My computer won't download any files. How do I fix this?

It's frustrating when your computer won't download any files, but there's usually an easy fix. Let's take a look at your Internet Explorer settings and see if we can set your computer up for downloading. The two main areas to focus on are the security settings and Active X controls settings.

Setting Security Settings for Downloading Files

First, open Internet Explorer and go to the Tools menu. Choose Internet Options. Click on the Security tab and then click on the button labeled "Custom." You should see a lengthy list of settings. Scroll through the list until you come to the Download section. Now look at "File Download." Is this option set to "Disable"? If so, that's why your computer won't download any files. Change this setting to "Enable" and confirm your decision by clicking OK and exiting the Internet Options dialog box. Restart Internet Explorer for the change to take place.

Adjusting ActiveX Controls for Downloads

Another common problem with downloads involves your ActiveX settings. Many download programs require the use of a Web browser add-on known as an ActiveX control. Add-ons and ActiveX controls add additional features to the Web browser such as the ability to download a file. However, if your browser's security settings are set too high or are actively blocking these controls, your computer won't be able to download files.

You may have noticed ActiveX options when you were scrolling through the list of security settings earlier. Let's go back into Internet Options and make a few adjustments to your ActiveX controls. Go to Tools > Internet Options > Security > Custom and scroll through the settings until you come to ActiveX Controls and Plugins. Make sure that "Download signed ActiveX controls" is set to "Enable" or "Prompt." Make sure that "Download unsigned ActiveX controls" is disabled. Signed controls are generally considered safe while unsigned ones are questionable.

If your browser is set to prompt you before downloading signed ActiveX controls, when you run into a file requiring an ActiveX control as part of the download process, a small yellow bar will appear just below the browser's toolbar area prompting you to authorize the download. Once you click the link, the download process will begin.

Celeste Stewart | August 10th, 2009
Tags: cannot download files, download settings, file download
Categories: Web Browsers

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