Why does Firefox put downloads in wrong folder?
In Options, I have designated a folder where downloads are to be placed and that has worked for years. Since yesterday all of a sudden Firefox has begun to place them in a \users\Laurie\~ folder. Then it opens the D/L with 7 Zip. But when I click on the executable, nothing happens so I can't install the program I D/Led.
WHY is Firefox putting the dowload in the WRONG folder. I just checked options (for the umpteenth time) and my location is still designated. This is SO frustrating. With this and the problem with Pandora, I'm really fed up with Firefox, which has long been one of my favorite programs.
I just read another answer to a user question, which reminded me that Firefox uses the last D/L location. So how do I get Firefox to STOP using the \users\Laurie\~ folder?
Ŋuɖoɖo si wotia
Start Firefox in Safe Mode {web Link} by holding down the <Shift>
(Mac=Options) key, and then starting Firefox. Is the problem still there?
https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/how-to-fix-preferences-wont-save
Note: Some software, like Advanced SystemCare with Surfing Protection, can protect files in the Firefox profile folder against changes. If you have such software then check the settings or uninstall this software.
Xle ŋuɖoɖo sia le goya me 👍 2All Replies (6)
Ɖɔɖɔɖo si wotia
Start Firefox in Safe Mode {web Link} by holding down the <Shift>
(Mac=Options) key, and then starting Firefox. Is the problem still there?
https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/how-to-fix-preferences-wont-save
Note: Some software, like Advanced SystemCare with Surfing Protection, can protect files in the Firefox profile folder against changes. If you have such software then check the settings or uninstall this software.
You can disable the feature to remember a host based download directory by creating a new Boolean pref on the about:config page with the name browser.download.lastDir.savePerSite pref and set its value to false.
You can use this button to go to the current Firefox profile folder:
- Help > Troubleshooting Information > Profile Directory:
Windows: Show Folder; Linux: Open Directory; Mac: Show in Finder - http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_folder_-_Firefox
You can delete the content-prefs.sqlite file in the Profile Folder to only remove settings stored in this file. That way you keep exceptions stored in permissions.sqlite that would get lost if you clear the "Site Preferences" via Clear Recent History.
You can use this button to go to the current Firefox profile folder:
- Help > Troubleshooting Information > Profile Directory:
Windows: Show Folder; Linux: Open Directory; Mac: Show in Finder - http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_folder_-_Firefox
FredMcD said
Start Firefox in Safe Mode {web Link} by holding down the <Shift>
(Mac=Options) key, and then starting Firefox. Is the problem still there?
https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/how-to-fix-preferences-wont-save
Note: Some software, like Advanced SystemCare with Surfing Protection, can protect files in the Firefox profile folder against changes. If you have such software then check the settings or uninstall this software.
FredMcD, thanks. I started FF in safe mode as you suggested and then tried my download again. Interestingly the D/L took less than 4 minutes, whereas in normal mode it took over 15. AND I couldn't open the program because of a "missing" file until I D/Led it in safe mode and THEN installed it. Maybe I'll start using safe mode for all my downloads.
After posting my message, I fixed the problem of the D/L location by changing the D/L option to "Always ask me where to save files." After it D/Led OK, I then changed it back to my usual D/L location.
Thanks for your help. I didn't know about safe mode before.
Cor-el, thanks for your reply. Although I didn't need it, it might help someone else.
Safe Mode is a troubleshooting mode that temporarily turns off hardware acceleration, resets some settings, and disables add-ons (extensions and themes). If the problem goes away, that tells us one thing. If it does not, that tells us something else.
It could be the work of one of your add-ons. Type about:addons<enter> in the address bar to open your Add-ons Manager. Hot key; <Control>(Mac=<Command>)<Shift> A)
In the Add-ons Manager, on the left, select Extensions. Disable a few add-ons, then Restart Firefox.
Some added toolbar and anti-virus add-ons are known to cause Firefox issues. Disable All of them.
If the problem continues, disable some more (restarting FF). Continue until the problem is gone. After, you know what group is causing the issue. Re-enable the last group ONE AT A TIME (restarting FF) until the problem returns.
Once you think you found the problem, disable that and re-enable all the others, then restart again. Let us know who the suspect is detective.