How Do I Change the Download Folder in Windows XP?

Whenever you start downloads using a web browser, the files are saved in a predetermined location on your hard drive, usually on your desktop or the Documents folder in the Windows XP operating system. You need to access each browser you use or the system registry to change the default download settings.

Instructions

Internet Explorer

1. Go to the \"Start\" menu and click \"Run.\"

2. Type \"regedit\" and hit \"Enter\" to start the Registry Editor.

3. Navigate to the following registry key:<br /><br />HKEY_CURRENT_USER\\Software\\Microsoft\\Internet Explorer

4. Click on \"Internet Explorer\" key in the left pane and then double-click \"Download Directory\" value in the right pane.

5. Enter the new download folder location in the \"Value Data\" field (for example, \"C:\\Documents and Settings\\Downloads\") and click on \"OK.\" Close the Registry Editor.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Start the Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the \"Tools\" menu option.

2. Select \"Options\" and then click on the \"General\" or \"Main\" tab.

3. Click on \"Browse\" next to \"Save files to\" in the \"Downloads\" section.

4. Navigate to the new folder's location on your hard drive and double-click it. Click \"OK\" to save the new settings.

Safari

1. Start the Safari web browser and click on \"Safari\" file menu option.

2. Select \"Preferences\" and click the \"General\" tab.

3. Click on the \"Save downloaded files to\" drop-down menu and select \"Other.\"

4. Navigate to the new folder's location on your hard drive and double-click it. Close the \"Preferences\" window.

References

• Windows Reference: How to Change the Default Download Directory for Internet Explorer
• Mozilla Support: Choose a Different Download Folder
• Dummies: How to Change Safari's Default File Download Location