Cannot Use Internet Explorer to Download Files (306837)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 for Windows 2000
This article was previously published under Q306837

SYMPTOMS

You cannot use Internet Explorer to download files. However, you can download files from the Internet through the use of other methods, such as File Transfer Protocol (FTP)-client programs.

CAUSE

This problem can occur if an Internet Explorer index file is damaged.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, delete the Internet Explorer Index.dat file:
  1. Open Internet Explorer. On the Tools menu, click Internet Options.
  2. On the General tab, under Temporary Internet files, click Delete Files.
  3. In the Delete Files dialog box that appears, click OK.
  4. Under History, click Clear History.
  5. In the dialog box that appears, click OK.
  6. Quit Internet Explorer.
  7. Log on to the computer by using the account of a user who does not experience the problem, and then open a command prompt.
  8. Change the directory to the following path:

    drive:\Documents and Settings\username\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5

    where username is the name of the user account that has the problem.
  9. Type del index.dat, and then press ENTER.
  10. Close the command prompt, and then restart the computer.
The Index.dat file is recreated the next time that you log on to the computer.

MORE INFORMATION

When this problem occurs, you can confirm that you have a working connection to the Internet through the use of TCP/IP command-line utilities, such as ping and tracert.

You may be able to download files if you log on to the computer as a different user.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:9/24/2002
Keywords:kbprb ocsso KB306837
©2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.