Zip Files Download without Prompt

If you are using Windows and are not prompted to select a destination for the zip file you are attempting to download, you may need to adjust the download setting for the zip file type on your machine. How you change the setting will depend on the version of Windows that is installed. Please refer to the instructions below that apply to the version of Windows you are using.

Adjusting the Zip File Type in Windows 98

  1. Double-click My Computer (usually located in the upper left corner of your desktop).
  2. Click on the View menu and select Folder Options… The Folder Options dialog will appear.
  3. Click the File Types tab.


Folder Options Dialog Showing the File Types Tab, Windows 98

  1. In the box labeled Registered file types, locate and single-click on the appropriate zip file type. Please note that the name of the file type can vary depending on the application you use to create and access zip files. For example, if you use WinZip, the file type will be named WinZip File.
  2. Click the Edit button. The Edit File Type dialog will appear.


Edit File Type Dialog, Windows 98

  1. Place a check in the box adjacent to Confirm open after download and click the OK button.
  2. Click the OK button again to close the Folder Options dialog.
  3. Restart your computer.

Adjusting the Zip File Type in Windows XP

  1. Double-click My Computer (usually located in the upper left corner of your desktop).
  2. Click on the Tools menu and select Folder Options… The Folder Options dialog will appear.
  3. Click the File Types tab.


Folder Options Dialog Showing the File Types Tab, Windows XP

  1. In the box labeled Registered file types, locate and single-click on the appropriate zip file type. Please note that the name of the file type can vary depending on the application you use to create and access zip files. For example, if you use WinZip, the file type will be named WinZip File.
  2. Click the Advanced button. The Edit File Type dialog will appear.


Edit File Type Dialog, Windows XP

  1. Place a check in the box adjacent to Confirm open after download and click the OK button.
  2. Click the OK button again to close the Folder Options dialog.
  3. Restart your computer.

Windows Vista and Windows 7

At present, if you are using Internet Explorer on Windows Vista or Windows 7 and you uncheck the Always ask before opening this type of file option in the File Download dialog, there is no straightforward method for re-enabling the option.

Aside from using a different browser (e.g., FireFox, Chrome, etc.) the simplest method we have found so far is to modify your registry.

NOTE: Please note that if you elect to modfiy your registry, you do so at your own risk and we will take no responsibility nor provide any support for problems arising from any changes you make to your registry. Before making any changes to your registry, please make a backup.

If you are familiar with the registry editor, you can delete the appropriate value (i.e., the one pertaining to the program you have associated with zip files on your computer) from the following key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\AttachmentExecute\{0002DF01-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}


Windows 7 Registry Editor Example

Related Links: