Netscape Navigator: Downloading an "Unknown File Type"
While downloading a file from the Internet with Netscape Navigator, you may encounter what Netscape calls an "unknown file type." This will be indicated to you as in the following dialog box:
This dialog box gives you four choices. Here they are in reverse order.
- Cancel
Clicking this button will cancel the downloading of the file and return you to the web page you were viewing previously.
- Save File..
This button will bring up a Save As... dialog box that will allow you to save the file to your hard drive (or a floppy.)
This is the same dialog box you see in most other Windows 95 software when saving files. Please remember the folder in which you placed the file. This will avoid your having to call your technical support person and asking "Where did my file go?" The potential problem with selecting this choice is that you must know what to do with the file later. This will depend upon the type of file you downloaded.
- Pick Application...
By selecting this choice you will be presented with the following dialog box:
You are then expected to enter the path of (or browse to) the program on your computer designed to handle this type of file. In this example you would need to a) know that you have an unzip program on your computer and b) where that program is located. If you know this information, by filling in this box you are telling Netscape to use this program to handle this file type from this point forward. Next time you download a file of this type you will not be asked what to do with it.
- More Info
In the past, most trainers recommended that you never choose this option. "More info" used to mean "no info." However, this is no longer true.By selecting this choice you will be taken to a page on the Netscape web site that will suggest to you the plug-in you need to handle a file of this type and, at minimum, a link to the software with instructions on how to install it. (An example for the zip file type is presented above.) In some cases you will be able to click on a link that will automatically install and configure the software for you.
