Downloading big files when there are long line drops

[Chris]

What would be the best download software for me?
I often download huge files, such as Linux distros, and sometimes even
isos for DVDs.

But my ADSL often goes down for hours - and so I need something that
will reconnect by itself - even after a disconnection lasting six hours.

What's my best bet?

 

[burnr]

What would be the best download software for me?
I often download huge files, such as Linux distros, and sometimes even
isos for DVDs.

But my ADSL often goes down for hours - and so I need something that
will reconnect by itself - even after a disconnection lasting six hours.

What's my best bet?

My favorite is http://www.stardownloader.com and it will auto resume broken
downloads.

 

[Chris]

My favorite is http://www.stardownloader.com and it will auto resume broken
downloads.

Thanks. Their FAQ says:
"How do I resume my downloads?
To resume a paused or interrupted download, just double-click the file
or select it and click the resume button."

Can you really get it to resume on its own when you are asleep?

 

[Roger Johansson]

Can you really get it to resume on its own when you are asleep?

If you have settings in your downloader program for unlimited number of retries, and the time between retries, set it to a couple of
minutes (120 seconds), and it should work.

You may have to try different downloader programs to find one with these options, and one that actually works for this purpose.

I use Download Express and there are settings for time between retries and unlimited number of retries.
I have left it running overnight many times and the files are downloaded in the morning.
I don't know if it works on a dial-up connection though, I have cable.

 

[Chris]

If you have settings in your downloader program for unlimited number of
retries, and the time between retries, set it to a couple of
minutes (120 seconds), and it should work.
You may have to try different downloader programs to find one with
these options, and one that actually works for this purpose.
I use Download Express and there are settings for time between retries
and unlimited number of retries.
I have left it running overnight many times and the files are
downloaded in the morning.
I don't know if it works on a dial-up connection though, I have cable.

Thanks - I'll try a few. I'm not on dial-up BTW, I'm on ADSL.
However, I often lose ADSL synchronisation for hours at a time,
probably because I'm a long way from the exchange.

 

[Fred]

Thanks - I'll try a few. I'm not on dial-up BTW, I'm on ADSL.

However, I often lose ADSL synchronisation for hours at a time,
probably because I'm a long way from the exchange.

Chris, this slightly OT but it might provide some help.

I have the same loss of sync problem for the same reason.

I can often get ADSL to re-sync fairly quickly if I dial my own number and
listen to the busy announcement for about 45 seconds.

Fred

 

[burnr]

Thanks. Their FAQ says:
"How do I resume my downloads?
To resume a paused or interrupted download, just double-click the file
or select it and click the resume button."

Can you really get it to resume on its own when you are asleep?

If you pause the d/l manually, that's how you can restart it. I suppose
the "interrupted" part is to cover all contingencies for a d/l to break.

I'm fortunate in that rarely downloads break for me and actually I don't
have much experience with the resume. The default setting is 10 retries,
but you can set that to (looks like) 99999999 so that's a lot of retries.
If the connection is *lost* it will just keep trying until it finally
reconnects. The download will begin automatically once reconnected. It
worked perfectly when I was on dial up, and still does on my broadband.

Main downside to Star I see is that development of the free version has
ended. They offer a commercial version now.

 

[Chris]

If you pause the d/l manually, that's how you can restart it. I suppose
the "interrupted" part is to cover all contingencies for a d/l to break.
I'm fortunate in that rarely downloads break for me and actually I don't
have much experience with the resume. The default setting is 10 retries,
but you can set that to (looks like) 99999999 so that's a lot of retries.
If the connection is *lost* it will just keep trying until it finally
reconnects. The download will begin automatically once reconnected. It
worked perfectly when I was on dial up, and still does on my broadband.
Main downside to Star I see is that development of the free version has
ended. They offer a commercial version now.

OK - but as far as I can see the free version offers enough for normal
downloading. Do you agree?

 

[Chris]

Thanks - I'll try a few. I'm not on dial-up BTW, I'm on ADSL.
However, I often lose ADSL synchronisation for hours at a time,
probably because I'm a long way from the exchange.

[/QUOTE]

Chris, this slightly OT but it might provide some help.
I have the same loss of sync problem for the same reason.
I can often get ADSL to re-sync fairly quickly if I dial my own number and
listen to the busy announcement for about 45 seconds.

Well - any port in a storm. But I've just tried what you suggested
(because I'm not synched now) and it didn't work.
However I'm fascinated by your suggestion.
What is your explanation for its efficacy?
Or might it be coincidence / superstition?

 

[burnr]

OK - but as far as I can see the free version offers enough for normal
downloading. Do you agree?

Certainly! I'm very happy with it, always have been even with 98, 98SE,
and ME. Now using it with XP Home (and have always used Opera). The
integration works great.