Windows 7 Download and open files without prompt

Yaron · Feb 21, 2014

I've set Firefox to open various file types (txt, png, pdf) with their default application; the "Do this automatically for files like this" option is checked.
For some reason, FF keeps asking whether to save or open the file.

In IE8, the "Always ask before opening this type of file" check-box is missing.

(Win 7, 32-bit).

I'd appreciate your help.

Fixer1234 · Mar 8, 2014

Think of "open" more as "do something with". When you set Firefox to use the default applications, it defines what program will handle the file. Handling the file will not necessarily mean "open".

If you want to open a file found online, it is first downloaded to your computer which is where the application uses it. Once it has been downloaded to a temporary location, Windows, for your convenience, asks you whether you want to just save it to a location of your choice or open it. If you actually want to go to the bother of opening it, it gets passed to the default or specified application.

jcgriff2 · Feb 23, 2014

Hi -

I don't use Firefox, so I can't be much help there.

IE -- just curious, but why are you running IE8 on Windows 7 SP1?

Make sure ALL Windows Updates are installed - Link Removed

If IE10 did not come in, install it -

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/internet-explorer/ie-10-worldwide-languages

Regards. . .

jcgriff2

Yaron · Feb 23, 2014

Thank you.

I don't like Clear Type, and I can't disable it in later versions.

Fixer1234 · Mar 6, 2014

Yaron said:
I've set Firefox to open various file types (txt, png, pdf) with their default application; the "Do this automatically for files like this" option is checked.
For some reason, FF keeps asking whether to save or open the file.

In IE8, the "Always ask before opening this type of file" check-box is missing.

(Win 7, 32-bit).

I'd appreciate your help.

For a good explanation, see this link: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/change-firefox-behavior-when-open-file

BTW, note this warning:
Do not choose Firefox to always open a certain file type, as doing so can cause a problem where Firefox repeatedly opens empty tabs or windows after you click on a link.

Yaron · Mar 7, 2014

Thank you.

All my FF settings are correct. It might be a Windows issue.

Fixer1234 · Mar 8, 2014

Think of "open" more as "do something with". When you set Firefox to use the default applications, it defines what program will handle the file. Handling the file will not necessarily mean "open".

If you want to open a file found online, it is first downloaded to your computer which is where the application uses it. Once it has been downloaded to a temporary location, Windows, for your convenience, asks you whether you want to just save it to a location of your choice or open it. If you actually want to go to the bother of opening it, it gets passed to the default or specified application.

Yaron · Mar 8, 2014

Thank you for the detailed explanation. It's really kind of you.

Windows 7 Download and open files without prompt

Yaron

Active Member

Fixer1234

jcgriff2

Extraordinary Member

Yaron

Active Member

Fixer1234

Senior Member

Yaron

Active Member

Fixer1234

Senior Member

Yaron

Active Member

Similar threads