IE5/6 Cannot download EXE files 5

[Belfield]

Windows 98 IE5.5.5 IE.6
Problem -When attempting to download any exe file from any site eg application from CNET:
1. I do not get open / save dialogue box
2. The word done appears very quickly in status line
3. A small rectangular icon with properties = HTTP with no description etc, appears top LH corner of browser window.

Cannot think of any problems or actions previous.
Able to download other files eg PDF, JPEG, zip
Tried reloading IE5.5 - problem remains
Loaded IE.6 - Problem remains.
Tried repairing Explorer.
Tried MS support site only similar item found refers to IE4. (Q140991.

Could it be that browser trying to open exe file and not giving option to save ?

Please help

 

[treeski]

I had seen that link in lots of forums.
I have checked it and it is set to 00
However the full flag is 38 07 00 00
Not sure if that matters

Also this says it is NOT for IE 4 and later.

Thanks for the quick response

Any other ideas

 

[carrr]

Actually, the header states it applies to 5.0, as well. Often, Microsoft's fixes extend beyond their stated applications, hence I offered it for your 5.5 dilemma. I would try the suggested edit, but only after I backed up the registry (though I think little harm will come from this experiment).
Set the flag to read "d8 07 00 00," eliminating the leading "3." Let me know how this works, if at all...

 

[carrr]

Just to bolster your confidence, I am almost certain, now, that this is your problem. I looked at this particular flag on my machine, running 6.0, and it also reads "d8 07 00 00."

 

[treeski]

I did this and it didn't change anything.

I have gone to 2 other users and they experince the same problem trying to download the file.
This is my file I have placed on both an apache server and a WebSphere server. Same result from both.

I'm thinking I need to register this exe mimetype on the servers.
I have verified that I can download exe's from other sites

I would have thought that exe would be there by default but....

 

[carrr]

Yup. That being said...the problem is not with your browser. No registry hack is going to fix that.....