Space in Filename changed to underscore when file is downloaded from SharePoint using IE

Yesterday while doing a demo on versioning in SharePoint, I downloaded a file to my local machine, made some updates and uploaded it back to the site expecting to see a new version. However, I was surprised to see a second file in the library. Attributing this to “user” error, I decided to open the document through word, edit and save back and everything worked fine.

I tried the steps again after the demo and realized when the file is downloaded using the “Send To –> Download a Copy” menu, the spaces in the filename are being converted to underscores by IE. (notice in the screenshot below, the filename has a space but the download dialog box converts it to “_”)



Note: The file is downloaded properly with spaces in the filename if you right click the file and select “Save Target As…”

As I researched this further, I found this blog post entry by Sadalit Van Buren and several other blog posts that talk about the same issue.

I also found a MS KB article (KB# 952730) where this issue documented. However, as per the KB article this is a IE7 issue. I am using Win 7 and IE 8 but still experience the same behavior so it hasn’t been fixed yet.

I haven’t tried the Hotfix yet but will update this blog once I have a chance to do that.