Automatic prompting for file downloads in IE8

Important note: MS Internet Explorer 8 introduced parameter 'Automatic prompting for file downloads' which makes it possible to disable showing of the 'File download' dialog to choose from "Open" or "Save" options. When 'Automatic prompting for file downloads' is disabled in IE8 and the user attempts to download a file of file format not associated with a known application, the browser briefly tries to open the file and immediately closes the new window, leaving the user with no open file and no option to at least save it. To prevent this behaviour, the 'Automatic prompting for file downloads' parameter must be enabled.

The same behaviour can be observed for attachments download and right-click context menu actions 'Export' and 'Print to PDF' on catalog objects.

Note that:

• There are different defaults for the Internet (disabled) and Local intranet (enabled) zones.
• This issue applies only to IE8, the 'Automatic prompting for file downloads' parameter is no longer available in IE9 and the default behaviour corresponds to the "correct" enabled option.

How to enable the parameter

1. In IE8, go to main menu 'Tools', item 'Internet Options', tab 'Security'.
2. Select the zone for which the setting needs to be changed (most likely Internet where the default is 'disabled')
3. Click the 'Custom level' button, the 'Security Settings' dialog opens.
4. Scroll until you find the 'Automatic prompting for file downloads' setting and switch it to 'Enable'.