Downloading problems

[Guest]

I just upgraded to Vista Home Premium. Everything works fine except
downloading. POP email works, etc. I have dial up internet. Whether I use
Firefox, Opera, or IE, the results are the same. I pull up a page to
download a file, the browser hangs. After checking, I found out that the
modem is downloading something. Basically, after the time it would normally
take to download the file, the 'save file' or 'download' box appears. I
press ok to download and it shows it as already having been downloaded. So,
apparently all the browsers are downloading the file fully then asking where
to save the file. It is becoming very annoying, because I can't even browse
during this time b/c it is so slow! It just started when I upgraded from XP
MCE. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Guest]

I'm afraid the only answer is to upgrade to broadband. Vista really works
better with a broadband connection.

 

[Malke]

I'm afraid the only answer is to upgrade to broadband. Vista really works
better with a broadband connection.

From the description of the OP's problem, the issue is not with the
speed of his Internet connection. Of course broadband is nicer but not
everyone has the possibility (or the desire) of using it.

To the OP - when you upgraded, did you also install all the Vista
drivers for your hardware? This would include your modem. If you did
not, then this could definitely be the cause of your problem. Get the
drivers either from the device mftr. or the OEM's website (if you have
an OEM machine like a Dell, HP, etc.).


Malke

 

[Guest]

No, I did not upgrade the modem drivers. I will do it, though. It seems
though that it would have to be a software problem, because the connection
works perfectly with everything else. I figured the browser had a bug or
something that would cause it to download all links on a page or something.
I guess that's why I'm not a computer guru. I'll try what you said. Thanks.

Adam

 

[Malke]

No, I did not upgrade the modem drivers. I will do it, though. It seems
though that it would have to be a software problem, because the connection
works perfectly with everything else. I figured the browser had a bug or
something that would cause it to download all links on a page or something.
I guess that's why I'm not a computer guru. I'll try what you said. Thanks.

Adam

When you install a new operating system - either by a clean install or
upgrading - you do need to install new drivers specific for that
operating system. XP and Vista came with a lot of basic drivers from the
various hardware mftrs., but not all of them. Also, the basic drivers
may not be adequate. Here is general drivers information:

Never get drivers from Windows Update. Get them from:

1. The device mftr.'s website; OR
2. The motherboard mftr.'s website if hardware is onboard; OR
3. The OEM's website for your specific machine if you have an OEM
computer (HP, Dell, Sony, etc.).

Read the installation instructions on the website where you get the drivers.

To find out what hardware is in your computer:

1. Read any documentation you got when you bought the computer.
2. If the computer is OEM, go to the OEM's website for your specific
model machine and look at the specs (you'll be there to get the drivers
anyway)
3. Download, install and run a free system inventory program like Belarc
Advisor. The older Aida32 is good for this, too.

http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html - Belarc Advisor
http://www.aumha.org/free.htm - Aida32 (hosted on Jim Eshelman's site)

(Note: I haven't used either of these inventory programs on a Vista
machine yet so YMMV.)


Malke

 

[Guest]

I downloaded all the drivers. I have a Toshiba Notebook. All the drivers
for Vista were surprisingly easy to find. Some of them wouldn't install
(newer versions already on Vista; installer said it could not detect the
hardware for the driver), but most did just fine. The modem driver installed
fine and certain functions of the modem, such as call on hold and modem
speaker began working. However, the downloading problem remains. I did find
out that I CAN upload a file like normal.

Adam

 

[Malke]

I downloaded all the drivers. I have a Toshiba Notebook. All the drivers
for Vista were surprisingly easy to find. Some of them wouldn't install
(newer versions already on Vista; installer said it could not detect the
hardware for the driver), but most did just fine. The modem driver installed
fine and certain functions of the modem, such as call on hold and modem
speaker began working. However, the downloading problem remains. I did find
out that I CAN upload a file like normal.

Then I'm very sorry but I don't know what is causing the delay in your
download dialog box to appear. Reading through this thread, I don't see
where you said what antivirus/security software you have installed. If
you have McAfee, uninstall it since it causes numerous problems with
Vista. I would also not use any Norton products. Recommended antivirus
programs are NOD32, Kaspersky, and Avast if you want a free one.

If you don't have either McAfee or Norton installed, what antivirus and
other security programs are you running? What are you using for a firewall?


Malke

 

[Guest]

I figured it out. I can't take the credit, though. The problem was the
anti-virus. I have PC Tools free antivirus. It has an http and ftp filter.
I had these on. When I turned them off, the connection sped up (even
doubled; I noticed it was sluggish) and the downloading began working right.
Thanks a lot for your help.

Adam

 

[Malke]

I figured it out. I can't take the credit, though. The problem was the
anti-virus. I have PC Tools free antivirus. It has an http and ftp filter.
I had these on. When I turned them off, the connection sped up (even
doubled; I noticed it was sluggish) and the downloading began working right.
Thanks a lot for your help.

Adam

Well, I'm glad I was on the right track with the antivirus/security
software suggestion. I very much appreciate your posting back with the
solution. Thank you for taking the time.


Malke