Solved Can't download certain file types on any browser

[VinManAgent11]

Hello all!

I recently re-installed Windows 7 Ultimate x64.

When the installation finished, my drivers updated automatically and I had access to the internet.

Before installing any programs or updates, I accessed the internet via Internet Explorer. I then went to "http://store.steampowered.com/" to download the Steam client. Clicking "Install Steam Now", the "Save As" dialog appeared and I tried to save "SteamInstall.msi" to my desktop. The download started, but stalled. I tried again, changing the save directory to another folder, and then directly to my "C:" drive. Both alternatives failed. The download stalled indefinitely.

I then downloaded Google Chrome (figuring it was a browser problem), but the issue persisted. I noticed that certain files download at great speeds (I have FiOS), but others stall -- mostly .exe and .msi files. The files will download, for example, "3.3/8.4 MB", then stall. Interestingly, the .dmg and .deb files on the Steam website download without a problem. It's the .exe that won't download.

Other files from sourceforge, such as VideoLan, won't download, but the .7z and .zip versions will.
The behavior is inconsistent. I've downloaded the Nvidia drivers (.exe), but other times downloads will stall.

I have no problem installing files, just this download problem.

 

[mitchell65]

Looks like you A/V is stopping executable files downloading. What message, if any do you get?

EDIT
This issue is common on Steam see here:
https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=6966-IADH-1503

 

[VinManAgent11]

No messages appear; I disabled its "Real-Time Protection" too. The problem occurred even before Avira's installation.

I can download certain .exe's, but I'm not sure why.

EDIT: The download manager in chrome shows KB/s and even B/s as the speeds. But a speedtest confirmed that I'm getting my advertised speeds.

 

[mitchell65]

Have you looked at the link I sent you? If so have you followed the advice given?

 

[VinManAgent11]

Yes, I looked at the link. But that information applies once the program has been installed. My problem is that I can't even download the program in my browser. It's not just the Steam .msi -- other files that I try to download off of other sites either stall half-way or don't start at all. It seems that zip files (for example) will download, and I can browse the web without problems.

I'm not very familiar with internet protocols but could it be that my PC is having problems communicating with certain servers? Or trouble writing these files to disk? Maybe something else is blocking the files?

 

[mitchell65]

I am at a bit of a loss here. if it were me I would try in Safe Mode but that will turn off your A/V so I am not suggesting you do that. Perhaps someone with more knowledge than me will step in!

 

[VinManAgent11]

Thanks for your help so far, mitchell65!

I'm starting to think I may have done some damage to my PCI slots. I recently installed a USB 2-port PCI card (bought clearance, haha), switching out my soundcard. It didn't work. Shortly after my soundcard stopped being recognized properly. I returned the USB card for a PCI-E version, which works fine.

My network card is also an old PCI card. So this might be the cause of the issue. I think the card may be causing me to time out on certain sites -- at least certain downloads.

EDIT: Okay, I used a wireless usb adapter to connect to my network, and I still have the issue. Very strange. Something to do with my router perhaps?

EDIT2: Disconnected the ethernet cord! Now it works!

 

[VinManAgent11]

Just to clarify, it was either the PCI network adapter or the PCI slot that was faulty. Downloads now complete properly!