Solving Microsoft Secure Download Manager issues

Friday, June 28. 2013

Ok. SDM is not the best piece of software ever written. It fails on everybody and everything. There is a lot of grievance in a MSDN discussion thread.

Problem 1:
The first issue I encountered was that it didn't install. It said "The System Administrator Has Set Policies to Prevent This Installation". That is not a standard Windows error message, and I gather it is something the lovely programmers made the app say when failing.

Solution 1:
Run it with Administrator -privileges. The installation package is distributed as MSI-package and Windows Explorer doesn't offer the "Run as Administrator" -option on it. I started a Power Shell as administrator and executed the installed from there. That fixed it.

Problem 2:
Download fails to start on "Active Scripting must be enabled". Well, I have that enabled.

Solution 2:
Make sure following domains are in Trusted sites -list. (See: Internet Options -> Security)

  • http://e5.onthehub.com
  • http://static.onthehub.com
  • http://ajax.googleapis.com

Then the goddamn thing starts to download.

I'd like to second OtaconHC's opinion from the MSDN-thread: The SDM is a failure by design.

by Jari Turkia in Software at 15:47 | Comments (26) | Share in LinkedIn

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Luke on :

Thanks for the help tips! Wow...the feeling I have from using Microsoft SDM is similar to the one I imagine I would have from rubbing a freshly soiled nappy in my face!
Comments (2)

Luke on :

Also...after following these instructions, the downloads would start, but the percentage bar wouldn't show properly. I had to add 2 more domains to my trusted sites list to get the percentage bars to show properly:

http://ajax.aspnetcdn.com
https://seal.verisign.com
Comments (2)

Jari Turkia on :

Thanks for the update. I'm sure that the SDM-software is written to get the download location/locations from a website. So, it is guaranteed to change.
Comments (9)

Allison Dodson on :

I don't know if this will help anybody, but it did for me. I kept trying to download and install this program from Google Chrome instead of Internet Explorer. When I tried to download it from Internet Explorer, it started installing as it was supposed to. I hope that this helps somebody!
Comment (1)

Giannis on :

It doesn't let me to add those sites to trusted list unless they are in https. Should I just change it?
Comment (1)

Jari Turkia on :

Yep. You need to drop the security requirement a bit to get that done.
Comments (9)

kris on :

thank god, it works!
Comment (1)

Jari Turkia on :

:-)
Feel free to thank your chosen deity as you seem fit.

However, at this time its just people helping other people with poorly done computer software.
Comments (9)

>Deeeen on :

Darn it mine still won't work. it says i need active scripting. I have it enabled and also got the trusted websites.
Comment (1)

Jari Turkia on :

I'm running SDM version 3.1.6.0 and it seems to work for me. No admin rights needed. I don't know what settings are required, my old ones are still in effect.

Which IE do you have there? Mine is IE10. In general IE seems to have heavy effect on SDM's functionality or non-functionality.
Comments (9)

dmalm on :

Mine, wouldn't show 'start download' option, any ideas please?
Comment (1)

Jari Turkia on :

Sorry, no idea. I haven't experience that.
Comments (9)

Lucas on :

I downloaded the SDM and the Microsoft Project file, but when I click on the launch button for Microsoft Project within the SDM, it opens the download folder and clicking on the .sdx fil does nothing. Help???
Comment (1)

Jari Turkia on :

They keep changing the SDM. Latest versions are working for me and I've not encountered the problems you're describing.
Comments (9)

Mike on :

When I'm trying to download Windows 7 from DreamSpark I keep getting a Script Error:"Object doesn't support this property or method" and they keep telling me to enable Active Scripting. Can anybody help me?
Comment (1)

Anonymous on :

I add all this links:http://e5.onthehub.com
http://static.onthehub.com
http://ajax.googleapis.com
http://ajax.aspnetcdn.com
https://seal.verisign.com

and stil does'nt vork... :/

Somebody know the solution for problem ?
Comment (1)

Mateusz on :

Update Internet Explorer
Comment (1)

Paul on :

Mine just says that there is a newer version installed, but you know what, I can't find any version installed. Am frustrated as hell. :-(
Comment (1)

Angry Man on :

Fuck you Microsoft. It is not possible in 2016 to lose 2 hours just to install a fucking software. Why this is happening ?? - fire the fucking guy or girl which is in charge of this stupid Secure Download Manager. I followed everything i added the trusted sites, i have active x enabled WTF can i do more? You are taking my time. Time can not be recovered you fucking bastards..
Comment (1)

Jari Turkia on :

That comment oozes anger. There is nothing I can add to that! :-)
Comments (9)

Hayden Monarch on :

I've encountered an error which was described earlier regarding me being unable to add a website to the trusted sites list because it's not a https prefix. How do I fix this?
Comment (1)

Jari Turkia on :

There should be a checkbox "Require server verification (https:) for all sites in this zone", which you need to un-check. See: https://www.itg.ias.edu/content/how-add-trusted-sites-internet-explorer
Comments (9)

Ben on :

Have done all the tips and tricks listed... including disabling AV, turning off Windows firewall (which I never have on anyway). Sumana Bitch just will not start.... trying to go after W2K12 Server Standard.

POS.
Comment (1)

Jari Turkia on :

My own experience is, that anti-virus or firewall has nothing to do with the downloads failing. The design of that piece of software is so poor, that its more like black magic to get it working.
Comments (9)

Alisha Ross on :

My must have extension is 'New Tab Raiser'. I always use middle click to open a link in a new tab but it always opened in the background. Now it opens in the foreground.
Great video by the way. I always enjoy these Chrome extension vids. I have added a few to my collection thanks to your advice.
Comments (2)

Alisha Ross on :

Plenty of useful information here. I am sending it to a
few friends ans additionally sharing in delicious.
And certainly, thank you in your effort!
Comments (2)

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