I cannot download exe files. I have no trouble downloading files with other extensions (ex: dta).

Question

I have an HP Pavilion dm4-2070us computer running Windows 7.  I have the same problem with internet explorer and with Firefox.  The file seems to download but never finishes; it is not in my downloads folder. 

Answer 1

Hello number1stat, try to temporarily disable your antivirus software and see if that helps, if it does not work then try the following.  This can occur if you have customized your Internet Options Security settings for the Internet zone, if the option, "Launching applications and unsafe files" is set to "Disable". Method 1: Reset your Security settings for the Internet zone to the default level. Go to "Control Panel -> Internet Options" (or use "Start -> Run -> inetcpl.cpl -> OK" to open "Internet Properties") then click the Security tab, select the Internet zone and click "Default level"  Method 2: Set a custom level for security in the Internet zone. Go to "Control Panel -> Internet Options -> Security (tab) -> Internet". If security is set to "High", or if you have customized the Internet zone settings, select "Custom level..." and change the single option, "Launching Applications and Unsafe Files" from 'Disable' to 'Prompt (recommended)'. If executable file downloads fail from certain sites but you are able to download exe files from other sites, check in "Internet Options -> Security - > Restricted sites -> Sites" to make sure that the problem site is not in the "Restricted sites" list, as the security level for that zone is High by default. Some Security software, including Spybot S&D, add known malware sites to that listing.