I can't download RAR files from the internet

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For some reason starting yesterday I can no longer download RAR files. I was trying to download a 4.5meg file and all I get is a 4kb placeholder file. I asked on the forum where I got the link and the PC guys can download it with no problem. Anyone have an idea of what the problem is.

I'm using a MacBook with OS 10.5.8

Thanks for any info
Clif
 
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I forgot to mention that I ran all Norton Utilities updates and ran the scan last night. Nothing found. I downloaded a 30 trial of Mac Scan and isolated and deleted 130 tracking cookies. Still no luck.

Clif
 
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RAR files won't download for me either

My problem also started yesterday. Files (regardless of size) download immediately, but there's no data. Files is corrupted/damaged. I have an iMac 10.6.8. I've tried Safari and Firefox and a variety of RAR expanders, repaired Permissions; nothing works. No previous problems. Don't know what else to try.

Mars
 
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I've run into another problem now. I got my wife to download the file for me at work and email me the RAR file. I still can't decompress it. I downloaded a RAR Expander for MAC and I tried both "StuffIt Destinations" and "StuffIt Expander". All three give me a corrupted file can't complete operation. I'm running out of ideas.
 
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Me too. I tried every browser on my iMAC. I even opened up VMWare Fusion. I'm using 10.6.8 but the same thing happened when I booted in 10.5.8.
 
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Want some good advice? Chuck Nortons and MacScan.

If you feel you must have antivirus software coming from the PC world, look at ClamXAV which is freeware. The biggest virus threat is the nut behind the wheel. Do not install anything you do not know that asks for admin password.


http://www.clamxav.com/download.php
 
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That last suggestion did the trick! I disabled the vulnerability protection on my Norton Firewall and the rar files started downloading completely.
 
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Same here. I'll have to download the Clamxav and use it instead of Norton.

Thanks
Clif
 
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I had this same problem yesterday, and worked after i disabled vulnerability protection. I was wondering if there could be a single signature I could disable instead of the whole thing.
 
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Had this same problem and this solution also worked for me. Wondering if there is just one signature I can disable rather than turning off vulnerability protection altogether.
 
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Vulnerability protection from what?

There are no Mac OS X viruses, and the few malware threats can be beaten by not using your admin password unless you are 100% sure what you are installing. Also if you use Safari, go into Preferences > General and make sure the little box beside 'Open safe files' is NOT selected.
 
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Same problem here

I am having the same exact problem. I am running 10.6.8 and have Norton Antivirus. Is there a setting in Firefox that I can change to fix this issue or do I have to change some setting in Norton?
 
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It is not a coincidence you folk are all having Norton problems. What I can never understand is paying money to download Windows only virus definitions to a Mac computer. There are no Mac OS X viruses hence no virus definitions to download.

waytodawn321 sdee reply number 6!
 
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Thank Goodness

I just this forum to say thank you for figuring out this issue. Ive been having it for several days and couldnt understand what happened. Did a quick google search and found this thread. Thank you again.

Now how do I uninstall Norton, Ive been messing around with it and cant seem to figure it out. Im still kind of new to Mac so Im on a learning curve.

-Kuter-
 
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Thanks for the help!

Like the previous poster, I just joined to say a big thanks for helping me resolve this issue!

This started for me on Friday as well, which is odd in the extreme, that many had this exact problem happen on the same day.

I called Apple, and the first layer of help couldn't do the trick, then I got a senior advisor, and still no solution. They kicked me up to an engineer. Only today did they get back to me with the engineer, but just in time I found this answer by using google. If not, they were prepared to upend my computer searching for a solution to the problem, which they never would have gotten, since they really have no dealing with Norton.

All the answers in this thread did the trick, and I'm just so glad I found this before they destroyed my computer with a bunch of non necessary action! All the instruction here was clear, and easy to understand, and easy to follow!

I did call them back to let them know this solution just in case they are getting a raft of other complaints from other Mac users about this issue.

Thanks again!
 
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Okay Gdubb just send me your address and the account will be in the mail (kidding)! And welcome to the forums. Bookmark Mac-Forums and pop in daily. Hit "get New' and new threads, and replies will open up for you.

Lots to be learnt here.
 
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I got sent here by the helpful people at the Geeks To Go forum for the exact same problem. Had NO clue what was happening and was pretty close to panicking, fearing that the sudden inability to download rars was a symptom of a greater problem. After disabling that pesky vulnerability protection setting on the oh-so helpful Norton AV, I'm right back to my rars. Thanks, guys!
 
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Our pleasure Jacks Wench (wicked or otherwise). Keep coming back eh?
 
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There are viruses on MACs

With all do respect, I hate to call someone out in my first post on this board, but your statement couldn't be more wrong. Most of the most advanced attacks these days work over virtually any operating system including android, Mac and even Iphone. Also the FBI just took down a DNS rerouting scam where multiple macs were infected talking to the command and control server.

This shouldn't even be a debatable topic anymore. As malware has shifted from being based in porn and mp3 to mainly being drive by downloads hidden behind ads a strong firewall and a real anti-virus is a must. Norton may have set it to incorrectly block files, but disabling norton altogether is a recipe for disaster. This is not a money making scheme, its not a conspiracy its time to get serious about security. Because the bad guys already have and they target the easiest people. Keep anti-virus off your machine, and that becomes you.

Just so there is no real debate about if malware exists for a MAC here are some links I grabbed in 5 second of searching.

BlackHole RAT Eats Into Mac OS X – Security Threat Research News
FBI’s ‘Operation Ghost Click’ takes out operators of DNS Changer malware network | Naked Security

So does anyone have another solution besides disabling anti-virus? Can the Symantec portion be reconfigured?
 
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CapitalOrange - there are no viruses for Mac - end of story. The links you posted are not to viruses. They are trojans that require the user to enter thier admin password to gain access. To quote your own links "Getting the Trojan on the victim’s machine usually requires social engineering". These are not viruses and not something that Norton (with it's windows based AV definitions) is going to resolve.

Norton is a terrible product these days both on PC and Mac. It's heavy handed and, as you can see from this thread, prevents eveyday functionality without even notifying the user. It's arguably worse than the issues it's 'supposed' to prevent.

The best protection a user you can give thier Mac is to educate themselves about which sites they are visiting, what they're downloading and when they should and shouldn't enter the admin password. In fact, further than that it's the best way to prevent issues on any platform.
 

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