Reset Internet Explorer Download Prompt in Vista - Open/Save Choice

Restoring the "Open or Save" Dialog for Downloads

Have you found that the prompt asking whether to open or save a downloaded file has disappeared? This often happens after unchecking the "Always ask before opening this type of file" option. Fortunately, a solution exists.

The behavior is governed by a specific registry setting. This setting maintains a list of file types you've designated to open automatically. Consequently, disabling the prompt results in files being opened by default, bypassing the save option.

Manually Modifying the Registry

To revert this change manually, you'll need to access the Registry Editor. Initiate this by searching for "regedit.exe" in the Start Menu search box.

Navigate to the following key within the Registry Editor:

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

Within the right-hand pane, you will observe keys representing individual file types. To restore the prompt for a specific file type, simply delete its corresponding key from this list.

The effect of these changes is instantaneous; the "Open or Save" dialog should reappear for the affected file types.

Automated Registry Reset

For a quicker solution, a downloadable registry hack file is available to reset all download choices. This will revert the settings for all file types simultaneously.

However, if you prefer more precise control, the manual method described above is recommended. It's important to note that utilizing the registry hack will remove data from your registry that may not be easily restored.

Therefore, creating a registry backup before proceeding is strongly advised. Given the ease of creating a backup, employing the manual method might be the more prudent approach.

Download ResetAllDownloadChoices Registry Hack