Yesterday I was having a problem and every image I would try to save was trying to save as a .bmp file when in fact it should have been a .jpg file. After a little research Gadget Guru and I found the resolution. So here is the fix if you are experiencing this problem:

When it Occurs

When you save an image in Microsoft Internet Explorer, the image is saved by default as a bitmap .bmp. You do not have the option to save the image by using an extension other than .bmp. You experience this behavior even when the image uses a different format (such as .gif or .jpeg).

For example, when you right-click an image on a webpage, and then click Save Picture As, the file name that appears in the File name box is Untitled, and the file type that appears in the Save as type box is Bitmap (*.bmp).

Cause

This behavior may occur if a damaged program file (for example, an ActiveX or Java object) is downloaded to the SystemRoot\Downloaded Program Files folder on your hard disk.

Resolution

To troubleshoot and resolve this behavior, empty the contents of the Temporary Internet Files folder, and then delete the files in the Downloaded Program Files folder that are listed as either Unknown or Damaged. To do so:

  1. Start Internet Explorer (if it is not already started).
  2. Empty the contents of the Temporary Internet Files folder. To do so:
    1. On the Tools menu, click Internet Options
    2. Click the General tab
    3. Under Temporary Internet files click Delete Files
    4. When you are prompted to delete all temporary Internet files, click: OK
  3. In the Downloaded Program Files folder on your hard disk, remove the files that are listed as either Unknown or Damaged. To do so:
    1. On the Tools menu, click Internet Options
    2. Click the General tab
    3. Under Temporary Internet files, click Settings
    4. Click View Objects
  4. The list of program files that are downloaded to the SystemRoot\Downloaded Program Files folder on your hard disk appears in the Downloaded Program Files window.
    1. In the Status column, note the files that are listed as either Unknown or Damaged. Remove these files. To do so, right-click the file, and then click Remove
    2. When you are prompted to confirm the removal, click Yes
    3. Close the Downloaded Program Files window, and then click OK two times
  5. Save an image in Internet Explorer to test and determine if the issue is resolved. If the issue continues to occur after you remove all downloaded program files that are listed as Unknown or Damaged, try removing the other downloaded program files that are on the list.

Note: The next time that you need one of the files that you removed from the Downloaded Program Files folder, you will receive a prompt to download the file to your hard disk in Internet Explorer.

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I've had that problem in the past but resolved it by just reinstalling the browser. It seemed easier at the time, but this is very helpful. However, if all else fails, reinstalling the browser always has worked for me to resolve that one. Much simpler than restoring one's programs and files.

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    Yeah that was my next thing I was going to do if I couldn't find the resolution, I was getting prepared to maybe reinstall the entire computer 🤣 — Brian Wozeniak
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    I don't know if you can reinstall the browser separately anymore. That would be helpful if you could. — UNFLUX
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