Download failed. Destination directory for file streaming does not exist or is n

To fix the issue on my local windows 7 test server, what I did was give modify access to the website folder and the C:\windows\temp folder to the following accounts: Network Service, Network, IIS_IUSRS, IUSR. Hope this helps someone.

@stephenwise

Thanks! It worked! Saved me a lot of headaches. Thanks for sharing.

I had an issue with my plugins updating as well, IIS server and WP 3.5:

Download failed. Destination directory for file streaming does not exist or is not writable.

So following @ yylang1987 advice I added

/* Setup a temporary folder for uploading and updating */
define( 'WP_TEMP_DIR', ABSPATH . 'wp-content/tmp/') ;

Still no cheddar, but followed up with @nebruz advice and updated class-http.php lines 141 – 145 (approx).

// Force some settings if we are streaming to a file and check for existence and perms of destination directory
    if ( $r['stream'] ) {
    	$r['blocking'] = true;
    	 if ( ! is_writable( dirname( $r['filename'] ) ) )
    	 if ( ! call_user_func( 'WIN' === strtoupper( substr( PHP_OS, 0, 3 ) ) ? 'win_is_writable' : 'is_writable', dirname( $r['filename'] ) ) )
    		 return new WP_Error( 'http_request_failed', __( 'Destination directory for file streaming does not exist or is not writable.' ) );
    }

But then I got…

Downloading update from https://downloads.www.ads-software.com/plugin/whatever.zip
Unpacking the update
Deactivating the plugin
Removing the old version of the plugin
Could not remove the old plugin
Plugin upgrade Failed

So following this post (https://www.ads-software.com/support/topic/plugin-upgrade-failing-cannot-remove-old-plugin?replies=25) and @ detroiter advice I updated the wp-config.php file with…

define('FS_METHOD', 'ftpsockets');
define('FTP_BASE', '/path/to/wordpress/');
define('FTP_CONTENT_DIR', '/path/to/wordpress/wp-content/');
define('FTP_PLUGIN_DIR ', '/path/to/wordpress/wp-content/plugins/');
define('FTP_USER', 'username');
define('FTP_PASS', 'password');
define('FTP_HOST', 'ftp.example.org');

SUCCESS!
Thanks gang, super helpful.

define( 'WP_TEMP_DIR', ABSPATH . 'wp-content/tmp/') ;

I was finding a solution to fix this problem since last week.
It worked for me.
Thanks!

Great thanks to Poul_Erik and StephenWise

Add this line of code anywhere in the root file: wp-config.php

/* Setup a temporary folder for uploading and updating */
define( ‘WP_TEMP_DIR’, ABSPATH . ‘wp-content/tmp/’) ;
and create a new folder named “tmp” inside: /wp-content/

That’s it!

Not forgetting to set the folder and sub-folders permission to 755

Hi Just want to say thanks to StephenWise for breaking down the steps, that worked or me.

This only worked for me after setting 777. Eventhough I was able to add and remove files using the same FTP account WP was asking me before installing plugin, WP could not manage the same until 777.Odd

I had the same problem with version 3.5.1 and solved it by moving the htaccess file in the wordpress directory instead of the root directory.

Here is a solution for self hosting iis users using fastcgi with php.

First make sure you have the uploads folder in your wp-content folder.
Second add the user everyone to the folder wp-content with modify permissions. Restart iis and test image upload in WordPress.

If it works your on the right path here.
Now remove the everyone user and add the NETWORK SERVICE user to this folder.

But wait! I do not know how to add the everyone user or the NETWORK SERVICE user to my wp-content folder?

Browse to the folder and right click on it.
Select the properties option.
Now select the security tab at the top.
Click the edit button.
Click the add button.
In the select users or groups text field enter in:
NETWORK SERVICE
click the ok button.
In the section Allow: check the modify box.
Click the ok button.
It will run for a bit then click the ok button
on the property window and your done.

I used the everyone user to check if this issue was a folder permissions issue only. Then used the NETWORK SERVICE user based on fastcgi set up information. depending on your set up with fastcgi it could be a different user so you will need to start testing users to find the right user you need.

It seems logical that this could be the same issue others are having with themes updates and plugins as well. I am not sure if the NETWORK SERVICE user needs permissions over all of the wp-content folder yet it seems like it is needed.

I hope this helps some of you WP users out there as it took me a few nights to figure this one out.

I would also like to say thank you to all the users who report back full solutions to issues they have found closing the loops and ending the searches.

We need more of you. ??

This worked for me;

/* Setup a temporary folder for uploading and updating */
define( ‘WP_TEMP_DIR’, ABSPATH . ‘wp-content/tmp/’) ;

But make sure you don’t try and type it in the file, copy and paste worked for me!

Good luck.

i tried that but unfortunately it didnt work.
i have tried deleting wp folders excepr for content and then ftp new downloads of folders and adding
/* Setup a temporary folder for uploading and updating */
define( ‘WP_TEMP_DIR’, ABSPATH . ‘wp-content/tmp/’) ;
also created a tmp file within wp-content with premission 777 (although i hear 755 should work)and have change permissions for all other tmp folders and uploads folder
i have been struggling with this problem for too long now, please someone help..the only thing i can think of is to uninstall everything and start again but there must be an easier way
thanks in advance

Have you contacted your hosts about this. It’s really a server issue – not a WordPress one.

ive seen someone else say that it was a server issue and ask to put on linux server rather than a windows one
however this problem only exists on sites with wordpress 3.5
i have other sites pre 3.5 wp same host and they are fine as soon as i upgrade to wp 3.5 i have encountered this problem on numerous sites?

so should i ask my host to change permission on my uploads folder or tmp folder to align with the permissions i have set up in cpanel?

I’m having the same issue. Can’t update my WP or any plugins. Running WP 3.5 and have followed the suggestions above of changing permissions and followed what yosukehasumi suggested. Still no go. Super frustrating and my host is of absolutely no help. They think it’s a WP issue. Any other suggestions would be much appreciated.

This worked for me also

/* Setup a temporary folder for uploading and updating */
define( 'WP_TEMP_DIR', ABSPATH . 'wp-content/tmp/') ;

Thx