mitch's meanderings

Although Firefox is my primary browser, there are still occasions when I find myself using Internet Explorer for one reason or another. Recently, while using IE, I attempted to download a file to my desktop. After selecting Save and choosing my desktop folder as the target, the download started. When the download window closed I minimized IE to access the file, but it wasn’t there.

Thinking I mistakenly chose the wrong folder, I tried again, this time carefully selecting the desktop folder as the download destination. The results were the same, no file. I deleted Temporary Internet Files and tried a third time; again, no file.

Finally I started the download again, this time quickly minimizing IE. The file appeared on the desktop, and I watched the taskbar indicator progress toward 100%. When the download window closed, I watched in amazement as the new file disappeared in front of my very eyes. I tried once more, first un-selecting the “Close this dialog box when download completes” box. The download box closed anyway, and once again, no file.

I began troubleshooting, primarily by disabling programs one at a time, and then trying to download a file. I quickly discovered that Windows Defender (Beta 2) was to blame. I uninstalled the program, and IE was restored to full functionality.

A quick Google search turned up this post but not much else. A Google Groups search however, turns up more posts describing this issue. I have yet to see an explanation for this issue, or solution other than uninstalling.

Removing Windows Defender was probably a hasty decision, but I did not see anything it its configuration options that would warrant this behavior (I guess that one could argue that blocking all downloads is an effective anti-spyware strategy). I really liked the Microsoft AntiSpyware application that preceded this beta; Windows Defender seems to be a step backwards.

UPDATE: I wanted to give Windows Defender another shot. After reinstallation, the problem did not re-occur. If you have a similar experience, please comment.