Download opens new tab, tab stays open

Question

Level 1

45 points

Download opens new tab, tab stays open

Hi, Safari used to open a new tab when downloading a file, and automatically close the tab. For quite some time now, a tab opens, but stays open, and I have to close it to return to the source page.

I've tried different options (open in window etc ..., with preference settings, and key combinations) but the results are the same, new window / tab stays open.

Does anyone know how to resolve this?

Thanks.

MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015), OS X El Capitan (10.11.4)

Posted on Apr 30, 2016 10:10 AM

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Answer 1

Apr 30, 2016 10:13 AM in response to Jeff Schuh

Might be corrupted Safari preferences ...

Quit Safari.

Open a Finder window. From the Finder menu bar click Go > Go to Folder

Type or copy paste the following:

~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.Safari.plist

Click Go then move the com.apple.Safari.plist file to the trash.

Then relaunch Safari to test.

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Answer 2

Jeff Schuh Author

Level 1

45 points

Apr 30, 2016 10:27 AM in response to Carolyn Samit

Thanks for the quick reply Carolyn. That didn't do it, and it then automatically downloaded the files to iTunes, which I don't want to do (though I expect I can change that)

I've restored the previous plist. I may try that again later as I've had some safari other issues too.

Thanks

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Answer 3

Apr 30, 2016 10:40 AM in response to Jeff Schuh

Check to see if Safari needs an update.

From your Safari menu bar click Safari > About Safari. If it's not version 9.1, click your Apple  top left in your screen.

From the drop down menu click About this Mac

Make sure the Overview tab is selected then click Software Update.

Your Mac may restart several times during the update process. That’s ok.

Then try Safari.

If Safari is actually running 9.1, try the following.

Open the Finder. From the Finder menu bar click Go > Go to Folder

Type or copy paste the following.

~/Library/Safari/Downloads.plist

Click Go then move the Downloads.plist file to the Trash.

Quit and relaunch Safari to test.

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