Download Managers have an XP Problem

XP Pro_SP3
.NET Framework_v4.5

I have several download managers. They all have the same "failure to start download"
problem with direct links. Ironically, if the link is buried under a series of complex
redirects the same managers run smoothly. Browser extensions (add-ons) do not
fix the problem. The fully integrated browser download applet always works, but I
need those extra features only available with stand alone managers.

Internet Download Manager or IDM displays an error message if the download fails
to start. (See attached image.) The "Yes" button links to this document:

http://www.internetdownloadmanager.com/support/xp-https-problems.html

I was not surprised when the recommended update and Registry hack failed to correct
the problem, but I had to try.

If fixing XP is not possible, maybe finding one or two managers that can bypass or work
around the problem is the solution.

 

http://www.freedownloadmanager.org/download.htm

there is a version listed above that says it is for xp

https://www.lifewire.com/free-download-managers-4129266

check out the list above and then check the individual websites for older versions that work on xp/firefox

 

Thank you Elizabeth23.

I recently installed the latest version of FlashGet (3.7.0.1220). Seems to be working
ok with XP.

This "failure to start" problem with direct links is probably related to the age of XP.
After trying FDM_v3.9.7, I will return to this thread with the results.

 

okay

 

FDM is a very nice manager with lots of useful features.

I'm getting "unknown network error" with direct links. Unfortunately, it's the same
problem. It doesn't seem to matter if I'm using an old or new manager.

There are endless lists of popular and obscure browsers. Slimjet seems to offer
a couple of features found in stand alone managers, like resumable downloads.

https://www.slimjet.com/en/fast-internet-download-manager.php
https://www.slimjet.com/en/dlpage_xp.php

Has anyone created a browser with a "real" full featured manager? That would be
be the solution to this XP direct link problem.

I've got a command based manager called Wget. It's definitely not pleasant to use.
If I can find nothing else, I'll try Wget.

 

have you installed the MyPal browser to see if the download managers work better on that browser?