downloading files

[siloram7]

I am unable to download files such as PDF files from my email and the internet. I tried to save them, move them, create an icon all to no avail.
Thanks for your help.
siloram 7

[Allan]

You need to provide more information before we can help. What exactly happens when you try to download? Were you ever able to download and if so what happened between the last time it worked and the first time it didn't? Please provide any information you think may be pertinent.

[siloram7]

thanks, I am new at this, but I will give it my best. My computer was infected with a virus and Dell had to reinstall the windows program. The problem started then, but I didn't know it for awhile because I did not try to download any files.
When I click on the file I get the DOWNLOAD ATTACHMENT BOX. I have a choice of OPEN, SAVE OR CANCEL. If I click on open, it looks like it is trying to open but comes back to the same box. If I try to save it on MY DESKTOP or elsewhere, I can, but when I try to open it the results are the same.
I hope this helps.
Thanks siloram7

[Allan]

If I understand correctly you can download the file but then when you try to open the file you cannot, is that correct? If not, please correct me. If so, when you open Windows Explorer and view the downloaded file, does it show the correct size? And EXACTLY what happens when you try to download it?

[siloram7]

that is correct. It does show the size. When I try to open it I get a white screen for a second and then it goes back to the FILE DOWNLOAD box so I am back where I started.
Siloram7

[Allan]

I've never heard of that before. Please download and install Firefox. Download a file with that and see if you have the same problem. Please report back.

[siloram7]

When I go to download Firefox, Norton 360 is telling me that it is a threat to the computer??

[Allan]

Download it from here and disregard any warnings: http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/personal.html

[patio]

Also while you're at it DLoad and install Foxit Reader...Free...
You may not have a .pdf reader installed after the wipe...

[siloram7]

should I download Nuance PDF reader?

[patio]

No.
Foxit Reader.

[siloram7]

I did all that, rebooted the computer and still can not download PDF files

[Allan]

1) Wait a second, your original post says you can't download files "such as .pdf files". Is it just .pdf files or is it all files?

2) Now you say you cannot download pdf files. Is it that you can't download them or you can't open them. PLEASE - you need to say what you mean or you will only confuse the issue.

3) If you cannot download them, EXACTLY what happens when you try to do so with Firefox?

[siloram7]

I am sorry, it is all files. Here is what I am doing.

on my email or the web site I click on the subject.

I get the Download Attachment screen which is the Norton Anti virus screen

I click on the download attachment box in that screen. The choice is to open with Internet, word pad, media center etc. I tried them all.

I click on Internet choice and it goes to the File Download screen. The choices are Do you want to open or save this file?

I click on open and it goes back to the previous File Download screen. If I save it to another location I still can not open it.