Cannot open/save .exe files? :S

[Lee Chap]

Hi there!

After installing a fresh copy of XP, i've found that I
cannot open or save any .exe files from a web page - a
windows update for example.

It seems that, Internet explorer tries to open the exe
file and display it in the browser itself.
For example, by opening the URL:
http://download.microsoft.com/download/ie6sp1/finrel/6_sp1
/W98NT42KMeXP/EN-US/ie6setup.exe

I am greeted with a blank screen, except for a small icon
in the top left - the type of icon normally displayed on
a webpage, where a image is placed if it cannot load.

Oviously, all i really want is the dialog asking if i
want to save or open the file, and since i have the same
problem when downloading the Internet Explorer 6 service
pack 1, i cant try that to fix it.

Does anyone know what is wrong, or how i can fix it?

Thanks in advance! _LeeChap!_

 

[Alan Edwards]

If it is only .exe files, then read on and see if this is relevant:
You may have an invalid plugin.
Netscape-Style Plug-ins Do Not Work After Upgrading Internet Explorer
[Q303401]
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;303401

Remove the plugin with Regedit.exe
Start-Run-Regedit.exe
Navigate down to this key and remove it, after exporting it as a
normal safety precaution.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet
Explorer\Plugins\Extension\.exe

If that key exists, then you will see what plugin has been installed.
The key does not normally exist.

If not only .exe files, try this:
Blank Web Page with Placeholder Icon and You Cannot Save a File to
Disk
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=kb;en-us;316537

....Alan