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Downloaded files can't open, and I'm not able to view the items within the downloaded files.

Anonymous
2010-03-23T22:23:12+00:00

Alright, so whenever I download a file I can't open it and view the files within it. Say I download a mixtape from a website. When it's done and gets put into my downloads folder, the file type is one of my programs and I can't view the contents of the downloaded file.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. Anonymous
    2010-03-24T16:42:40+00:00

    Hi Ryan,

    a)    Which web browser are you using?

    b)    Were you able to open this file type before? Do you get any specific error message?

    c)    Does this happen with every download file or just this particular one?

    Please provide the above information to understand the issue better; the following steps are worth a try:

    Downloaded file may be corrupt. In that event, you will not be able to open it. Download the file again. This might solve the problem.

    Security software may be blocking or hindering the file to open, firstly let us disable the security software and test

    Step 1: Disable the security software, follow the steps mentioned below

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Disable-antivirus-software

    Important: Enable the security software back once everything is done.

    **Step 2:**Download the file onto a different location (on desktop) and test

    Step 3: You may want to uninstall and reinstall the program that opens this file type.

    Note: You may check with the program manufacturer for ways to reinstall and activate the software.

    Thanks and Regards:

    Ajay K

    Microsoft Answers Support Engineer

    Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

    400+ people found this answer helpful.
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  1. Anonymous
    2010-12-09T08:14:26+00:00

    Hi Ajay,

    I got the exact same problem as Ryan got. I can't open any of downloaded files (word, excel...). I was able to open those files, but suddenly I encountered this problem. When I try to open files, sort of error comes up "Document Recovery: Word has recovered the following files. Save the ones you wish to keep." and files are listed under "Available files", but even I click file names, I can't open files at all.

    a) I am using latest Chrome and latest IE.

    b) As mentioned, I used to open those files.

    c) This does happen every single downloaded files.

    I need to fix this problem ASAP.

    Your help would be greatly appreciated.

    70+ people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2017-12-24T16:06:50+00:00

    _folks. My issue is that i can not even find the download file at all.  I am 72 and really frustrated.  I used to find a file list and just click downloads. Now i can not even find that. I looked for an answer on the internet. They said i could get to it from Explorer.  My machine has me using Chrome and will not allow me to even downloas Explorer, as a freakin service(?). If i did download it i could not open it as i can not find the download file

    3 people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2016-01-17T02:26:29+00:00

    I am now having a similar issue as I download an attachment, I can see it but when I open it, it only opens an old file. I have tried some of the above fixes but get a msg that my platform does not support

    3 people found this answer helpful.
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  4. Anonymous
    2010-12-09T10:04:35+00:00

    Hi Max Bond,

    Method 1: Run the fixit available in the link below and check if that makes any difference

    Diagnose and repair Windows File and Folder Problems automatically

    **Method 2:**Run System File Checker (SFC) scan to fix any corrupt system files. To do this, follow the steps mentioned in the link below:

    How to use the System File Checker tool to troubleshoot missing or corrupted system files on Windows Vista or on Windows 7

    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929833

    This may be an activity of virus

    **Method 3:**Run an online scan for any threat and try to fix them

    **http://onecare.live.com/site/en-Us/center/cleanup.htm**

    If the issue is confined only to word and excel, you may want to post your query on Office forums for more specialized assistance

    http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/group/Office

    Thanks and Regards:

    Ajay K

    Microsoft Answers Support Engineer

    Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

    2 people found this answer helpful.
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