Problem downloading files. Any file I download are saved as 0 kb.?

Question

Whenever i download a file from the net and "save as" the file, a progress report appears in downloads window (ex: 1 minute remaining - 25 kb of 850 kb) Then it reaches the end of the downloading session and says finished downloading files. So for this part all goes normal. The problem is, when i open the containing folder for the file i just downloaded it shows that the size is 0 kb. This happens for any file - be it word document, ppt, mp3, video, program files or *.exe files. And this happens wherever i download the file from - be it from yahoo mail, mp3 download sites, software download sites, etc.

Additional info:
For word or *.doc files, whenever i open the file i just downloaded, word program opens but it shows a blank sheet.

For ppt files, whenever i open the file i just downloaded, microsoft powerpoint opens but it shows a blank presentation.

For program or *.exe files, when i open the file it says its not a valid win32 application.

WHAT SEEMS TO BE THE PROBLEM? Please help me.

Answer 1

That almost sounds like a malware self-defense technique to prevent you from downloading anti-malware. Try a download in Safe Mode With Networking. If it works you definitely have malware.





To get into Safe Mode with Networking:



1. Log out and reboot your machine.

2. When the machine starts the reboot sequence, press the F8 key repeatedly.

3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the resulting menu.

4. Login. If the malware has changed your password, try logging in as Administrator. By default, Administrator has no password.

5. The machine will continue booting, but the Windows desktop will look different.

6. When you're finished doing what you need to do, log out and reboot back into normal mode.



Good luck.

Answer 2

I'm having the exact same problem. I am running Vista Home Premium 64bit and just recently updated to SP2. I have tried downloading files with Firefox 3.5.3 and IE 8. Neither work. I am getting near the point of just formatting but do not want to spend the time backing up all of my files. Any help would be appreciated.



edit: Phlebob, if I boot in safemode and do have malware, what are my options at that point? Would I be better off installing a different antivirus and scanning? I don't want to get stuck in safemode or find out that I have malware but there's nothing I can do about it. Thanks for the help. Much appreciated.

Answer 3

1. I need some clarification be4 i can answer. Because sometimes when you use download manager applications their settings may be altered in such a way that they re no longer connected or able to download. Or if you are on a campus network etc, they may prohibit downloads for some time to increase speed.





Please elaborate whether you have tried downloading using other browsers.

Answer 4

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