Problem with Downloads

dub45

For the past while I have been having difficulty in downloading stuff as if some security setting has been activanted unknowlingly by me (I am still very much an apple newby!)

The usual circumstances are I click on a download (for instance it has just happened trying to download the ipod updater from apple) and instead of the download starting it just stays on the download page. (I generally use Safari but is has happened too wtih firefox)

Sometimes it wont play music say on a site like Amazon or cd universe where samples are available for Real Player or Windows medial player.

I can sometimes get around this by rightclicking and using the 'download attached file' option but that isnt always available.

I tried a new install (the one that leaves the basic data alone) but it did not make any difference.

ZENER

Strange one this but try these steps and tell us what happens.

In Safari click >Window>Downloads. The download manager should open.
Click Window>Activity. The activity window should display.

Try the ipod updater again or some other file and see what happens in both of the opened windows. Post and let us know.

ZEN

deevey

Also one to check is the location for downloads in the safari preferences
... you may find the files all have been downloaded already into some obscure location ..?

just a thought,

Laters

Steve

dub45

ZENER wrote:

Strange one this but try these steps and tell us what happens.

In Safari click >Window>Downloads. The download manager should open.
Click Window>Activity. The activity window should display.

Try the ipod updater again or some other file and see what happens in both of the opened windows. Post and let us know.

ZEN

Nothing happens! Its as if the page is blocked in some way and just wont move on.

Now I just discovered by chance that Opera will download most files but Firefox and Safari are 'sick' with whatever illness this is. Downloads which invovled ftp seem to throw them completely!

It certainly wasnt always like this and I dont recall doing anything that might have caused it.

ZENER

Nothing at all happens ?? So no entries appear at all in the activity window ??

What happens if you Control & Click on a file for download, do you get the option to save the linked file ?
Have you tried Resetting Safari or emptying the cache ?
Have you changed permissions on the download directory for any reason?
Another possibility is mime types although I doubt it. I'll have a fish around see what I can find out.

ZEN

Edit: Did you ever install an app called SpeedDownload or any Download assistants similar to this ?

dub45

ZENER wrote:

Nothing at all happens ?? So no entries appear at all in the activity window ??

What happens if you Control & Click on a file for download, do you get the option to save the linked file ?
Have you tried Resetting Safari or emptying the cache ?
Have you changed permissions on the download directory for any reason?
Another possibility is mime types although I doubt it. I'll have a fish around see what I can find out.

ZEN

Edit: Did you ever install an app called SpeedDownload or any Download assistants similar to this ?

Zen thanks for all the suggestions so far - last things first yep I did try speeddownload and I still see it hanging around in preferences (I did a search on it) as I am still very much an Apple newbie I decided to await further advice before I did anything>

I earlier reloaded safari but that did not affect things as regards downloading - I did the one which allows you to leave basic stuff there.

When I right click on a link I can download the attached file no problem.

ZENER

dub45 wrote:

Zen thanks for all the suggestions so far - last things first yep I did try speeddownload and I still see it hanging around in preferences (I did a search on it) as I am still very much an Apple newbie I decided to await further advice before I did anything>

I earlier reloaded safari but that did not affect things as regards downloading - I did the one which allows you to leave basic stuff there.

When I right click on a link I can download the attached file no problem.

From the discussion forums on http://discussions.info.apple.com it appears you're not the only one to have this problem, I'd suggest you have a look at the forum for yourself for suggestions.

The main advice given seems to be to re-install the speeddownload app and then uninstall it using the apps uninstaller utility, simply dragging the app to the trash won't get rid of it. Click the Safari link on the apple forum at the address above and search for speeddownload or go to the vendors website for full instructions on how to rid yourself of it.

Let us know how you get on.

ZEN

dub45

ZENER wrote:

From the discussion forums on http://discussions.info.apple.com it appears you're not the only one to have this problem, I'd suggest you have a look at the forum for yourself for suggestions.

The main advice given seems to be to re-install the speeddownload app and then uninstall it using the apps uninstaller utility, simply dragging the app to the trash won't get rid of it. Click the Safari link on the apple forum at the address above and search for speeddownload or go to the vendors website for full instructions on how to rid yourself of it.

Let us know how you get on.

ZEN

That advice was great Z thanks very much for the help. Back to normal now.