How to Fix My Laptop if it Is Not Downloading
Usually if you are unable to download material onto your laptop, it is due to a lost connection. This is easy to diagnose because a connection error results in the inability to do anything Internet-related, including browsing the Web, streaming and sending email. If the only problem seems to be with downloads, some software on your laptop is interfering with downloading.
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Troubleshoot Network
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Check the Network for connectivity problems. A network error is usually accompanied by a yellow exclamation mark In the task bar. It appears directly over the network icon that resembles five vertical bars. Click the icon and it might show "Unidentified Network" or "Disconnected" in the window. If it is disconnected, simply click "Connect" beside the network you wish to use. For other errors, right-click the icon and click "Troubleshoot Problems." Windows will attempt to diagnose the problem and apply the fixes automatically.
Viruses and Spyware
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Protect your laptop, not only with an antivirus, but also with an anti-spyware program. Spyware is notorious for interfering with a working Internet connection. The types usually at fault are those designed to collect information about your browsing habits to be sent to a third party. The software uses up bandwidth needed to complete your downloads, and often disables it altogether. If an infection has been ruled out, it is also possible your antivirus software is preventing the download through its web filter. Disable it temporarily, but only if you're sure the download is virus-free.
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Disable Accelerators
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Right-click the accelerator in the task bar and click "Disable" until the downloads complete. Download accelerators are helpful for increasing download speed and resuming in case you lose your connection. They are not compatible with every site/download and sometimes results in file corruption. Every time you attempt to download, you'll receive an error or it will download partially, unless the accelerator is turned off.
Switch Browsers
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Try the download with a different browser; it should work if the browser is the source of the problem. If it does work, reset your browser to its original state. In Internet Explorer, this is found under "Tools," "Internet Options," Advanced," "Reset." In other browsers, this may also be found under the Options or Settings menu. Other browsers you can try include Mozilla Firefox, Opera, Google Chrome or Safari.
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