'.crddownload' file

Download missing, but there is a file that says 'Unconfirmed 123456.crddownload'

My file isn't in my download folder

Sometimes, and more especially when you are trying to download a larger file, when you look in your 'Downloads' folder in Windows there is a weird file called a '.crddownload' file, and the file you were expecting to see isn't there. 

You will only find this type of file if you are using Google Chrome, Chromium, Microsoft Edge, or any other Chrome based browser. The '.crd' file is what the browser engine uses to collate the information as it downloads, then, when the download is complete and is verified this will disappear and the zipped file will appear instead

I started the download ages ago, and the same happened yesterday

Looking at the picture in the image above, there is two downloads ongoing, 542580 & 783049, as the 'Date modified' is the same in them both. Similarly the 'Size' shows one is 274MB so far and the other is 1.5GB. 

At a guess the first is likely a mini-kit, and the second a collection, such as a Louise Nisbet or Pollyanna Pickering TV launch. In all likely-hood, both downloads will complete normally and turn into the zipped folders like those you can see underneath them. As with all large downloads we would advise a significant amount of time for them to download, indeed we have a featured section here about it

However, if the computer has been switched off, the browser was closed, or the internet connection dropped suddenly, then the download might stop, rendering the partly downloaded file frozen, and inaccessible.

There are software programs that can download the rest and 'join' the two, or even some versions of browser will allow you to 'Continue' the download, BUT there is always an inherent risk that the file may have been corrupted when the 'stoppage' happened.

Although it is fully understandable that this will take more time, it would be more advisable to delete what is there and start again, as waiting until you unzip and hit the Autorun only to find that the images don't show, or the page only loads so far, would be more frustrating.

Is there any way to avoid issues?

A couple of tips, more especially if you are in an area with poor internet coverage/speeds:

• Try to ensure no-one in the same household is streaming video, such as Netflix, iPlayer, Prime/Fire stick etc, (if they are using their on device sim card 3/4/5G connection this will not affect the signal coming through the router)

• Similarly if anyone is playing multi player online games on consoles or PC's through your home router this may also take bandwidth from the connection.

• If you usually use Wi-Fi, and if possible, consider using a LAN cable directly to your router, this will significantly stabilise the connection and speed the download. Similarly if your device does not have a LAN port, sitting the device next to the router will help

• Whilst most modern PC's and Laptops and other smart devices, are more than capable of multi-tasking, if you are on a shared connection of 'up to xxmbps' if everyone else in the street is on at the same time you are, then the download speed is going to be significantly slower. Try to avoid peak usage times, such as when the kids get home from school, or the evening when the majority will be using online services. 

• If you have a really slow connection, ie if you are in a particularly rural area, it may be an idea to start the download before bed, and let the PC do it's thing overnight, when most users are in bed themselves.

Even though we have mystical powers to create magic, we cannot speed the internet up..... yet!