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I unchecked "Always ask before opening this type of file", and would like to undo that so that I can use the "open with" option sometimes instead of always just automatically downloading.

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  • Last reply by georgiadog

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I use Windows XP.

Typically when downloading a file with firefox, you can choose to "save as" or "open with." On the bottom left, there is a checked checkbox which says "Always ask before opening this type of file" or something like that.

I unchecked the box, and now my downloads always download automatically without prompting. However, in some instances using the "open with" option is more convenient, but now I can't select that option since the dialogue box is gone and I can't get it back.

I've tried modifying this through My Computer/tools/folder options/filetypes/advanced/confirm after download, which does work, but only for IE, not Firefox.

I've tried checking "always ask me where to save files" in the firefox general options, but that only creates a directory prompt, not a save vs. open with prompt that I want back.

Finally, I restarted firefox in its "safe mode" with addons disabled, then told it to revert to default settings. But even that didn't bring back the dialogue box, to my surprise.

I'm about to uninstall FF and re-install, but I figured I'd ask this question first, in case there is an easy solution somewhere that I missed.

I use Windows XP. Typically when downloading a file with firefox, you can choose to "save as" or "open with." On the bottom left, there is a checked checkbox which says "Always ask before opening this type of file" or something like that. I unchecked the box, and now my downloads always download automatically without prompting. However, in some instances using the "open with" option is more convenient, but now I can't select that option since the dialogue box is gone and I can't get it back. I've tried modifying this through My Computer/tools/folder options/filetypes/advanced/confirm after download, which does work, but only for IE, not Firefox. I've tried checking "always ask me where to save files" in the firefox general options, but that only creates a directory prompt, not a save vs. open with prompt that I want back. Finally, I restarted firefox in its "safe mode" with addons disabled, then told it to revert to default settings. But even that didn't bring back the dialogue box, to my surprise. I'm about to uninstall FF and re-install, but I figured I'd ask this question first, in case there is an easy solution somewhere that I missed.

All Replies (2)

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Ok, just solved my own problem.

To get the download dialogue box back in firefox, go to:

Tools/Options/Applications tab

Then scroll down and find the file in question, for example, a TORRENT file.

If its set to "save file" (for example), you can click it and change it to "Always ask." I did that and downloaded a torrent, and my dialogue box with "open with" option had returned.

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kearly - thanks a million for posting both the question & the reply! I just unchecked that little box by accident, & couldn't figure out for the life of me how to fix it. Thanks again!!