Fix to downloading HTML files instead of the actual files

[Nguyen Trung Hoa]

..:: Fix to downloading HTML files instead of the actual files ::..





First of all, please note that I've seen many people asking for help regarding this issue. I've been using Rapidshare and MegaUpload for years - and have assisted a lot of people on this issue. I felt that instead of having to assist each person again, I could simply direct them to this topic, allowing me to help others at the same time.

Follow this guide, I guarantee you - the solution is here.




Why are HTML files being downloaded in the first place?
If an error occours, the error message (in the form of a webpage) is downloaded instead of the file. There are a number of reasons that can cause errors - keep reading to know what the error might be, and how to solve it. TIP: You can open the HTML file downloaded with a browser (internet explorer, firefox, google chrome, etc) to determine the error message.





What to check first:
I've read that some users were having their files with the HTML extension, but the actual files were still being downloaded. I'd suggest checking the file's size - if the file size doesn't match with the file that should have been downloaded, then keep reading. If it does, try removing the .HTML extension (example: .rar.html to .rar)




What might be causing the problem:
- Premium Account
Most hosting companies such as Rapidshare, MegaUpload, HotFile, etc only allow download managers (such as Internet Download Manager, FlashGet etc - JDownloader might be an exception as I know free users use it). So if you're trying to use a download manager as a free user - that's the problem, you simply can't.

- Download limit exceeded (traffic)
Make sure you haven't exceeded the download limit for your account - login to the hosting company's website and verify this.

- Correct username & password combintation
If you've copied the password you might have an extra space character at the beginning or end, and will cause the password to be incorrect - therefore type it manually to ensure you're storing the password correctly.




Things To Check:
- Direct Downloads: enabled?
Check your account settings in the hosting company's website. Somewhere you should find the option to enable or disable Direct Downloads (I know for sure that Rapidshare and MegaUpload have this option). Try changing this option.

- Dead links?
If the files have been removed (known as "Dead Links"), then your download manager will result in prompting to download an html file.






To Everyone:
If you feel I have left out information, wrote incorrect information, or any information is out-of-date, please reply here. I will gladly update this topic with the new information provided. If someone asks for help on this issue, feel free to direct them to this topic - it's the reason why I've taken the time to write it after all.




If this post has helped you, please take a few seconds of your time to say thanks.




Last Updated: 30/01/2010