Random 0kb HTML download?

[ShaggyMoose]

Since the site redesign, I frequently get a download of a randomly named 0kb HTML file (e.g. V3bEFZXh.htm) when accessing the forums. Anyone else seeing this?

 

[Melcar]

You've been compromised.

 

[Strange Fellow]

I get it too, sometimes several at a time. This is on Firefox.

 

[Kev Inkline]

Since the site redesign, I frequently get a download of a randomly named 0kb HTML file (e.g. V3bEFZXh.htm) when accessing the forums. Anyone else seeing this?

There's a thread about these downloads happening even before the redesign. I've been getting it before and after.

 

[Jason]

Getting them on Firefox only when going to the forums from the front page, not when accessing a thread so far.

 

[Pink Eye]

I thought it was just me. Happens too when I access home page:

 

[ShaggyMoose]

Yep, Firefox here too.

 

[Nano]

Check this option in your settings so files won't automatically download.

 

[ShaggyMoose]

Does that mean it will just pop up a download dialog every time instead? I would rather just leave it alone...

 

[Kruno]

Throughout most of the site redesign this was not happening, it was only when the site redesign was finalised (2-3 weeks ago?) that this started happening again. I have a feeling there is something in the code which is setting metadata somewhere and Firefox is interpreting this and downloading a file.

 

[catfood]

Switch to LibreWolf.

 

[thesheeep]

Truly inclined gentlemen and -ladies browse exclusively on Lynx.

 

[DarkUnderlord]

I thought it was just me. Happens too when I access home page:

Where does it want you to download the file from? Is there a specific url this occurs with, or that the file is coming from?

 

[Pink Eye]

I'm really not sure on how to get the url information. It just gives an about:blank when I try to copy download link and past it in address bar. I tried to see if I could get more details about the file, but all I get is this:

Spoiler

 

[Kruno]

Where does it want you to download the file from? Is there a specific url this occurs with, or that the file is coming from?

From the front page click on "Forum" and it will open the forums and download an empty file with a funny name.

Look at the dates:

Sometimes it happens more than three times.

 

[Peachcurl]

Yep, it's not "downloading" anything. The browser just triggers the creation of a new, empty file with random name.

Doesn't seem to be exclusive to the Codex (although, xf1 codex and xf2 codex are the only places I personally ever observed to have this issue).

 

[Peachcurl]

One interesting tidbit I found on reddit (yeah, sorry, it is what it is):

It seems to be caused when resources (iframes (maybe more elements)) are still loading when clicking to another page.

Not sure how to check for this, but at least it rings true in the sense that quickly switching from Home to Forum is a surefire way to reproduce it. If I wait to load the Home page first, the file usually is not created.

 

[Strange Fellow]

This is still happening, and it's really pissing annoying. Please fix it.

 

[jebsmoker]

getting a little tired of having to clean my downloads folder of 800 0 kb .html files like every two days. is there a way to fix this?

 

[Taluntain]

Yes. Don't clean your downloads folder every two days.

 

[Peachcurl]

getting a little tired of having to clean my downloads folder of 800 0 kb .html files like every two days. is there a way to fix this?

The most popular workarounds:
1. don't use the front page, go to the forums directly
2. don't allow your browser to download stuff without prompt

 

[Melcar]

Imagine having automatic downloads.

 

[Kruno]

Yes. Don't clean your downloads folder every two days.

My downloads folder no longer fits on a 1.44MB floppy!

 

[Taluntain]

I hear ZIP drives are better for more storage.

 

[ShaggyMoose]

Don't worry, the files are 0kb!