What to do if you can't download or save files

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This article describes steps to take if you are unable to download or save files using Firefox.

Note: The Refresh Firefox feature can fix many issues by restoring Firefox to its default state while saving your essential information. Consider using it before going through a lengthy troubleshooting process.

Check the Downloads panel for blocked downloads

Firefox includes a download protection feature to protect you from malicious or potentially harmful file downloads. If Firefox has blocked an unsafe download, you will see a warning message about the file in the Downloads panel, along with options for handling the pending download. You can open the Downloads panel to view completed and pending downloads by clicking on the Downloads button (the down arrow on your toolbar). See the articles Where to find and manage downloaded files in Firefox and How does built-in Phishing and Malware Protection work? for more information.

Clear the download history

Clearing the download history can fix some problems with downloading files:

  1. Click the Downloads button download icon 57, and then click Show all downloads. The Downloads window will open.
  2. In the Downloads window, click Clear Downloads.
  3. Close the Downloads window.

Choose a different download folder

Firefox may not be able to download files if there is a problem with the folder in which downloaded files are saved:

  1. In the Menu bar at the top of the screen, click Firefox and then select Preferences or Settings, depending on your macOS version.Click the menu button Fx89menuButton and select Settings.
  2. Select the General panel.
  3. Find the Downloads section under Files and Applications.
  4. Click the Browse Choosebutton next to the Save files to entry.
  5. Choose a different download folder for saving files.
  6. Close the Settings page. Any changes you've made will automatically be saved.

Reset the download folder

If you have tried the above suggestions, you can restore the default Firefox download folder settings:

Warning: These instructions are for experienced Firefox users. Changing settings in the Configuration Editor (about:config) can have serious effects on your browser’s stability, security, and performance.
Only proceed if you are comfortable with advanced settings and understand the potential impacts.

  1. Type about:config in the address bar and press EnterReturn.
    A warning page may appear. Click Accept the Risk and Continue to go to the about:config page.
  2. In the Search field, enter browser.download.
  3. If any of the following settings are in bold text, reset their values. To reset a value, click the Delete Fx71aboutconfig-DeleteButton or Reset Fx71aboutconfig-ResetButton button, depending on the preference:
    • browser.download.dir
    • browser.download.downloadDir
    • browser.download.folderList
    • browser.download.lastDir
    • browser.download.useDownloadDir
  4. If desired, you can revert back to your preferred download folder settings in your Firefox Settings General panel, in the Downloads section under Files and Applications.

Choose a valid download folder in Safari Preferences

If you receive the error <filename> could not be saved, because an unknown error occurred. , your problem might be caused by an interaction with the Safari browser and your operating system.

To fix the problem, open Safari's Preferences and change the Save downloaded files to: setting to a valid folder (such as your Desktop). Then restart Firefox.

Delete corrupt plist file

If you receive the error <filename> could not be saved, because you cannot change the contents of that folder. Change the folder properties and try again, or try saving in a different location., your problem might be caused by corrupt plist files.

To fix this problem, go to your home directory and delete this preference file:

  • ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.internetconfig.plist

Change file type settings

If downloading certain file types does not work, check to make sure Firefox is not set to handle those file types differently from others. See Manage file types and download actions in Firefox for instructions on how to view and change how different file types are handled.

Configure Internet security software

Internet security software, including firewalls, antivirus programs, anti-spyware programs, and others can block certain file downloads. Check the settings in your security software to see if there is an setting that may be blocking downloads.

To diagnose whether Internet security software is causing problems, you can try temporarily disabling it, seeing if downloads work, and then re-enabling the software.

Enable downloads blocked by Security Zone Policy

Downloading an executable file (e.g., an .exe or .msi file) may fail, with the Downloads window showing Canceled under the file name.

This happens because Firefox honors your Windows security settings for downloading applications and other potentially unsafe files from the Internet. To resolve this problem, use the solution given below.

Reset system Internet Security settings

You can reset your system Internet security settings in Internet Explorer. See How to reset Internet Explorer settings at Microsoft Support for instructions.

Other solutions

You may be able to diagnose your download problem by following the steps given in the Troubleshoot and diagnose Firefox problems article.




Based on information from Unable to save or download files (mozillaZine KB)

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These fine people helped write this article:

AliceWyman, philipp, Tonnes, Michael Verdi, scoobidiver, Swarnava Sengupta, Mike Cooper, Wesley Branton, Lan, pollti, Joni
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