Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

downloading files

Jul 2, 2010 11:33AM PDT

when i am downloading a file it is automatically saved to my download folder, which is okay most of the time. however, there are times when i would like to save to my desktop and that option is not available. when i download a file the options i have are "which program would you like to open this file with" or to "save" the file. how can i set windows 7 to allow me to choose where to save my download files?

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Downloads
Jul 2, 2010 4:12PM PDT

This is not an OS issue, it's the browser. ]

If you are using Mozilla Firefox, there is a way to easily change the download folder, Open Firefox > Tools > Options > General Tab > Downloads > 1. choose [Save files to] then browse for the folder you want to save 2. or you can choose [Always ask me where to save files].
Other browser also have download option like this except IE.

If you are using Internet Explorer the only way I know so far is to install IE7 Pro add-on (free), included there is miniDM to manage your downloads.

To handle all your downloads you can try to use any Download Manager in the web[e.g.Free Download Manager (FDM), Internet Download Manager etc.]. Install any of this and you have the option to integrate any or all browser you have and this will manage all downloads you are taking.

- Collapse -
I agree with the orther post
Jul 2, 2010 9:50PM PDT

This depends what browser you are using.

Firefox is easy to fix, in Tools > Options > General tab.

I haven't used my IE8 for sometime, but I am sure that, when you click on a link to download a file, a window pops-up that asks what you want to do, and where you want to download the file to.

I've just tried it in IE8.

I've requested to download a file, (any file from Download.com), and got the following;

Pop-up, do you want to Run Save or Cancel. Choose Save.

Explorer "Save As" pop-up. Change the location to Desktop. Click Save.

Mark

- Collapse -
saving downloads
Jul 2, 2010 11:20PM PDT

i have made the changes recommended before i post and i still get the same result

- Collapse -
More Information.
Jul 2, 2010 10:22PM PDT

There is more information about this problem in another post, which I have duplicated below;
==============================

firefox3.6.6 saving download files
by lartomar2002 - 02/07/10 19:05

firefox 3.6.6 will not ask me where i want to save my download. i have made the necessary changes in the tools general tab. it automactically saves to my download folder which is okay but there are times when i want to save to my desktop. please help, larry

==============================

- Collapse -
Firefox
Jul 3, 2010 3:18PM PDT

For Mozilla Firefox as I'd written above:

1. Open Firefox
2. Tools
3. Options
3. General Tab
4. Downloads
5. select "Always ask me where to save files"

- Collapse -
saving downloads
Jul 3, 2010 8:18PM PDT

i did that with the same results

- Collapse -
Now try IE to download things.
Jul 3, 2010 8:25PM PDT

If that works, download IETab extension for Firefox and see of that works to your satisfaction. If so, use that in the future (for downloads only).

Kees

- Collapse -
To fresk12: what's your exact problem.
Jul 5, 2010 4:48AM PDT

And please don't advertise a site in your post.

Kees