Problem Downloading exe and zip Files

[Keith Russell]

Hi, everyone.

I have recently developed a problem downloading files in IE. When I click
on a URL ending in xxx.exe or xxx.zip (in IE or my email client) a save
dialog should pop up (and has in the past). Instead, I just get a small
icon in the upper left of the content pane, along with a "Done" in the
status bar.

Is there a setting somewhere to change this behavior? Or do I need to look
elsewhere for the problem?

TIA!

 

[Alan Edwards]

Try this standard response and apply to .zip as well.
There are some applications that put the keys back and must be
uninstalled so let me know if the keys return after deletion.

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.

....Alan

 

[Keith Russell]

Thanks, Alan.

It's quite possible that what I'm seeing is a "broken plugin" icon. After
the KnowledgeBase article and seeing QuickTime mentioned, I thought it
might be the cause. However, I just downloaded and installed the latest
version, but it didn't help. (Ironically, I wasn't able to use IE to
download it because of this problem; I had to use Firefox!)

Unfortunately, under:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Plugins\Extension\,
I have no .exe or .zip key.

Any other ideas?

 

[Alan Edwards]

Is there anything at under
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet
Explorer\Plugins\Extension ?
Try deleting the Extension key itself.

....Alan

 

[Keith Russell]

Wow, good job, Alan! I think we got it licked.

I had 8 extensions keys, each identified by a meaningless 32-bit hex name.
I deleted Extensions completely, and things started working. I then
restored Extensions and deleted the last one; it still worked.

Believe it or not, this key was created by Encarta (a Microsoft product).
It opens Encarta Researcher, which I don't really use anyway, so no big
loss.

Thanks VERY much.

Keith

 

[Alan Edwards]

Thanks for the feedback.
Yes, I believe Encarta could do it. Not all invalid Netscape style
keys are created by non-MS products.

If you saved the Extension key with an export, I wouldn't mind a copy
for future reference. (Not a big deal if you didn't)

....Alan

 

[Keith Russell]

I may have spoken too soon. The problem has recurred, although it was in
NetCaptor. I need to do some more troubleshooting.

If and when I'm able to determine which key was at fault, I'll be happy to
send it to you.

 

[Alan Edwards]

Export the Extension key and send it.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet
Explorer\Plugins\Extension

When you send it, send it as an attachment and quote a message or give
a summary so I know what it is all about and you avoid my spam trap.

Try deleting the Extension key.
Don't restore it as you did before.

....Alan