FF or IE? In either case, Look through the browser options. If you can't see anything there, try resetting your browser settings to see if that fixes it.

FF = Firefox
IE  = Internet Explorer

I suspect you use IE. Try right-clicking the "Download file" link & select "Save Target As".

It's a long time since this problem last occurred & I've forgotten how to fix it. You might like to try this. http://www.speedguide.net/faq_in_q.php?category=40&qid=259

PS. IE7 might be different. I don't use it.

tcco94 wrote on Apr 20^th, 2009 at 10:17am:

Read it again. Folder Options is in Windows Explorer, not IE.

I tried it & don't have the "Advanced" option they mention on my WinXP.

PS. If all else fails you could try the Restore Defaults setting from Windows Explorer/Folder Options.
Or use a different browser like Firefox.

tcco94 wrote on Apr 20^th, 2009 at 1:21am:


With problems like this, you should really specify which OS (operating system) you're running and which browser version you're using.  For example:  WinXP Home and Internet Explorer v6.0.  It would really help us in providing the best solution.  If this fits your scenario, then read my answer below.  If not, then please specify which OS and which version of IE you're using.  You say that you have the latest version of IE but version v8.0 has just been released and is not widely used at this time.  More than likely you have v6.0 or v7.0.

The link posted by Hagar will work but that only addresses situations when downloading zip files.  What are you going to do when downloading other types of files?  Same problem will exist.  There is a registry edit that will address this problem for ALL types of files - not just zip.

First I have to preface this solution by saying that a registry hack is not always the most preferred solution and you should ALWAYS exercise caution when applying manual edits.  I see people on various boards suggesting "try this" or "try that" as if the registry edit is a panacea.  In my opinion, a registry hack/edit should only be used as a last resort method when NO OTHER OPTION is available.

Step #1:  Go to, Start | Run.  Type 'cmd' without the quotes. This will open up the command prompt.

Step #2:  Copy the following text in red. Highlight and press Ctrl + C.



Step #3: Go back to the command prompt window.  RIGHT click anywhere within the black window and choose 'Paste' from the context menu that pops up.  Press enter.

Step #4: Reboot the system and make sure that change has taken affect by downloading something and see if 'Save download as' dialog box re-appears.

Hagar wrote on Apr 20^th, 2009 at 2:40am:


Depends on the link and how the webmaster has coded the link.

I've noticed while downloading many freeware items from aviation websites where a cgi script is being used in the background. In those situations when you click on the download link, right-clicking and doing the "Save Target As" will not work.

This is why I suggested the registry edit in my post above.  If Tcco finds the registry edit too complex or hard, I would recommend ditching IE, and switching over Firefox.  It's a better browser altogether and he can avoid this kind of hassle in the future.

Hagar wrote on Apr 21^st, 2009 at 2:08pm:


The right-click Save As method might appeal more to a computer novice who wants a quick & simple solution. But with the advent of scripting language like php an cgi being used to hide the direct download link, this method no longer works.  It's actually becoming more and more commonly used for a variety of reasons including security purposes.

I posted the registry edit because it is the most effective solution for the reason I explained above and in dealing with all types of download files - not just zip.  Of course I saw your suggestion for Tcco to start using Firefox, it's not a contest about who posted what first.    I mentioned FF as someone who has been using it for the past 7 years and am in favor of using it.  More importantly fixing this kind of problem in FF is extremely simple and straight forward and doesn't involve registry edits.