Can't Save Downloaded EXE File Properly - Windows 7

[Set me As newtype]

Gents,

I've uploaded a Setup.exe file to YouSendIt for a client. I have been using this for several years with no problem like this...

A month ago, he successfully downloaded a prior version and installed it - no issues.

Suddenly, today, the file is being saved with some extra "garbage characters" added after the exe extension and it won't run. Windows 7 on his computer says no file is associated with it, of course... (Note he claims nobody has touched the computer or made any changes since the first successful installation. No new anti-virus, etc.)

I can use the same link to successfully download, save, and run the setup on my XP system, so I know the file is OK.

YouSendIt's website still indicates you can send exe files with no problem.

So I'm suspecting something in the UAC, firewall, or his browser (Internet Explorer? Is that 7's default browser?) is not allowing potentially harmful files, or something like that.

I don't have access to a 7 computer and need to get him running by the morning by phone... Any suggestions?

THANKS!!!!

[Nightwalker83]

Have you made sure it is not a problem related to the website itself? Such as the file file uploaded and downloaded correctly.

[Set me As newtype]

Yes, as I can use the same link and successfully download and run the file on my XP machine...

[Nightwalker83]

So I'm suspecting something in the UAC, firewall, or his browser (Internet Explorer? Is that 7's default browser?) is not allowing potentially harmful files, or something like that.

Well, Internet Explorer is the default browser of Windows 7 but I forget which version it is whether it is 7 or 8. PM me the link and I will see if I can download and install the file.

[Set me As newtype]

PM sent...

[Nightwalker83]

Downloading the file using Internet Explorer 8.0 I noticed that the file name had

&ufid=B85BBD1F2F0151F5

after it. I deleted the above junk so only the file name.ext appeared in the save dialog, clicked "Save" and the file saved without problems. I also installed and ran it and it runs without problems as far as the registration screen goes. I have not processed past that step.

[Set me As newtype]

I deleted the above junk so only the file name.ext appeared in the save dialog, clicked "Save" and the file saved without problems. I also installed and ran it and it runs without problems

Hmmmm... Sounds great (easy).

The "junk" you refer to is the "garbage characters" I referred to. I had the guy delete them from the actual file extension after it was saved - I knew it wouldn't work, but i am desperate!

Did you need to change the File Type to be Saved As? i.e. Binary vs. All Files?

I really need for this to GO in just a few hours (he's 3 hours ahead and is gonna call me when he starts the coffee pot... I'll have just gotten to bed! LOL. So I need to make treble-sure I've got the solution with all the bases covered!

Did you save and then try to run the file WITH all the garbage at the end? Please tell me what happened. This will help assure me that we see the same problem and your solution will likely work...

Thanks a ton, mate!!!!!! I'll owe you a big frosty pitcher if this gets us going!!!

[Nightwalker83]

Did you need to change the File Type to be Saved As? i.e. Binary vs. All Files?

No, just the default that was selected.

Did you save and then try to run the file WITH all the garbage at the end? Please tell me what happened. This will help assure me that we see the same problem and your solution will likely work...

Yes, it came up with the window to find an appropriate application to open the file.

[Set me As newtype]

So, why would it make any difference if I saved the file with the junk and then deleted it from the extension, vs. saving the file name without it? (Got the same "file association" error, as I mentioned...)

Edit: Wonder why this didn't happen to him before, too...?

[Nightwalker83]

The file extension does not end after the first "." but can be as long as you want. I do not think (am unaware of) a maximum length of the filename.

[Set me As newtype]

I totally understand that!

What I'm asking is why the file would behave differently (not run at all) if you download and save it with the junk at the end, but trim it off of the extension before you run it?

In other words, the file seems to be saved in a different format, or like some other type, on his computer.

Will changing the Save As filename affect that (and I'm not even sure 7 is giving him that option - it is much different than what I get using XP)? Doesn't seem like it should for any reason...

I'm so hosed! LOL. But at least you're out there, helping me, for which I am very grateful, NW! I just think I need another option or two...

[Nightwalker83]

Does it work when you try running using "Run as administrator"? I tried it and it did, although, when I renamed the junk file the new name had a "(2)" in it because I already had the properly saved file in the same folder.

Edit:

I just re-downloaded the file making sure the file download type was a "&ufid=B85BBD1F2F0151F5" file type. I then downloaded it and renamed it. However, the result was the same as above... it ran normally.

[Set me As newtype]

Does it work when you try running using "Run as administrator"?

No, there is a definite file format problem. The previous setup file has the typical monitor & cd icon associated with exe files. Not so with the new one...

I'm going to hook up and run his computer remotely, but I don't know my way around 7 all that well...

I'm "half" sure there's some option or setting that is preventing the proper download... Even though he says nothing was changed... LOL

[Nightwalker83]

No, there is a definite file format problem. The previous setup file has the typical monitor & cd icon associated with exe files. Not so with the new one...

Well, there must be something strange happening with his computer because as stated above I was able to download the file with the junk extension, rename it and run it without problems. Maybe something stuffed up his computer's registry.

Edit:

I just found this which might help explain things. Reading this suggests it is a problem on the server.

[Set me As newtype]

Reading this suggests it is a problem on the server.

Wow. And to think I neglected to consider that I'm using Firefox and that could very well explain some of our differences!

Just more confirmation that moving away from MS products seems a more better idea for me...

I tried emailing the 16 MB file and it worked (amazing!!!!! I always ran into size limitations before.). This morning he saved the email attachment and successfully installed the update. So, as usual, I'm afraid we won't be able to go back and troubleshoot the download issue(s). I hate that, but I can only make my customers crawl through so much glass... Some are much more understanding than others, so I'll see if he'll help some more...

NightWalker, you have been a shining star in a very dark night for me. I cannot begin to express my appreciation and hope that I will be able to mark this thread "Resolved" with a little more of my customer's help in pinpointing the problem/solution.

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!! 5 stars or cyber-beers for you! Your choice, my friend.

[Nightwalker83]

Don't forget to mark the thread "Resolved".