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

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

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

Table of Contents

  • one Check the Downloads panel for blocked downloads
  • 2 Clear the download history
  • 3 Cull a different download folder
  • iv Reset the download binder
  • v Choose a valid download folder in Safari Preferences
  • 6 Delete corrupt plist file
  • seven Change file type settings
    • 7.1 Reset download actions for all file types
  • eight Configure Internet security software
  • 9 Enable downloads blocked past Security Zone Policy
    • 9.1 Reset system Internet Security settings
  • ten Other solutions

Check the Downloads panel for blocked downloads

Firefox includes a download protection characteristic to protect you from malicious or potentially harmful file downloads. If Firefox has blocked an unsafe download, you volition see a warning message about the file in the Downloads panel, along with options for treatment the pending download. You lot can open up the Downloads panel to view completed and pending downloads past clicking on the Downloads button (the down arrow on your toolbar). Come across the articles Where to detect and manage downloaded files in Firefox and How does congenital-in Phishing and Malware Protection piece of work? for more information.

Clear the download history

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

  1. Click the Downloads push button download icon 57, then click . The Downloads window volition open.
  2. In the Downloads window, click Articulate Downloads.
  3. Close the Downloads window.

Choose a unlike download folder

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

  1. In the Bill of fare bar at the top of the screen, click and select . Click the menu button Fx57Menu and select . Click the carte push Fx89menuButton and select .

  2. Select the console.
  3. Find the Downloads section under Files and Applications.
  4. Click the Scan Choose push side by side to the Save files to entry.
  5. Choose a different download folder for saving files.
  6. Close the almost:preferences page. Whatever changes yous've made will automatically be saved.

Reset the download folder

If y'all have tried the above suggestions, y'all can restore the default Firefox download folder settings:

  1. Type nigh:config in the accost bar and press Enter Return .
    A alert 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 whatsoever of the post-obit settings are in bold text, reset their values. To reset a value, click the Delete Fx71aboutconfig-DeleteButton or Reset Fx71aboutconfig-ResetButton push button, depending on the preference:
    • browser.download.dir
    • browser.download.downloadDir
    • browser.download.folderList
    • browser.download.lastDir
    • browser.download.useDownloadDir
  4. If desired, you tin revert back to your preferred download folder settings in your Firefox Options Preferences Settings console, in the Downloads section under Files and Applications.

Choose a valid download folder in Safari Preferences

If yous receive the error <filename> could non be saved, because an unknown error occurred. , your problem might be caused by an interaction with the Safari browser and your operating system.

To prepare the problem, open Safari'due south Preferences and change the Save downloaded files to: setting to a valid folder (such as your Desktop). And then restart Firefox.

Delete decadent plist file

If y'all receive the error <filename> could not exist saved, considering you lot cannot change the contents of that folder. Modify the binder backdrop and endeavor once again, or try saving in a unlike location., your trouble might exist caused past decadent plist files.

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

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

Alter file type settings

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

Reset download actions for all file types

To reset how all file types are handled by Firefox back to default:

  1. Open up your profile binder:

    • Click the menu button Fx57menu, click , and select . From the menu, select . The Troubleshooting Information tab will open.
    • Under the Application Basics department next to Profile Binder Directory, click Open up Binder Show in Finder Open Directory . A window will open that contains your profile folder. Your profile folder will open up.
  2. Click the Firefox menu Fx89menuButton Fx57Menu and select . Click the Firefox card at the top of the screen and select . Click the Firefox menu Fx89menuButton Fx57Menu and select .
  3. Delete or rename the handlers.json file (for case, rename information technology handlers.json.erstwhile).
  4. Restart Firefox.

Configure Internet security software

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

To diagnose whether Internet security software is causing issues, you tin 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 neglect, 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 dangerous files from the Net. To resolve this problem, use the solution given below.

Reset system Internet Security settings

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

Other solutions

You lot may be able to diagnose your download trouble past following the steps given in the Troubleshoot and diagnose Firefox issues article.

These fine people helped write this article:

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

Illustration of hands

Volunteer

Grow and share your expertise with others. Respond questions and improve our knowledge base of operations.

Larn More