File download problem

[Neil Bastiman]

I have a problem with downloading files from websites. I start a file
download from a site, the download goes ok but when I look in the location
where I want the file saved the file is not there. There are no error
messages. The problem effects all file types, I've tried .mp3 .exe .pdf
..doc and a few others. If I set the file destination to the desk top and
then view the desktop as the download ends the file appears for a moment
then vanishes.

I'm running Windows XP Home with SP2

Internet Explorer 6.0.2900.2180.xpsp_sp2

Norton Antivirus 2002

I would be very greatful if anybody could give me an idea as to what could
be causing this problem.

 

[Malke]

I have a problem with downloading files from websites. I start a file
download from a site, the download goes ok but when I look in the
location
where I want the file saved the file is not there. There are no error
messages. The problem effects all file types, I've tried .mp3 .exe
.pdf
.doc and a few others. If I set the file destination to the desk top
and then view the desktop as the download ends the file appears for a
moment then vanishes.

I'm running Windows XP Home with SP2

Internet Explorer 6.0.2900.2180.xpsp_sp2

Norton Antivirus 2002

I would be very greatful if anybody could give me an idea as to what
could be causing this problem.

You have a seriously obsolete antivirus installed. Although your virus
definitions may be current, you should replace NAV 2002 with a program
that is not earlier than 2005. Unfortunately, you will have a hard time
finding techs who don't sell Norton who recommend the recent versions.
I use F-Prot on my Windows machines and people whom I respect recommend
NOD32 and Kaspersky. Avast has a free version which is all right, too.

The first thing to do is check for viruses and malware:
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

At that link you will also see preparatory steps which are really basic
maintenance. It could be that you haven't done any maintenance such as
deleting Temporary and Temporary Internet Files for a long time and
that could cause the issue.

Since we really don't know anything about your computer, start with
making sure the base system is clean and then if you are still having
problems, post back after you've done that.

Malke

 

[Curt Christianson]

Hello again Malke,

I noticed in your post that the OP's AV is seriously out-of-date, even with
current definitions. Can you explain to me briefly why an old original
install with current definitions is inadequate?
BTW, AVG (current) fully updated here.

Many TIA,
--
Curt BD-MVBT

http://dundats.mvps.org/
http://dundats.proboards27.com/index.cgi
http://www.aumha.org/

 

[Drew Tognola]

Neil,

If you shutdown Norton AntiVirus 2002 completely and try to download, does
it download alright. If so, there's an obvious setting involved somewhere in
NAV 2002.

Only my opinion but I preferred NAV2002 over the newer NAV's, but then I
went from NAV2002 to Kaspersky Internet Security 6.0, which is fantastic.

Drew

 

[Malke]

Hello again Malke,

I noticed in your post that the OP's AV is seriously out-of-date, even
with
current definitions. Can you explain to me briefly why an old
original install with current definitions is inadequate?
BTW, AVG (current) fully updated here.

The virus/malware scene was quite different when NAV2002 was written.
It's not all about the virus definitions; the antivirus engine needs to
be current also. Additionally, over the years there have also been
numerous vulnerabilities with various NAV products (and not just
theirs; although I don't like Symantec's software I'm not slamming them
alone) which have been fixed in later versions.

You should always keep your operating system and important software
patched and current to make sure it is as effective and protected as
possible. Antivirus software is classed as "important software".

Malke

 

[Neil Bastiman]

Ok, I have found the cause of the problem now. It proved to be Microsoft
Defender, I uninstalled it and file downloads are now been saved where I put
them. I don't know why Defender was deleting file downloads, I couldn't
find any settings within it the would cause such behaviour.

As for the Nortons Antivirus 2002 I agree that it is an old piece of
software but as this computer is a laptop ( a HP Pavilion ze4300) that I
don't use for email I didn't think this would be a problem. The antivirus
software was kept fully upto date and XP itself is also fully upto date with
all security patches.

Thank you all for your advice and suggestions.

 

[Malke]

Ok, I have found the cause of the problem now. It proved to be
Microsoft Defender, I uninstalled it and file downloads are now been
saved where I put
them. I don't know why Defender was deleting file downloads, I
couldn't find any settings within it the would cause such behaviour.

As for the Nortons Antivirus 2002 I agree that it is an old piece of
software but as this computer is a laptop ( a HP Pavilion ze4300) that
I
don't use for email I didn't think this would be a problem. The
antivirus software was kept fully upto date and XP itself is also
fully upto date with all security patches.

Thank you all for your advice and suggestions.

Ah, the "joys" of running beta software. Just another reason not to ever
do it on a production machine.

I would still update your av software since email isn't the only vector
of infection. If you don't want to spend any money, get Avast.

Thanks for taking the time to post the solution.

Malke