Question DuckDuckGo browser saving 0 byte files to download folder

[eto12]

Why does the browser "DuckDuckGo" store "0 byte" files in my download folder?

" GLWphj-Z . . . 6/12/2025 . . . 1:53pm . . . HTM File . . . 0 KB "

There was 13 total . . .

thanks all

 

[Ralston18]

Update your post to include full system hardware specs and OS information.

= = = =

Is DuckDuckGo fully up to date?

How was it determined that DuckDuckGo stored the files your download folder?

Any pattern to the downloads? Date/time patterns?

What is the full path to the download folder?

When did the problem begin?

What files, if any, have you recently tried to download?

 

[eto12]

Update your post to include full system hardware specs and OS information.

= = = =

Is DuckDuckGo fully up to date?

How was it determined that DuckDuckGo stored the files your download folder?

Any pattern to the downloads? Date/time patterns?

What is the full path to the download folder?

When did the problem begin?

What files, if any, have you recently tried to download?

1) OS is updated
2) Duckduck go is up to date
3) I have no idea why Duckduckgo chose the download folder(there was no asking me) but isn't that where a "downloaded file would go?
4) Out of 13 files in my download folder, 9 were d/led at the same time, 2 more were downloaded at the same time and the last 2 different time. I have a screen shot but couldn't find a way to attach it to my post above!
5) C:/thispc/downloads/GLWphj-Z . . . 6/12/2025 . . . 1:53pm . . . HTM File . . . 0 KB "
6) Not sure I just noticed the "0 byte" files last week looking for another download i had made then
7) just some pictures and a few apps for which i had no problem.

It seems duckduckGo has control of when and where when it wants to without ANY intervention from me. they just appear there!

thanks for the reply, Eto12

 

[COLGeek]

Has this system been scanned for malware? If so, with what application?

 

[eto12]

Eset Internet Security.

As a computer technician I've been installing ESET on all my clients equipment since 2006, and they have NEVER had an issue!

 

[Ralston18]

Check DuckDuckGo's current download folder location: the location may have been changed to the default location or perhaps changed by some application.

Pictures/screenshots can be posted here via Imgur (www.imgur.com > green "New post" icon).

Look in Reliability History/Monitor and Event Viewer for any error codes, warnings, or informational events logged just before or at the times of the "0 byte" downloads.

Check Task Manager and Task Scheduler for any unknown or unexpected software being launched at startup or perhaps triggered by something else after the system has booted.