Can't save files that are downloaded through browsers

[Malinark]

This is happening to a friend
OS: Win7 home premium x32

He sent in his laptop to be fixed(dead screen) and when he got it back, he cant save files that he downloads no matter the extension( .msi, .txt, .rar, .exe, .jpg, .zip). It worked fine before.

When he downloads something through any browser( IE, Firefox, chrome) the download will start for 1sec and then stop as if its done. the default download location is desktop and no incomplete files or anything is made.

He can browse sites, watch YouTube, or anything else fine. Speedtest and pingtest results are normal. I can upload files directly to him through Skype and he can download that without issue.

Things I have had him try

.clean boot (no anti virus or anything else running)
.safe mode
.reset IE to default
.made a new windows admin account
.changed broswer default download locations
.no router to configure
.system restore to before he got it back
.ran chkdsk (no errors)
.made sure windows updated
.disabled windows firewall and defender
.scanned PC with malwarebytes
.cleared all browser cache and history
.no content restrictions
.no proxy
.ran the cmd "sfc /scannow" (results were fine)

Any other possible things to try would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Kaktussoft]

SO IE, firefox and chrome all have download problems? So it's not a browser specific problem. Actually they can download because you see movies and pictures in your browser.

Can you save files in another folder?
Can you create files on desktop (for example save an excel file)?

 

[ghenna]

Having the same issue here. Basically the dialog box for saving doesn't pop up on any browser. If you click/drag a photo onto the desktop it saves it, but it the save requires a dialogue box it doesn't work. Related, I'm not getting save dialog boxes in itunes either.

 

[Malinark]

SO IE, firefox and chrome all have download problems? So it's not a browser specific problem. Actually they can download because you see movies and pictures in your browser.

Can you save files in another folder?
Can you create files on desktop (for example save an excel file)?

1st thing was already in my list of things we have done.
He can create files on desktop.

 

[Kaktussoft]

Have you got a download manager? disable it!

 

[Malinark]

Have you got a download manager? disable it!

He doesnt.