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Firefox downloads previously downloaded versions of zipped files rather than current version.

  • 5 replies
  • 14 have this problem
  • 3 views
  • Last reply by cor-el

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On a website I manage, I downloaded a zipped MS Word file. After making changes to the file and uploading the modified file to my server, Firefox still downloads the old version of the zipped file. In fact, if I rename the file (so the link now points to a file that no longer exists on the server), the previously downloaded version of the file is STILL sent. I've used two methods (FireFTP and the server company's file manager) to rename the file, and the non-existent file is still sent.

On a website I manage, I downloaded a zipped MS Word file. After making changes to the file and uploading the modified file to my server, Firefox still downloads the old version of the zipped file. In fact, if I rename the file (so the link now points to a file that no longer exists on the server), the previously downloaded version of the file is STILL sent. I've used two methods (FireFTP and the server company's file manager) to rename the file, and the non-existent file is still sent.

All Replies (5)

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hello ragoertz, firefox might have cached the file - try to clear the cache and reload the file afterwards.

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Reload web page(s) and bypass the cache to refresh possibly outdated or corrupted files.

  • Hold down the Shift key and left-click the Reload button
  • Press "Ctrl + F5" or press "Ctrl + Shift + R" (Windows,Linux)
  • Press "Command + Shift + R" (Mac)
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I did try clearing the caches, to no avail.

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I did reload the page (using all the methods you suggested), but still the old file. You mentioned bypassing the cache; is that something different than clearing the cache?

I don't think this is Firefox specific; the same thing is happening with IE. I'm also working with the server company to see if the problem is at their end.

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A reload and bypassing the cache makes Firefox send specific no-cache headers that may help in case data is cached elsewhere. It is possible that the server on the website is still sending old files if you really get this file and clearing caches in Firefox doesn't help.