Zip files Open, they don't download

edjer · 19th August 2003

Recently, when I try to download a zip file in IE6, it opens and displays a directory box in WinRar, my default compression manager, instead of downloading. Nothing has changed - that I know of - in my cofiguration of IE or WinRar and my file association is still the same. It does the same in other browsers.

I can get around it by right clicking and "save target as", but it's a pain and I don't always know that the file I'm trying to download is a zip.

Any ideas?

WindowsXP Pro 2600 up to date for fixes.
Compaq 1gig Athlon - 512 RAM

Welshjim · 20th August 2003

edjer--Do you mean you no longer are offered the choice to Open or Save a download? (It sounds like you are downloading the file, but that it is automatically opening, right?)
If so, you have to go into File Types (in Win98 I click Start|Settings|Folder Options|File Types tab) then scroll to WinRar File|click Edit and make sure there is a check in the box "Confirm Open after Download". If no check, check it and click Apply|OK.
Sorry I cannot give you directions specific to WinXP. Maybe this will help aim you.

edjer · 20th August 2003

Yes, I am no longer offered a choice. The download starts immediately upon clicking the link. It bypasses my default download directory and puts the actual zip file in the temporary internet files under one of those noname IE5Content folders, then it opens the zip in WinRar and shows me the contents.

I just tried what you suggested and it worked. You're a genius.

Thank you, Welshjim.

Welshjim · 20th August 2003

edjer--Thanks for posting back. You are welcome. Always good to hear that suggestion worked. (Especially since I do not know all the buttons to push on WinXP.)