Thursday, March 17, 2011

Cannot download from CNET

Here's hoping the problem is being addressed. I was unable to download anything from CNET.com starting a few weeks ago. (XP w/ IE 8) When I clicked on "Download" the screen would flash and reload but it returned to the same screen. I also noticed the "Sort By" selection button had the same reaction. Today the "Sort By" button does function and rearranges the downloads accordingly. Keeping my fingers crossed.....

Reply 1 : Cannot download from CNET

I'm experiencing the same problem today as well. I've always been able to download from CNET.com, but somehow today, no matter what I try to download nothing is happening. Same as you, I click on the "downlad" and it would flash and reload and returns to the same screen. Wonder if it's a CNET issue. On windows 7 home premium, IE latest version.

Reply 2 : Cannot download from CNET

The downloads now work normally for me. I do see a reference to javascript in the redirect that wasn't there when the download didn't work. Be sure to clear out your browser cache and temporary internet files. Although that didn't specifically fix the problem for me it may have had a bearing once CNET changed their end.

Reply 3 : Cannot download from CNET

BTW if by "latest version" you are referring to IE 9 I think there is a separate forum that addresses that issue.

Reply 4 : Cannot download from CNET

I just tried to download and still experiencing the same problems, did you do anything differently to be able to download again? I've never had a problem before and I've downloaded from CNET.com on many occasions.
Sorry, got lazy, that's why I responded with IE latest version. I'm thinking that's not where the problem lies.
Thanks and glad the downloads are working for you now.

Reply 5 : Cannot download from CNET

I am having the exact same problem trying to download at http://download.cnet.com/Freemake-Video-Converter/3000-2194_4-75218346.html . I have gone to the software parent site to attempt a download from it, but it only leads me back to downloadcnet.com, so there appears to be no alternate download site. This is the first time I have run into a download problem like this. I use Windows 7 Ultimate and Explorer 8, though I have tried Firefox 3.6 also, with the same result. I contacted CNET tech help and received an email suggesting I try some help measures given on http://www.download.com/help . So far, none have worked. Hence, my being here at the CNET Forum, another of their suggestions.

Reply 6 : Cannot download from CNET

Please try temporarily disabling JavaScript within your browser. In Firefox, you can do this by going Tools->Options->Content and unchecking the box next to "Enable JavaScript." There have been quite a few people reporting this issue, and, after playing around with it, I wonder if this is a Javascript issue rather than a redirect issue.

Let us know.
John


P.S. Some features on the site, including login/logout, will stop functioning until you re-enable JavaScript. That's expected; just see if you can successfully download after disabling JavaScript and refreshing the page.

Reply 7 : Cannot download from CNET

I don't know how to disable JavaScript through IE.

I noticed I was only experiencing the download issue in IE. I tried downloading it through Google Chrome and it was successful. I copied the download page address and pasted it onto IE and it redirected me to the "download now" page, so I'm assuming it's a redirect issue through IE. I know the previous user also tried with IE8 and wasn't successful. I have downloaded through IE through CNET previously and never had a problem until this week.

Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Reply 8 : Cannot download from CNET

Is it proper to shout "THANK YOU" for your suggestion, MMAACha, to use Google Chrome? I downloaded the browser after seeing your suggestion. After copy/pasting the download.cnet.com address to it, the software that would not download on IE 8 and Firefox 3.6 was successful on Google Chrome.

Reply 9 : Cannot download from CNET

No thanks necessary, just glad you were able to download. After trying Google Chrome, it's really a much faster browser than IE.

Reply 10 : Cannot download from CNET

Same problem (two weeks later), same attempts at solving it: followed the recommendation to disable javascripts in both IE8 and Firefox. Finally downloaded Chrome, which was extremely quick & easy to install. CNet download worked using that. Many thanks for your suggestion.

Reply 11 : Cannot download from CNET

Thanks for your suggestion, which I tried on Firefox. Unfortunately, it was still unsuccessful in downloading the desired software.
I'm wondering whether the download problems I and a few others are reporting is a common one at downloadcnet.com? Or is it only seen on certain links like the one I am having problem with? Perhaps it could be widespread, but not being reported.

Reply 12 : Cannot download from CNET

Try as I might, I've been unable to encounter the issue, so I'm left making educated guesses based on what I see happen (regarding Javascript, redirects, etc) when I attempt a download. It's one of those cases where I'd love to pop my head out of the other person's monitor and see what's going on first-hand. happy

A couple quick thoughts:
1.) Could you right-click the the Download Now link, copy the link location (URL), and paste it here? Also, share the exact URL of the page you found the Download Now link on.
2.) Do you happen to use TechTracker (either Plus or Free version)?
3.) Do you have any ad blockers, script blockers, etc installed?

I'd really like to get to the bottom of this as it's become a personal interest of mine, largely because there are so many complaints yet it works so consistently for me.

Thanks!
John

Reply 13 : Cannot download from CNET

In response to your request, I have been using Firefox 3.6 and IE 8, the URL I have been using, and where the download link is located is http://download.cnet.com/Freemake-Video-Converter/3000-2194_4-75218346.html . The download link is located at the top of the opening page. I do not use TechTracker. I may have an ad blocker (is there a place I should look to find out for sure?), but no others. As you may guess, I do not consider myself a computer whiz. I just use it to get what I want done and try not to get too involved with it, though it does not always work when technical issues come along. However, if I can supply further information that will help, I'd be interested in knowing what the problem is as well.

Reply 14 : Cannot download from CNET

Hey ute62,

There is no common place to look for ad and script blockers. For Firefox, AdBlock Plus (ABP) and NoScript are the most common, while such for Internet Explorer are rarer to come by. Generally, though, if you do not remember explicitly downloading and installing one, you probably do not have one.

The biggest help as this point would be to right-click the Download Now link and copy the link location (URL). Note that that's not necessarily the same URL that you'll end up as if you click the link, so it is important to differentiate the two. I am hoping to find a common link, no pun intended, between the links you and others experiencing this issue are receiving.

Let us know.
John

Reply 15 : Cannot download from CNET

I hope the following link is what you requested, Mr. Wilkinson. I tried 2 different options available by right-clicking the "Download Now" button.

This URL was obtained by clicking on "Save link as?."
http://dw.com.com/redir?edId=3&siteId=4&oId=3000-2194_4-75218346&ontId=2194_4&spi=29e5f28c7f9bb6ff8b190fbd9a3af8e5&lop=btn<ype=dl_dlnow&pid=11730317&mfgId=10098061&merId=10098061&pguid=QhBuawoOYJIAABTpf-0AAACz&destUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fdownload.cnet.com%2F3001-2194_4-75218346.html%3Fspi%3D29e5f28c7f9bb6ff8b190fbd9a3af8e5

This following URL, which is similar, but not exactly the same as above, was obtained by clicking on "Send link?."
http://dw.com.com/redir?edId=3&siteId=4&oId=3000-2194_4-75218346&ontId=2194_4&spi=f58a2b60036eb234433b0bfe5e67f28b&lop=btn<ype=dl_dlnow&pid=11730317&mfgId=10098061&merId=10098061&pguid=a4pxnwoOYIwAAHLPqPoAAADf&destUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fdownload.cnet.com%2F3001-2194_4-75218346.html%3Fspi%3Df58a2b60036eb234433b0bfe5e67f28b
I have tried both of the above by pasting to the address bar of Firefox. When I press "Enter," the address changes back to the original http://download.cnet.com/Freemake-Video-Converter/3000-2194_4-75218346.html .
Incidentally, when I press the "Download Now" button, the only change I see on the page is that the advertisement at the top of the page and the right column refresh, but not the body of the text. This also happens when I paste the above URL's and press "Enter.' Of course, no download occurs.
Hope this information is useful to you. And, thanks to you and everyone else for joining the 'battle.'

Reply 16 : Cannot download from CNET

I do not have an answer/solution yet, but thanks for providing that information; I am hoping it leads to the cause and resolution of this ongoing issue.

John

Reply 17 : Cannot download from CNET

This is the URL that the Download Now link redirects to that does work:

http://download.cnet.com/3001-2194_4-75218346.html?spi=dce50a32f0723ceb7a162db20c612acf

When the Download Now wasn't working I think the screen flashed and it returned to the original URL. I kind of remember seeing a facebook reference flash by when the download didn't work for me. As I stated earlier when it didn't work I tried clearing the browser cache and temporary files. It made no difference at that time but downloads worked the following morning. I also see a javascript reference flash by now that the downloads work that I don't think I saw when the downloads didn't work. (See my earlier post above)

Reply 18 : Cannot download from CNET

BTW I want to remind you that when the download link didn't work for me neither did the "Sort By" button in the software listing page. When those button selections started to work again so did the downloads.....

Reply 19 : Cannot download from CNET

Hey Jim,

CNET actually uses a couple different types of links for downloads, so there's some complexity in tracking this down. If it happens again, could you right-click the Download Now link, copy the location/URL, and paste it here. As I mentioned above to Ute62, the link on the page should differ from the URL you actually land on. Specifically, it should start with either javascript: OR http://dw.com.com. Both rely on redirects, while the former also relies on Javascript. And since those Sort By buttons also rely on Javascript, both may be a result of the same cause.

For you, one other question: is your CNET account associated with a Facebook account?

Let us know.
John

Reply 20 : Cannot download from CNET

In answer to your question my account is not associated with a Facebook account. As a matter of fact I don't even have a Facebook account. Just to clarify my particular situation downloads and sorting work normally for me at this time. I really don't know what action on CNET's end fixed my problem. I think I saw the dw.com reference when the download wasn't working. (Hope I don't jinx myself)

Reply 21 : Cannot download from CNET

It appears to be an issue that affects users randomly, so, while I hope for your sake you do not encounter it again, I hope you get the opportunity to copy the "dw.com.com" link if you do happen to be affected again.

Good luck.
John

Reply 22 : Cannot download from CNET

By Trial and Error I have it working but I don't know why.

I wanted WinPatrol but it only refreshed.
http://download.cnet.com/WinPatrol/3000-8022_4-10129149.html

Right Clicking Downlod Now reveals:
http://dw.com.com/redir?edId=3&siteId=4&oId=3000-8022_4-10129149&ontId=8022_4&spi=2c6265a297f2303a74124c7e94206cd9&lop=link<ype=dl_dlnow&pid=11730151&mfgId=105594&merId=105594&pguid=2PzKgQoOYI8AAHFPUmYAAABy&destUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fdownload.cnet.com%2F3001-8022_4-10129149.html%3Fspi%3D2c6265a297f2303a74124c7e94206cd9

I removed from the end:
l%3Fspi%3D2c6265a297f2303a74124c7e94206cd9
Tried just this:
http://dw.com.com/redir?edId=3&siteId=4&oId=3000-8022_4-10129149&ontId=8022_4&spi=2c6265a297f2303a74124c7e94206cd9&lop=link<ype=dl_dlnow&pid=11730151&mfgId=105594&merId=105594&pguid=2PzKgQoOYI8AAHFPUmYAAABy&destUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fdownload.cnet.com%2F3001-8022_4-10129149.htm

Took me to this download page:
http://download.cnet.com/3001-8022_4-10129149.htm
And SUCCESS it was normal from there!

I did notice the 3000 change to 3001 but just changing that doesn't make it work.

Reply 23 : Cannot download from CNET

http://dw.com.com/redir?edId=3&siteId=4&oId=3000-2170_4-10030774&ontId=2170_4&spi=5ddff6bebca8af204f7a85117ddcd189&lop=link<ype=dl_dlnow&pid=11375087&mfgId=64157&merId=64157&pguid=-EcwMwoOYJMAAG5l9NUAAAAk&destUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fdownload.cnet.com%2F3001-2170_4-10030774.html%3Fspi%3D5ddff6bebca8af204f7a85117ddcd189

Wanted to download FL Studio 9.1
Kept refreshing, and refreshing, and refreshing. Took his idea.... Removed "l%3Fspi%3D5ddff6bebca8af204f7a85117ddcd189" (see link below) LO AND BEHOLD IT WORKED!!!!
http://dw.com.com/redir?edId=3&siteId=4&oId=3000-2170_4-10030774&ontId=2170_4&spi=5ddff6bebca8af204f7a85117ddcd189&lop=link<ype=dl_dlnow&pid=11375087&mfgId=64157&merId=64157&pguid=-EcwMwoOYJMAAG5l9NUAAAAk&destUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fdownload.cnet.com%2F3001-2170_4-10030774.htm

Reply 24 : Cannot download from CNET

1 - these were the 2 downloads I was trying to get through IE and it just redirects me back to the same page

http://download.cnet.com/Glary-Utilities/3000-2094_4-10508531.html?tag=mncol;1

http://download.cnet.com/Advanced-SystemCare-Free/3000-2086_4-10407614.html?tag=mncol;5

then tried it on Google Chrome and was able to download, I copy and pasted this link onto IE and it redirected to the "Download Now" (the same links as above) page

2 - I do not use TechTracker

3 - I disabled all my pop-ups, ad blockers, etc and even lowered the security on my IE and was still not able to download through IE.

Hope this helps, I'm not super tech savvy but I can usually problem solve what goes on.

Thanks and let me know if you find a solution.

http://download.cnet.com/3001-2094_4-10508531.html?spi=28086905f68a214f09de44a396c5be00

http://download.cnet.com/3001-2086_4-10407614.html?spi=eef9a423f1b43ae618c0a0610fbed71b

Reply 25 : Cannot download from CNET

The bottom 2 links of the above post should have been under "then tried it on Google Chrome and was able to download, I copy and pasted this link onto IE and it redirected to the "Download Now" (the same links as above) page" I don't know why when it posted, it put these 2 links on the bottom of the page when I had it under "then tried it on Google...." Just a recap, these 2 links when I copy and pasted to IE, it redirected me to the "Download Now" page.

Thanks and sorry for any confusion.

Reply 26 : Cannot download from CNET

Specifically, you can replace the "3000" in the URL with "3001" to switch from the information page to the download page. That means you can download from CNET, but doesn't shed any light on the cause. If you would, right-click the Download Now link on one of those "3000" pages and copy the link location (URL), pasting it here. Note that that's not necessarily the same URL that you'll end up as if you click the link, so it is important to differentiate the two. I am hoping to find out if all affected parties are receiving the same type of link, which should indicate whether this is a Javascript issue, a redirect issue, or a bad link issue.

John

Reply 27 : Cannot download from CNET

I did as you requested and changed the URL and replaced the "3000" in the URL with "3001" and it redirected back to the "3000" page, again, this is only when I am in IE, on Google Chrome it works fine and I can download

http://download.cnet.com/Glary-Utilities/3000-2094_4-10508531.html

I manually changed it to "3001" and still redirects back to "3000".

this is the link that you requested from when I right-click on Download Now link - this is for Glary Utilities (free):
http://dw.com.com/redir?edId=3&siteId=4&oId=3000-2094_4-10508531&ontId=2094_4&spi=445438d46080ded19ef5e9ddd83302a1&lop=link<ype=dl_dlnow&pid=11740366&mfgId=6280556&merId=6280556&pguid=VFpy3QoOYJAAAHhn9sMAAAE6&destUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fdownload.cnet.com%2F3001-2094_4-10508531.html%3Fspi%3D445438d46080ded19ef5e9ddd83302a1

This is the other link (after right-click on "Download Now" for the other download I was trying to retrieve since we started this thread - this is for Advance SystemCare (free):
http://dw.com.com/redir?edId=3&siteId=4&oId=3000-2086_4-10407614&ontId=2086_4&spi=797fd859a1c9cbe12e8183c1137cc7af&lop=link<ype=dl_dlnow&pid=11666513&mfgId=6271865&merId=6271865&pguid=bpROIQoOYJAAAHhnK-sAAAEj&destUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fdownload.cnet.com%2F3001-2086_4-10407614.html%3Fspi%3D797fd859a1c9cbe12e8183c1137cc7af

Thanks and I hope this helps.

Reply 28 : Cannot download from CNET

Google search led me here , as I am trying to solve the same problem specifically with the FREEMAKE video converter download link

I keep trying to download from http://download.cnet.com/Freemake-Video-Converter/3000-2194_4-75218346.html

and it leads me in circles right back to the same page.

I have
Vista home premium-Fire Fox

Tried fixes

Turning off JAVA in FF = no fix
Turned off ABP = no fix
Changed the 3000 to 3001 in URL = no fix




I already have an older version of Freemake VID CONV
and the website redirects me for the newer version (TO CNET DOWNLOAD)

But the page just loads again , no download

Reply 29 : Cannot download from CNET

tried to edit my earlier post


http://dw.com.com/redir?edId=3&siteId=4&oId=3000-2194_4-75218346&ontId=2194_4&spi=b2a0043f61823a61eea4bd37a33a72b9&lop=link<ype=dl_dlnow&pid=11730317&mfgId=10098061&merId=10098061&pguid=e7ugzQoOYIwAABOdZHwAAAED&destUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fdownload.cnet.com%2F3001-2194_4-75218346.html%3Fspi%3Db2a0043f61823a61eea4bd37a33a72b9

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