Join the AMA (Ask Me Anything) with the Firefox leadership team to celebrate Firefox 20th anniversary and discuss Firefox’s future on Mozilla Connect. Mark your calendar on Thursday, November 14, 18:00 - 20:00 UTC!

Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

How can I open a file I want to download without saving it first? No. none of those articles answer my question.

  • 2 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 10 views
  • Last reply by FredMcD

more options

In the past whenever I clicked to download a file in Firefox it asked if I wanted to open it or save it. Something has changed and now I'm only given the option to save. Often I don't want to save, I just want to see the file. How can I reset my options so I'm given the option to open without saving?

In the past whenever I clicked to download a file in Firefox it asked if I wanted to open it or save it. Something has changed and now I'm only given the option to save. Often I don't want to save, I just want to see the file. How can I reset my options so I'm given the option to open without saving?

All Replies (2)

more options

Separate Security Issue: Update your Flash Player Note: Windows users should download the active_x for Internet Explorer. and the plugin for Plugin-based browsers (like Firefox).

Note: Windows 8 and Windows 10 have built-in flash players and Adobe will cause a conflict. Install the plugin only. Not the active_x.

Flash Player Version: 23.0.0. 207 Flash Player (Linux) Version 11.2. 202.644

https://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/ Direct link scans current system and browser Note: Other software is offered in the download. <Windows Only>

https://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/otherversions/ Step 1: Select Operating System Step 2: Select A Version (Firefox, Win IE . . . .) Note: Other software is offered in the download. <Windows Only>


See if there are updates for your graphics drivers https://support.mozilla.org/kb/upgrade-graphics-drivers-use-hardware-acceleration

more options

Technically, when viewing or saving a file, it is saved on your system. A viewed file is saved to temporary storage.

Deleting the mimeTypes.rdf will reset all download actions to the default settings.

Type about:support in the address bar and press enter.

Under the page logo on the left side, you will see Application Basics. Under this find Profile Folder. To its right press the button Show Folder. This will open your file browser to the current Firefox profile. Now Close Firefox.

Locate the above file. Then rename or delete it. Restart Firefox.