Solved Browser downloads file before Save Prompt

[hedgie]

I seem to be having a problem that I have not been able to find a solution.
When clicking on a download link, instead of the usual Save Prompt, the file is downloaded completely and then I am given the prompt.
This occurs in IE8, Firefox 37, Chrome. Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
The type of files are zip and rar files. The file downloads and is complete but I want the save or open prompt before the download starts.

Things I have tried...
Reset internet options->security settings
Enabled Automatic prompting for file downloads
Disabled Eset antivirus
Disabled Windows Firewall
Ran Malwarebytes and cleaned all problems
Created a new Admin User account
Ran fixIE
Installed 7Zip
Installed Winrar

I normally use Firefox and I thought i was an issue that FF but after trying the same links in IE and Chrome the same behavior occurs.
I have Winrar 4.20 installed and is set as default program for .zip and .rar files

A little more about the issue. This is all occurring on a fresh windows install on a new SSD Intel 730. I have updated Windows 7 with all the updates including SP1 and IE11. I have uninstalled IE11 and am using IE8. The issue occurred in both. I also thought it may have to do with Mime-type but after using an old mimestype.rdf from my previous windows 7 install firefox profile the issue still occurred. I first noticed the issue when downloading Eclipse, Java and Asus drivers. Some downloads timed out before I got the prompt.

I am thinking that it may be a certain Windows update.
I should also note that this behavior is not normal for me on my laptop running Win7 Ultimate x86 or my previous Win7 Ultimate x64 install which as soon as clicking the link, the prompt to save or open pops up and then the file proceeds to download.

Anyone have any other ideas? I really don't want to do another install. Thanks

 

[whs]

The IE8 is defunct and so is the IE9. Chrome puts it into Downloads. FF I don't use and don't know. Get the IE11 and it should be OK.

 

[hedgie]

The IE8 is defunct and so is the IE9. Chrome puts it into Downloads. FF I don't use and don't know. Get the IE11 and it should be OK.

Thanks whs for your reply. I experienced the same results with IE11 installed. I uninstalled to see if that was the problem. The file does download to the correct folder. My issue with this is that the prompt on what to do with the download doesn't happen until after the file download is complete.

 

[whs]

Hmm, that is a bit strange. I know that kind of behavior from Opera but not from the IE.

 

[hedgie]

I was able to resolve the issue by reinstalling windows.
I believe the problem was permissions related. I had problems with a certain HDD not gaining ownership and ran a few different scripts which changed something.