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Workaround for Unable to download gmail attachment FF11.0 XP Pro

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  • 4 have this problem
  • 4 views
  • Last reply by Hasan

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I have done extensive research on download problem when receiving error "C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\My Documents\Downloads\<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."

None of the common fixes have worked i.e. clearing download list, changing download directory, reset download folder, change permissions, disable AV etc. I have, however found a simple workaround that may help frustrated users not switch to a different browser, while also assisting some of you handy helpful developers isolate the problem.

The problem only occurs in FF11.0 (not IE) and only (as far as i know) when downloading attachments of any file type from any source in gmail. I can right click and "save as..." when browsing just fine. After clicking download and choosing "save file" vs. "open with" the aforementioned error message displays, I click OK and the downloads box displays "failed" I then CLICK THE TINY REFRESH ICON IN THE DOWNLOADS BOX and voila! the file downloads every time.

I would love for someone to find a permanent fix for this. The problem is on my wife's machine and she can handle the workaround but has to call me a few times a week to remind her how to do it. Hopefully this will provide an insight into the root of the issue. Thanks in advance for any help

I have done extensive research on download problem when receiving error "C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\My Documents\Downloads\<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." None of the common fixes have worked i.e. clearing download list, changing download directory, reset download folder, change permissions, disable AV etc. I have, however found a simple workaround that may help frustrated users not switch to a different browser, while also assisting some of you handy helpful developers isolate the problem. The problem only occurs in FF11.0 (not IE) and only (as far as i know) when downloading attachments of any file type from any source in gmail. I can right click and "save as..." when browsing just fine. After clicking download and choosing "save file" vs. "open with" the aforementioned error message displays, I click OK and the downloads box displays "failed" I then CLICK THE TINY REFRESH ICON IN THE DOWNLOADS BOX and voila! the file downloads every time. I would love for someone to find a permanent fix for this. The problem is on my wife's machine and she can handle the workaround but has to call me a few times a week to remind her how to do it. Hopefully this will provide an insight into the root of the issue. Thanks in advance for any help

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Start Firefox in -> Diagnose Firefox issues using Troubleshoot Mode to check if your add-ons/extensions are causing the problems.

Check and tell if its working normally while using Firefox in Diagnose Firefox issues using Troubleshoot Mode.


BTW Firefox 11 is and old version. Any specific reason for not using the latest version Firefox 12 ??