Saves Documents in Download folder

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jl123
Posts: 143
Joined: November 7th, 2005, 6:56 pm

Saves Documents in Download folder

Post by jl123 »

When I go and view a PDF for example from a web page in Firefox it will open the PDF with my default app.
It will also download a copy and put it in my Download folder.
How do I stop this copy from going into my Download folder?
Also note it also happens when download a xls or a csv file that I tell it to open using my
Document app.

I have the setting for Downloads to ask where to save.
This is annoying to find a bunch of the items in a download folder.
Any suggestions will be welcomed.
Thanks

Firefox 102.0
Windows 10 Pro
Windows 10 Pro 64bit - Firefox 115.0.2 Thunderbird 115.0
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xanthon
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Joined: December 17th, 2005, 11:55 pm

Re: Saves Documents in Download folder

Post by xanthon »

Version 102 introduced a new preference (in about:config) which you could use. (I haven't seen it yet.)

browser.download.start_downloads_in_tmp_dir
jl123
Posts: 143
Joined: November 7th, 2005, 6:56 pm

Re: Saves Documents in Download folder

Post by jl123 »

xanthon wrote:Version 102 introduced a new preference (in about:config) which you could use. (I haven't seen it yet.)

browser.download.start_downloads_in_tmp_dir
Thanks.

It saved a copy in the Tmp folder.
My opinion: but I do not think it should be saving a copy in any folder.
At least it will be easier to empty instead of search for Document in a Download folder.
Windows 10 Pro 64bit - Firefox 115.0.2 Thunderbird 115.0
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BruceAWittmeier
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Re: Saves Documents in Download folder

Post by BruceAWittmeier »

Do you have the setting in Tools > Settings > Applications > Portable Document Format (PDF) set to "Open in Firefox" selected? This should just open the doc in the browser without saving until you choose to do so.
I often take a long windy road to my destination. Upon arrival, I wonder how I missed the shortcut.
Tushman
Posts: 210
Joined: May 4th, 2005, 7:50 pm

Re: Saves Documents in Download folder

Post by Tushman »

jl123 wrote:
xanthon wrote:Version 102 introduced a new preference (in about:config) which you could use. (I haven't seen it yet.)

browser.download.start_downloads_in_tmp_dir
Thanks.

It saved a copy in the Tmp folder.
My opinion: but I do not think it should be saving a copy in any folder.
At least it will be easier to empty instead of search for Document in a Download folder.
In your FF settings, make sure the checkbox for "Always Ask you where to save files" is checked.

Then scroll down to the PDF section in the Content Type box, and click the tiny arrow on the right right. It will show you a drop down menu. From there choose: "Always Ask".

You must do both.

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BruceAWittmeier
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Re: Saves Documents in Download folder

Post by BruceAWittmeier »

What I am suggesting is if he wants to just view the PDF file without downloading -- he select the "Open in Firefox" option. Then he can save the file using the menu File/Save Page As and it will default to the designated file location or select another directory from the Windows File Dialog.
I often take a long windy road to my destination. Upon arrival, I wonder how I missed the shortcut.
Tushman
Posts: 210
Joined: May 4th, 2005, 7:50 pm

Re: Saves Documents in Download folder

Post by Tushman »

BruceAWittmeier wrote:What I am suggesting is if he wants to just view the PDF file without downloading -- he select the "Open in Firefox" option. Then he can save the file using the menu File/Save Page As and it will default to the designated file location or select another directory from the Windows File Dialog.
My suggestion essentially does the same thing!
jl123
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Joined: November 7th, 2005, 6:56 pm

Re: Saves Documents in Download folder

Post by jl123 »

Please note that I already have it set to open in Default app. Such as if it is a PDF I have set to open with Acrobat.
I also have it set to Always Ask.
Even with these settings it still places a copy in the Temp folder.

OK here what I just tested.
I changed the setting to Always Ask, Save File and open in Firefox.
I found that if I set the setting as Save File it will open a Window to which I can pick where to
save the Document.
This does not save a copy in the Temp Folder. (So far)

I thin I will leave the setting like this.
Windows 10 Pro 64bit - Firefox 115.0.2 Thunderbird 115.0
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BruceAWittmeier
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Re: Saves Documents in Download folder

Post by BruceAWittmeier »

Tushman wrote:
BruceAWittmeier wrote:What I am suggesting is if he wants to just view the PDF file without downloading -- he select the "Open in Firefox" option. Then he can save the file using the menu File/Save Page As and it will default to the designated file location or select another directory from the Windows File Dialog.
My suggestion essentially does the same thing!
But does "Save File" also open with the selected APP? Just to View the PDF he can use Firefox and not start the APP. If he always wants to use the APP then he should select the APP of choice.

I think this is key:
I changed the setting to Always Ask, Save File and open in Firefox.

Sounds like he is happy for now :)
I often take a long windy road to my destination. Upon arrival, I wonder how I missed the shortcut.
jl123
Posts: 143
Joined: November 7th, 2005, 6:56 pm

Re: Saves Documents in Download folder

Post by jl123 »

Thanks everyone.
Appreciate the help.
Windows 10 Pro 64bit - Firefox 115.0.2 Thunderbird 115.0
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BruceAWittmeier
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Re: Saves Documents in Download folder

Post by BruceAWittmeier »

You're very welcome.
I often take a long windy road to my destination. Upon arrival, I wonder how I missed the shortcut.
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jscher2000
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Re: Saves Documents in Download folder

Post by jscher2000 »

jl123 wrote:My opinion: but I do not think it should be saving a copy in any folder.
Firefox can't pass a file to another program without saving the file somewhere. Some applications can accept a URL and retrieve the file themselves. I'm not sure that is more efficient.
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