window open, right click on the program you want to open, then hit the open containing folder option.  From there you right click on the program and choose open.  This worked for me!!  :)

dend · Answer

to the guy that told us to uninstall AVG, THAT SOLVED MY PROBLEM AND NOW I CAN START DOWNLOADING AGAIN!!! :D thank you! and yes, I was also affected by AVG which is strange

Tomcat · Answer

No problem glad I could help, I just hope AVG sort out the bug soon!!!.

As for the above few comments about how to find the files that we downloaded because we are too stupid to find :) lol, I know you're just trying to help but please read the full topic.

For some reason AVG has been acting weird for SOME people and deleting files instantly after downloading them, I downloaded a file to my desktop and watched it appear and disappear within seconds, it's not a case of we can't find where we put them :D.

Tomcat

Tomcat · Answer

If you dont have AVG I can only guess that it is a different Anti-Virus or secuirty program that you have causing the same problem? what security programs do you have?

Dr_Michael · Answer

Uninstalling AVG worked for me too.
Now I use Avira Antivir without problems.

Katthy · Answer

Hi!

I have the same problem - cannot download anything neither with IE nor with Firefox. Tried every suggestion here but no luck. I'm starting to get really pissed off and if I can find my XP installation CD then... goodbye Vista! :)

Chals · Answer

Can some one please help me? I have tried everything:

1) Uninstalled AVG
2) Disabled User Account Control
3) Disabled Windows Defender

It doesn't work with either IE 7 or Mozilla 3.

Really desparate for help

Alienware2k8 · Answer

I have exactly the same prob on my comp I got today, im going to download firefox on my other comp and put onto a usb drive then try and install on this comp and see how I go with that...will post back with results :)

noni · Answer

I just started using laptop and was irritated to find out that it had window vista.  I was having the same problems that you guys are having so what I did was to download the file on the desktop.  Then I cut it and then paste it on the folder that I originally wanted it to go to.  And that works.  The file pastes into the folder you specify.

hsuan · Answer

the thing is I can't even download the stuff to the desktop,
it gets deleted by vista the moment it is done downloading...
this is rediculous....

woodyagr · Answer

i had the same problem, files would download and everything would look ok. as soon as you run the same error. Turned out to be the wireless connection losing packets . as soon as I was hard wired and downloaded all the files problem solved. hope this helps

Vista help · Answer

You need go to computer, then c drive, user, your user, downloads.

You will find everything you download there.

But I can't figure out how to run the programs that I have downloaded or even the radio on yahoo.  For some reason nothing opens up after trying numerous times.  

Has anyone gotten this far?

me · Answer

i tried to uninstall my anti-virus, I had avg, it wasn't working like it should, uninstall your anti-virus and install a new one, the dialog box usually scans for viruses, this may present a conflict with the current anti-virus configuration and may corrupt the download file location process if that doesn't work try to uninstall any recent program that is some kind related to your internet browser this is of course a vista problem

luke · Answer

Okay,

If anyone is still having this problem with files disappearing on firefox, I have a solution for you.

Firstly, the files are actually being deleted as soon as they are completed.  I don't buy into it that it's an AVG problem as many of the forums have stated.  Here's a way to make it work.

Download a firefox extension called custom download manager.

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/6945

After installing this plugin goto Tools -> Add-ons -> Custom Download Manager -> Options, and uncheck 'scan files after download'

job done.  horray!!


I didn't have this problem with ie, so can't help much with that, but I'm pretty sure this will work just fine

ralphconradd · Answer

hey ive tried to download the add-on on my firefox. and I was able to download now. thanks to you guys.

rawr =][= · Answer

ok 
ive installed all the updates
when I try I use safari to download things
i tried downloading mozilla (which I had before and deleted) 
and I tried on ie (which I hate because it has way too many toolbars)
but I cant download anything on either one 
im kinda stuck
i cant even download smaller things like aim

Mongrol · Answer

Luke got it right with Firefox - problem solved ;)

dukeng77 · Answer

Great to see many solved the problem of Downloading.  However, I still need help.  My problem is similar but a little different.  Just received the laptop from dell.  Laptop came with Vista.  IE7 have no problem with downloading.  Only Fixfox 3 have the problem.  When I click to download it just say done at the status bar on the bottom of firefox.  There's no download box or the download being delete after it finish or anything.  Now download for FireFox is set to desktop.  No AVG, antivirus, or any other security except for window firewall.  Windows Defender is also off.  Downloaded and enable Custom Download Manager Add On, but still no go.  When click to download, I can only see a flick but no thing else beside that.  Basically no download at all.  Please Helppppppp.

dukeng77 · Answer

already follow post #82 but no go.  Download the Custom Download Manager add on, I already uncheck "scan files when completed in the add on options.  This still doesn't seem to help me.

andyb30 · Answer

with me it was avg all along...uninstalled that and it works fine now.

Steve-exMN · Answer

Had this problem with photo files but downloaded free FastSone Image Viewer and Google's Picasa 3. Default which you prefer.  Concur about Vista being excrement. lol

GW · Answer

Thanks to all who did the work. My Firefox download issue is resolved by modifying Scan after download. I used the about:config in the following link and case closed.
http://kb.mozillazine.org/Unable_to_save_or_download_files

akmz · Answer

Due to the natue of the problem, the various and inconsitent descriiptions of when it happen and the fixes and my own experiences I think there is a huge bug in the way the file protection works in Vista. Yru files are obviously still there becuase they are taking up disk space. It appears that in Vista a security token gets attached to all your downloads, so that only the current user can even see them in a explorer. The exception seems to be pictures. Somehow this token gets out of sync. This is why you can't see them. They are there but my theory is that the GUI is hidding them becuase it thinks you are different user than the one that downloaded them. That being the case there is no true work around and we have to wait until SP2 comes out for the home versions. 

All the problems I hear about also seem to be realated to home versions. I suspect becuase the Business and Ultimate editions are meant to run on a network where security policies are pulled from Acitve Directory, they have different security controls. So far my grade for Vista, A for Eye Candy, F for usability.

FR0ST13 · Answer

Did luke's answer work for IE users aswell as Mozilla? because I just have this issue with IE. I have deleted AVG 8.0 and it still has'nt worked I have also system restored, cleaned my entire IE history including temp file, reset IE to default, reset IE settings in advanced tab and much more. 

So should I just do lukes answer and download Mozilla onto a USB drive and install it onto my vista Home PC and then get the add-on?

PatchedM · Answer

** SOLUTION **

Thanks to everyone who submitted what they knew above, I see there are still a few people stuck for an answer, so take this as the final solution.

The fault is caused by a corrupt installation of AVG Anti Virus.

Remove AVG
Reboot your Computer
Re Install AVG

Your downloads will now work, and save, regardless of what Browser you are using. 

If this does not work, Try removing AVG and then just re-booting. If you are desperate for an Anti Virus, it might be time to look at another peice of software!

Cheers
Dan

teardrop · Answer

AVG is the culprit! uninstall and reboot 

worked for me =)

Fiona · Answer

I've uninstalled the AVG and whew, I can see my downloaded files. Finally! Well I don't know if AVG is really the culprit but oh well, will see how things go. Thanks for all the suggestions by the way! Though everything's in a mess with the fiddling of registry and control settings and everything :/

HalfCrazy · Answer

Hi, I solved mine by uninstalling AVG and Ad-Aware. I uninstalled Ad-Aware because I already have Spybot. People above are right, having two security programs will do crazy stuff. I'm on Vista 32 bit.

shell · Answer

look at #82
i unistalled AVG and everything works fine now...I've been experiencing this since july 08...

FR0ST13 · Answer

Basically all I did to solve my problem was I just reinstalled vista and backed up my old files onto external hard drive ^^, I couldnt uninstall AVG for some weird reason something to do with back to back ? anyway so yea reinstallation worked for me ^^).

doc · Answer

i have a new sony laptop and all of the suden last week wheni dow loa smething it completes but the file isnt anywhere to be found.. Please help....

Blazinfreak04 · Answer

I had the same problem until a few moments ago. I was always trying to download something and it would show it downloading and everything fine. But when I went to it...it was no where to be found. I had AVG free 8.0 on my computer. I uninstalled this and restarted my computer. Now  my downloads work fine!

mitchell · Answer

hi yes ive had this problem for a while now... I actually got rid of it by unisatlling my antivirus and my adobe and reinsatlling them. then installing fox it reader and making it the default.. this worked firn for about two weeks then it started again. I then uninstalled kaspersky again and it was fine .. installed kasp again and it was ok for a week. then off it went again.. so I  dont know... maybe its just that vista is crap and we should all be grateful for xp sp3... regards  howard farmer

Mychi · Answer

To find saved files, follow the steps below.

Click on My Computer
Click on HP (C:)
Click on Users 
click on Computer's Name or your name on the computer
click on Downloads
Look for the file that you saved. 

I hope it helps. 

Mychi

papa · Answer

sorry MICHY but I don't think people are having the same problem than you
It's not about finding where the files are but it' just doesn't download at all
 so even you check your files in Downloads nothing is there, nada de nada

anyway guys as others said before just uninstall AVG and it will work straight away,  you can install it after

guesst · Answer

hey, I uninstalled avg antivirus (its a free program you can download) and rebooted and now everything works dandy. im going back to norton as well.

datsme53 · Answer

You probably have it in your hard drive somewhere. In IE browser, you need to specify where you want the file before clicking to download it... if you don't(in Vista) Vista will put it where it thinks it should go. ie.... music files to the music folder.... pictures to picture folder... other downloads to Downloads folder or Documents folder. You must specify where you want it in the dialog box before you click to download.

In Firefox..... click on tools.... then options... On the Main tab, in the middle of the dialog box, there is a Downloads section(in the middle). Select "save files to" and then click browse and then choose where you want it to go so you can find it.... ie... desktop... Downloads folder... etc. There is another selection... Ask Me Where to save files. If you select that option, then you could change the place where the downloads will go each and every time you download.

datsme53

Jasmine ;) · Answer

iv got the same problem. I have vista, and on the start menu it has ur name somewhere.. if you click that, there should be a file named my downloads.. where all ur stuff should download to. but I dont have that folder somehow. people have been saying to uninstall AVG.. but I cant find that anywhere.. and my laptop says I dont have the permission or administration tools to uninstall programs.. even though I am the administrator. so.. I cant use things like MSN, or iTunes, or Limewire.. and I desperatley need them. whats the point in even having a laptop if you cant even do the things you need to do ? help! x

mweeh · Answer

i downloaded aimersoft video converter as I wanted to add files to my ipod but when I click on add files all my files are either not there or will not add!! Any help appreciated :)

Anonymous pseudonym · Answer

Do you have an administrator account as well as a standard account? If you are asked for and enter the administrator password before the download starts, the file will go to the administrator account even if you were downloading from the standard account. Not realizing this drove me nuts for the better part of a day. So if you can't find a downloaded file and there is more than one account registered on your computer, click on Start, control panel, user accounts, manage another account, enter a password if prompted, click on a different account and search for your file from there.

octo-bunny-squid · Answer

try looking at C: >> Users >> home >> Downloads

or next time you're downloading right click and click "Open Containing Folder"

Francisco · Answer

Hello

I found the problem!!!

If you don't have AVG antivirus software installed,
If you already tried other options such as running explorer as administrator, and have done everything etc.., this may help you.

go to another computer, and download the next file from the internet, Norton_Removal_Tool.exe
Save it on a cd or a flash drive and save it to the pc that you hace the problem.

even if you still have the Norton icons and shortcuts or if you try to uninstall it but get an error or not.

run this tool and should fix the problem, you should be able to download files again

Enjoy

Francisco

Random45 · Answer

I've tested this problem with both IE and Firefox. I apologize if the solution has already been found, however I did not really have the time to read all of the replies to this problem. This specific computer seems to download items in IE, however it was not downloading items when it was using firefox. I'm assuming that the converse can be stated about some of the other computers. I'm hoping that this bug in Vista will be eradicated soon, considering it took quite a bit of meddling with the computer to test all the regular things. Just thought I'd post it just incase people are still having this problem (I apologize for those using different internet browsers; havn't the time to test those.).

Tricky · Answer

The technique offered above by Glen worked for me. 

I've tried various techniques like uninstalling/installing AVG, changing my security settings and back tracking on my Vista updates. But nothing was working. Changing my firefox download settings did the job in 10 seconds!!

Jenn · Answer

Just go to the start menu, click on your user name for your windows account, (should be on the very top right of the start menu) then once that opens click on downloads.....i hope it works for you guys as it did me.

maxmum · Answer

THANK GOD - GLEN - your fix worked for me. Just so I am clear, this is not for idiots who are just not searhcing for thier downloaded files properly, it is when an error occurs in the download procedure. now I just need to know how to set IE to do the same thing!  THANKS GLEN. I have searched for 2 hours on the net to find this fix, there isn't even anything about it on micosoft website, and considering what a huge problem this is with vista I am shocked.

drake · Answer

its happening to me and I don't even have avg, never have. so whats the deal?

Surfer Of Song · Answer

These files "DID" get downloaded to your desktop. They are just "NOT VISIBLE" I had the same problem using Vista with IE and FireFox. Go away from the desktop and on left hand side click on DeskTop and it will list your ICONS & FILES. All your downloads are visible, but when you return to your desktop their gone??? Hmmmmm
 I just select the files and move to my Downloads...problem fixed No Biggy...
 
 FILES ARE THERE AFTER DOWNLOAD "JUST INVISIBLE"

Bobby Dandruff · Answer

I had this exact same problem and eventually resolved it but uninstalling AVG 8.0 and going back to AVG 7.5.

I don't know what happended to my AVG 8.0 installtion as it was working fine but either became corrupt or an AVG 8.0 update changed some settings.  Either way, I had real trouble uninstalling AVG 8.0 but when I did (after many hours!) I could download files again and see them appear!  Just like they should do.

I systematically re-installed AVG 7.5 checking that I could still download files at ever stage.

And I am back to normal now.  8 hours later.

Very odd and very, very frustration.

tym2die · Answer

download mozilla firefox and go to tools set downloads to go to desktop

scoop · Answer

AVG is definitely causing this issue. I tried several of the solutions posted here including changing the internet security settings and user account settings, neither of which worked. For the record my installation (Vista OS) of AVG was corrupt and I was not able to uninstall. Due to the download issue I had to go to a different PC and copy the latest install version (AVG 8.5) to a flash drive. I repaired the current installation of AVG and this fixed the problem. Thanks to everyone who posted the AVG solution.

darkrulingpoet · Answer

I've been having this problem too...when I go to download anything it says it's going to "temporary folder" and I can never find it. It isn't under the Downloads folder or anywhere. I don't have Firefox (when I try to download it the same thing happens) and I don't AVG, so that's not my problem. Any solutions? It's really driving me crazy.

Crystal · Answer

Go on the Internet. Where you would enter the address bar enter 
"C:\Program Files" And there you will find all the PROGRAMS (not documents, pictures, videos, etc.)
on your computer/account.

maymae · Answer

I am having the exact same prob; and I even tried to update the avg and I still could not find, I got the same error msg that was posted above. when I do a search for the files that I have downloaded, it says that they have moved and can no longer been found. 
I have never worked w/ firefox, but I really dont want to attempt to download cuz  I might lose it.
I downloaded a few games, cant find them. An invitation, cant find it, a wmv., cant find it, nor360 cant find it. Nothing can be found. What do I do, and can someone plz help me??

ebboltz · Answer

Make sure you haven't disabled the download history in your Firefox settings:

From mozzila firefox, Click "Tools -> Options -> Privacy / History". "Remember what I've downloaded" should be checked. 

Hope this will work!

Wombawalker · Answer

Hi all,

After having the same prob myself with both IE and Mozilla, many frustrating hours losing files the fix that has worked for me is installing the "DownThemAll" download tool which is a browser addon for Mozilla. 

Go to the Mozilla addons page:

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/downthemall/

There are other download managers here but this is the one I've used before.

Hope this helps

maymae · Answer

Thanks for responding, but I dont know anything about FF or mozilla. I have NEVER used FF How does that work? Is it compatible w/IE?
I know I sound stupid, but only working w/IE would the mozilla directions above work w/IE too not just FF?
I did go look in my history to, but I did not see an option that says remember what I have downloaded.
I am lost. 
Anymore suggestions

Thanks
MM

unknown 001 · Answer

I having a problem : it's when I download a programe file whatever it doesn't wan to I go to the folder it saves it it comes like <Name>.part and a exe for example but its like 0 byte then when the download is done it disapears when I go back and go back inside the part is gone too this is same problem with IE and FF 

Help me Please

HG · Answer

yo I got mine working after removing my AVG.....it works

noglet · Answer

I might be able to help some of you.  I know my files finished downloading but couldn't find them.  I put the 'My Computer' Icon back on the desktop. I then used (R) click and selected Explore.  If you then select your user name directly under Computer and then Download folder you should find you files there. Worked for me

vkfg · Answer

Okay all you out there I am so frustrated at this point I can't see straight! I try to uninstall AVG 8.0 it won't let me. I have 3 paid liscenses and can't download it or get rid of it. I have tried everything you all have sugguested. I've been at this and tonight they took my service down and said that I used up my internet download amount. what the heck is that????? It may say it's downloading but there is NOthing THERE WHAT NOW???? I have a power point program to do on sat that I need to get back to and an important webcam meeting sat. morning but can't download skype to have the meeting because of all this. PLEASE SOMEONE HELP IT'S MAY 20, 2009 THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ambynith · Answer

I'm having the same problem.... I hav both IE7 n FF3 but both hav the same problem with downloading files....
I'm using ESEt and not avast or AVG... but still the problem is tghere....
PLZZZZ somebody give a solution or Microsoft is gone.... shitt (theyr producing all the crap on erath....)

1 SUGGESTION...... switch to LINUX....
ive tried it and its awesome...
neither these bugs..... nor any sort of virus........
+ super  high speed...

raskeith · Answer

There is a folder called "Downloads" just under Documents. It's in there!

Jajjo · Answer

If you're using Firefox, type about:config into the address bar and scroll down to "browser.downloadmanager.scanoncomplete" or something like that. Turn off virus scanning on download completion and it'll be good as gold.

maymae · Answer

Because I cant download anything, some people have suggested that my files are going to temp folders. How do I change that? Can anyone walk me through the steps of changing that plz? Your help is much appreciated.
Have a great day!

oneartist · Answer

I too could not find my IE downloads. I'm using XP so this may not work for Vista.
  
First, using a right click on the start button, click on explore. Go to your operating system drive, usually C. Double click on C drive and on the right side, right click in a blank area and choose new folder. Name the folder "Downloads". 

L Click on the start button and select run. Type "regedit"

This is a solution I found at another site.

a. Go to the Path Below:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer (this may be near the bottom of the list. Be careful when scrolling in the registry and follow directions carefully)

b. Double-Click to Modify the Value Name called

Download Directory

c. If you can't see the Value, Right-Click in the vacant space > New > String Value > Type "Download Directory" > Double-Click and Add the Path: C:\Downloads

That's it, now you IE downloads will go to this folder

Sloop · Answer

Turning the UAC off worked for me. Thank goodness! I've had this problem for months. Now I can finally use Flash Player again.

diex · Answer

**** TRY THIS *** I think I cracked this thing.. If all the other solutions have not worked TRY THIS.. If you have installed any anti-virus / anti-malware -- UNINSTALL IT, and now try. My problem was I had installed NOD32 DEMO.. and when it expired, it was still on my system disabled and suddenly I could not save files, I tried everything.. after reading through here about people mentioning AVAST it occured to me to finally remove the expired NOD32.. PRESTO, I restarted and I was back up!! I think it has something to do with the way that VISTA is aware of your antivirus and expects it to handle security and when it quits working it does not allow the file writes. Anyways, its a fix for me. ITS HELL NOT BEING ABLE TO SAVE FILES . Thanks Check out Cool Games at PUNK ARCADE www.punkarcade.net Thanks again

luke · Answer

OK. Phew. I solved this problem in Firefox. Have you moved PC recently and copied over your Firefox settings?

That was the problem for me. I just moved from XP to a new Vista machine and copied the Firefox profile from my old machine.

On the new machine I looked in about:config (type that into your browser).

browser.download.dir was set to some long XP style string like C:\users\user1\My Documents\blah blah 

This directory did not exist on my new Vista machine so I changed it to one here.

Once I changed it Firefox started downloading for me! Yaye!

---
browser.download.lastDir was also set to a directory that doesn't exist. I didn't need to change that though. It changed on it's own automatically once I downloaded.

tomashcu · Answer

damn it for me this is a f***saster its really peeing me off now it doesnt work with IE or FF AARGH

i have vista sp1 ultimate :( and I tried uninstalling avg! DAMN!!!!!!!

birdsnherbs · Answer

Yeah - I too had this exact same problem.  I had previously downloaded on this new computer (HP with Vista OS) so I knew I did it somehow.  I've not installed ANY Vista updates.   So it's not an UPDATE PROBLEM per se - as in an update of any sort screwed up my computer.

How did I solve it?  Actually, I remembered that I was using FIREFOX on this computer - NOT MS IE.  I'd ask how Microsoft can foist an operating system on paying customers - - one that is not even able to communicate with it's own web browser, but why bother.  Bill Gates should be paying all of us to beta test his newest brain fart.

Go get Firefox.  It works better than IE anyway.  Actually, I usually have several browsers open at once.  Don't know if that's good or bad, but the way this new OS is working, that's what I do.  Now I just bounce around between several of them.  If it doesn't work in one, try it in another.  IT'S NUTZ!  And it's making me go nutty.

Good luck.  That is what is working for me.  I won't have time soon, but when I do, I'll partition the hard drive and put XP back on my new computer.  This Vista seems to have YEARS of debugging.  Wasn't it supposed to be the solution to XP - HA HA HA.  I've don't remember any of the Windows OSs being so bad out of the gate as this one.  Perhaps that's just my opinion/perception, but I'm thoroughly disgusted with Vista.

novluv77 · Answer

I'm using firefox, everytime I download anything, there was no prompt where to save it, because the setting under tools->options was set "save to downloads folders." I finally figure this out, duh! I just uncheck that and check "always ask me where to save files." The weird thing was how come everytime I search for all the files "search everywhere" option, zero results. Not sure if this helps anyone.

Natural-perfectionist · Answer

Hiya thought id share how I fixed my problem. I disabled AVG tried to uninstall it however it didnt fully uninstall so the problem persisted. removed the folder physically from the C:\ drive enabled UAC and stopped unecessary programs from running at start up. and it worked. atleast for me. my suspicion is AVG.

Thanks :)

Dustin · Answer

well, to find files that you've downloaded from the internet, go to Start -> -Your Computer Name- (should be above Documents) -> Downloads   wah lah!

AnswerMan · Answer

Just take down the internet options / security slider bar to medium. You will then be prompted where to save your file after you have restarted IE.

Vaneeesa · Answer

The nVidia card on my laptop died... resulting in a new MoBo... and when I finally got the thing back I had this maddening problem.

Firefox & IE both -- so it seemed like it had to be (BAD) Vista... tried the Internet Security Properties which was a great tip -- but didn't work.

As posted earlier in this thread, it was for me AVG 8 Free. I'm actually FORCED to run this, because the stoopid college I'm at won't let your laptop on the net (Wireless or Wired) without it. Yes, they actually dictate what software your laptop will run (in between crashes)

But I digress... YES AVG was the issue -- in the time it took to get the thing fixed, they'd put out updates and without them it was letting me download -- but when the download finished it either deleted it... or put a partial file on my desktop.

Updating AVG 8 Free everything (without even too many pleas to give them $$) fixed it.

It's an INSANE problem to have... with no warning or explanation... and I officially HATE AVG... but my stoopid college forces me to run it (or pay $$ for alternatives)

THANK YOU SO MUCH
to those who posted solutions - you're lifesavers!

Jose Antonio · Answer

I had the same problem, and tried everything, like firewall, IE settings, NTFS security, and the problem was in AVG, symple uninstalled AVG and installed Avira antivir , and that is the solution.

Jose Antonio

millie · Answer

okay where the heck is this "internet zone icon" thing and "custom level button"?!

Fridgemusa · Answer

I found an article on Microsoft's website about this problem being caused by many well known anti-virus programs AVG and Norton in particular! It is a registry change by many anti-virus programs that causes this! There is a registry hack that is supposed to fix the problem but on a customer's laptop I worked on they had AVG and Norton installed and neither of the programs were working so I found their removal tools and used both of them and rebooted and now the problem is fixed! I instead installed Avast on their machine as I find it to be much less system resource hogging and less crappy than Norton and AVG plus it has a great boot time scanner that sets it apart from the rest IMHO!

Japers · Answer

I had the same problem.  The remedy for my computer was to go to the Updates on my computer and take off all of the updates after I noticed the problem occurring.  Somehow the updates were causing my computer not to accept the downloaded programs or email documents.

Japers · Answer

Hi,

I don't know what is going on on your computer, but in order to straighten out mine I went back into my update files and deleted everything from just before my computer started having problems.  That solved my problem and I was then able to uninstall AVG properly as well as being able to download docs and new applications.  I am now reinstalling these updates one at a time to see if my computer messes us again.

John

SandyB · Answer

It seems as mentioned earlier that the latest Firefox is now saving by default to the download folder. 

Solution: click Tools menu then Options Make sure you are in the "Main" tab make sure "Save files to"is selected (You will see here where ff is saving your downloads to) and if you want to save your files to the desktop then click browse and scroll to the top and select desktop click OK and again OK

redbeard · Answer

The problem seems to be in AVG anti virus. Uninstall the program, use another. Sheild 2009 is a good value.
You will also see your download time reduced immensely.

Nick · Answer

well,i found out that my problem was my antivirus.so try to check if it works correctly cuz vista must check for virus befor saving.so if oyur antivirus is not working properly it wont save it as I UNDERSTAND...enjoy

Hollyzygadlo · Answer

I don't even have AVG ? and mine's playing up.. computer shows it download fully, but searching for the file.. its not there. I've tried the security settings changing them, turning the firewall off.. just wondering how do you get onto user account controls and disable then re-enable? just incase that works.. any other solutions? It's really bugging me.  help please :) x

Japers · Answer

I resolved my issue by remembering when my problems began.  I went into my updates and removed all of the updates after the problem started surfacing.  Once the problem was corrected, I then began adding one update at a time.  I no longer allow Windows to automatically update my computer.  I want to see the update and then add it personally, so I know if the problem reoccurs which update is the problem.

sutil · Answer

uninstal avg it is a shity anti virus I uninstaled it and I can download files again

Neeteeus · Answer

Removing AVG worked.  Was having the problem with Firefox first, then tried IE and still couldn't download anything (Firefox was downloading empty binary files, and IE was downloading things that disappeared immediately).

Thanks for the tip, I don't think it would have occurred to me.  Have no idea why it would stop working out of the blue like this - up until yesterday I was downloading things just fine.

Interesting tidbit:  I was getting the same issue when trying to download bittorrent files.  It would give me empty binary files.

metalgirl · Answer

Have the same prob..uninstalled AVG 8.5 and everything worked fine for IE and FF

sartana · Answer

I have a similar problem.

When downloading image files from some websites (not all), the file downloads successfully, but it is not viewable or accessible through windows (I am using vista). I know it is there because if I try and download the file again, it says that it already exists, and I can see if the save as window, but can't do anything with it!

Has anybody found a fix for this?

Sam · Answer

This has happened to me.  I also have vista and use mozilla.  I believe its a mozilla issue, settings I mean.  Your downloads are still on the computer.  They are just going to a different download folder.  You can find it by going to your search for files and folders and putting in downloads.  All the download folders appear.  In mozilla you can select the download folder of your choice by going to tools-options-main.  It will have a save to: where you can pick your download folder.  As to why it disappears in the download box I'm not sure, but I belive its a security issue with Mozilla.  But you downloads have not disappeared!!!!

Keithlad · Answer

In firefox right click the file in the download box and select Open Containing Folder OR go to Tools-Options-Main and click Save files to, then browse to where you want them to go.  For me it's Desktop.

Keithlad · Answer

In firefox right click the file in the download box and select Open.  Works for me.

Can't find downloaded files usng vista o/s

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