Error : Internet Explorer cannot download ...

If you see Error message : Internet Explorer cannot download "filename" from "Servername"

Internet Explorer was not able to open this Internet site.

The requested site is either unavailable or cannot be found. Please try again

Then, this error usually occurs sometime while downloading a document which can be in form of PDF file, Doc file, XLS or text file. There are at least 4 possible reasons which can cause this error. I have also found their solutions. My assumption is - you are running your web site on IIS.

 

Reason 1:  You have checked Enable content expiration

Solution: 

a) Select the appropriate virtual directory on IIS, right click and select Properties then click on HTTP Headers tab.

b) Make sure that the checkbox for Enable content expiration is Unchecked.

  

Reason 2: If path for virtual directory is a shared folder and located on another computer

Solution:

a) Make sure that the Network directory is a UNC path (not mapped disks drive, because sometime you may loose mapping and it will generate an error).

b) You must provide a user name along with domain name when you click on Contact As button to provide Network Directory Security Credentials.

 

Reason 3: You are sure that you do not have issues due to above reasons but you are not able to download specific file type (e.g. .pdf, .doc etc)

Solution:

a) Select the appropriate virtual directory on IIS, right click and select Properties then click on HTTP Headers tab.

b) Click on button MIME Types and add appropriate MIME Types, if you would like to add for all types of file then click on button New, enter .* for Extension and application/text for MIME Type and then click on OK.

   

Reason 4: You checked all the above reasons and applied the solutions but you are not able to download or open a file.

Solution: Please follow the following steps

a) Internet Explorer-> Tools menu-> Internet Options-> Advanced tab

b) Go to the Security section all the way at the bottom.

c) Clear the check on the "Do not save encrypted pages to disk"

d) Close all Internet Explorer windows

e) Start IE and download the file again