The instructions for using the Microsoft File Transfer Manager are pretty well hidden, so here is a tutorial to help you learn how to use it. When I used the Transfer Manager it sped up my download considerably, so I think it’s well worth the time you spend to become familiar with it. First things first, let’s install it.

Installing The Microsoft File Transfer Manager

Go to the Microsoft File Transfer Manager download page and click on the Click here to download MSI link. Save the MSI somewhere on your hard drive and then run it. This installs the tool. Now when you click on certain download links (not all), you’ll get the option of opening the download using FTM – take that option. Remeber, it is only certain download links that will trigger the opening of the Transfer Manager.

Let’s demonstrate the use of the File Transfer Manager on the Microsoft Office 2010 Technical Preview download. Ignore the Download link in the Download single file column and click on Download selected file(s) using the FTM.

When you do this a dialogue box opens that asks you what program you want to use to open the file. The file actually has a .dlm extension and so Microsoft File Transfer Manager becomes the default.

Make sure that Microsoft File Transfer Manager is selected and click OK. The Confirm Transfer Request dialogue box appears.

Click the Browse button, navigate to a place where you want to download the file and click Transfer. The Transfer Manager reports on download progress using the standard progress bar.

The only problem I found with this tool is that whenever I pres ctrl-alt-F in Adobe Fireworks (to Fit Canvas) the Microsoft File Transfer Manager opens! I’m not sure how to get around this, other than to use the menus in Fireworks to perform the command. In fact, ctrl-alt-F opens the Transfer Manager whichever application you happen to be in.