My Download Link Gives Me a Webpage Instead of a CSV File

If clicking the Download link on a report saves a file that won't open properly in Excel — and especially if opening it in a text editor shows HTML code (text starting with <!DOCTYPE html> or full of <div>, <script> tags, etc.) instead of your data — your browser is saving the report page itself rather than the actual CSV file.

This is a browser-specific issue rather than a problem with the report. Try these steps in order:

Step 1: Try a Different Browser

The fastest way to confirm this is browser-related: open TrainingLink in a different browser (e.g., if you normally use Edge, try Chrome or Firefox) and click Download again.

If it works correctly in the other browser → the issue is with your original browser's settings or extensions (continue to Step 2).
If it still saves as a webpage → contact TrainingLink Support, since this points to something else.

Step 2: Disable Browser Extensions

Ad blockers, download managers, "Save as PDF," and some antivirus/security browser extensions can intercept file downloads and save the wrong content.

Open your browser's extensions menu (in Chrome: Settings > Extensions, or type chrome://extensions in the address bar).
Temporarily disable extensions one at a time, especially ad blockers, download managers, or security toolbars.
After disabling each one, try the Download link again.

Step 3: Clear Your Browser Cache

A stale cached version of the page can sometimes interfere with how downloads are handled.

Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + Delete (Mac).
Select Cached images and files.
Clear the cache.
Close and reopen your browser, then try the download again.

Step 4: Check Your Download Settings

Some browsers have a setting that opens downloadable files in a viewer/preview window instead of saving them as files.

Go to your browser's Settings > Downloads.
Make sure "Ask where to save each file" or similar is enabled, and that there's no setting forcing files to open in-browser.

If None of These Resolve It

Please contact TrainingLink Support and let us know:

Which browser and version you're using
Whether you're on a work/managed computer (your IT department may have settings or software affecting downloads)
The result of Step 1 (did a different browser work?)

This helps us pinpoint the cause faster.