The Portable Freeware Collection Forums

I've tried WackGet, HTTP Downloader, and FDM (Free Download Manager).
They simply don't work. The downloads never start. I just tried WackGet
and "failed" appeared next to the filename.

I can't remember how many installed download managers I've used over
the years. Never had a problem like this with the installed versions.

I am a portable download manager "newbie," but these apps are very easy
to use. What could I be doing wrong, that would cause all three managers
to fail?

Does this appear for a single URL, or have you tried other URLs?

I personally use FDM (probably a much older version though, since I haven't bothered to update it for god knows how long) and never had any issue with it.

I haven't seen any issues recently with the few programs I use. The standard checks apply here: have you tried it on another computer, on another network? Do you have your firewall configured in an unusual way? Do you have admin access to the machine you're using?

I am a portable download manager "newbie," but these apps are very easy to use. What could I be doing wrong, that would cause all three managers to fail?

There are some legitimate differences between programs that are installed and their portable counterparts, but portable download managers? The differences are probably only a few lines of code. In other words, there's no difference in expertise and I'm surprised you're having an issue.

FWIW, Using Free Download Manager v3.9.1641 from PortableApps.com, some downloads fail to start (gives error 'unable to contact server'). For some sites, if the url is of 'https" type, changing the 'https' to 'http' allows the download to start and complete. I don't know why this works but it does, even though the correct url is https...

good luck

Thanks for your replies Andrew Lee, webfork, and lastaltoid.

All three portable managers were recognized by my firewall, and they have full
access to the network. They are "whitelisted" apps.

I ran a few diagnostic apps that check system files and the Registry for corruption.
Everything is ok.

When you've got the same problem with three similar apps, there must be a logical
explanation. Finding the cause and solution may be difficult, if not impossible.

I use HTTP Downloader and that works for me.

I'd check to see if you are able to download anything from your web browser. If not, then there's something from with your internet connection.

Andrew Lee wrote: ↑Fri Nov 26, 2021 3:57 am Does this appear for a single URL, or have you tried other URLs?

I personally use FDM (probably a much older version though, since I haven't bothered to update it for god knows how long) and never had any issue with it.

Can confirm the latest version of FDM works perfectly too, for me at least. I can't think of a good reason why OP is having issues with not only one but multiple download managers.