IE6: Images Will Save Only as a Bitmap (*.bmp)

Tagged: Windows

If Internet Explorer will only let you save an image file as a bitmap, here’s how to fix it.

After my latest reinstallation of XP, Internet Explorer will only let me save image files as bitmaps. When I right-click and try to save, *.bmp is my only option. Actually several things can cause this error; therefore, you may have to try several things to fix it.

One of the most common causes is actually an error in the Temporary Internet Files folder or an error in the Download Program Files folder. I have also seen this when the cache is either full or sized incorrectly. If this is the program, clearing these folders through Internet Options in the Tools menu will usually fix the problem:

Clear the Cache:

1. Open IE
2. Click Tools
3. Click Internet Options
4. Click General Tab
5. Under Temporary Internet files, you should click Delete Files
6. Confirm with an OK

Remove Bad Downloaded Program Files:

1. Open IE
2. Click Tools
3. Click Internet Options
4. Click General Tab
5. Under Temporary Internet files, click Settings
6. Click View Objects
7. Look at the Status column. Right click on the files listed as either Unknown or Damaged, and then select Remove from the context menu.
8. Confirm with Yes
9. Close the remaining windows by clicking OK

If the above does not work, you may have to remove all the files in the Downloaded Program Files folder.