that is pretty clear and easy - thanks Tore. Not quite what was i was looking for but certainly a solution if using the same storage directory for all internet activities
k

>You must change a registry settings, which you can do programmatically, see Registry Access Foundation Class in help.
>http://www.windowsreference.com/internet-explorer/how-to-change-the-default-download-directory-for-internet-explorer/
>
>>When downloading a file using internet explorer, selecting 'save target as', opens the last directory that was opened by windows.
>>
>>If i approach the same file using VFP programmatically
>>

>>oIE = CreateObject ("internetexplorer.application")
>>oIE.NAVIGATE ("https://www.page_that_shows_the_file_i_want_to_download.com") 
>>oIE.VISIBLE = .T. 
>>

>>
>>can i control the directory choice before hand so that when i select 'save target as' the proper directory will appear
>>
>>CD c:\mydir has no effect
>>
>>btw there is no direct access to the file i want to download, it's name changes, and it is only accessible with password.
>>
>>
>>thanks
>>k