VBA & Macro Problems

How to Fix VBA HTTP.Send Fails When Downloading Files

Maira Mehtab Sep 27, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user is attempting to download a file using VBA and MSXML2.XMLHTTP but encounters a failure specifically at the HTTP.Send method.

Product: VBA (Excel/Office)
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Automating file downloads from a web URL using a VBA macro.
Observed behavior: The macro execution stops or throws an error at the HTTP.Send line, preventing the file download due to potential blob URL usage, server restrictions, or network security policies blocking the request.

Before you start

Verify that the target URL is a valid, publicly accessible HTTPS file link and test if you can manually open and download it in your default web browser.

Solution 1Recommended

Replace Blob URLs with Direct HTTPS File URLs

Blob URLs are tied to specific browser sessions and will cause HTTP.Send to fail. You must use the direct, underlying file URL.

A blob URL (starting with 'blob:') is generated temporarily for a specific web browser session. MSXML2.XMLHTTP runs outside the browser and cannot access these session-specific files.

Identify the real URL

Right-click the download link or button on the target website in your browser, select 'Copy link address', and ensure the copied URL starts with 'https://' and not 'blob:'.

Update your VBA script

Paste the direct HTTPS URL into the URL string variable of your VBA macro, ensuring it is passed correctly to the XMLHTTP.Open method.

Test accessibility

Open a new incognito or private browsing window and paste the URL to confirm it downloads the file without relying on your active browser session.

Direct Link Verified: Using a direct, authenticated HTTPS link is the most reliable way to ensure MSXML2.XMLHTTP requests succeed.

Solution 2

Add Required Headers and Handle Authentication

Some servers reject automated requests that are missing standard browser headers, cookies, or authentication details.

Solution 3

Troubleshoot Network Security and Firewall Policies

Local system firewalls or enterprise domain security policies often block VBA from initiating external network requests.

WPS Macro Support

Run VBA Macros Seamlessly in WPS Office

WPS Office provides robust support for VBA and macros, allowing you to automate tasks like file downloads just as you would in Microsoft Office. With high compatibility, executing and troubleshooting your existing VBA scripts is smooth and efficient.

1. Open your spreadsheet: Launch WPS Office and open your macro-enabled spreadsheet (.xlsm).
2. Access the Developer tab: Navigate to the 'Developer' tab located on the top ribbon menu.
3. Open the VBA Editor: Click on 'Visual Basic' or 'Macros' to open the built-in VBA editor.
4. Run your script: Paste your corrected XMLHTTP download script into the module and click the 'Run' button.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsm) macro formatsBuilt-in VBA editor for writing, editing, and debugging scriptsLightweight, fast execution of automated tasksClear error reporting to help identify HTTP and syntax issues

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the file download work in my browser but fail in VBA with HTTP.Send?

Web browsers automatically handle cookies, active sessions, and redirects. MSXML2.XMLHTTP in VBA does not automatically apply these. If the file requires an active login session or redirects that drop authentication, the VBA request will be denied or fail at HTTP.Send.

Can I download a blob URL using VBA?

No. A blob URL (Binary Large Object) is created dynamically for a specific browser session and exists only in the browser's memory. You cannot download it via MSXML2.XMLHTTP. You must locate the underlying server file URL to automate the download.

How do I know if my network is blocking the VBA download?

If you replace your target URL with a known safe, public file link (like a generic image from a reliable server) and it successfully downloads, your network allows VBA downloads. The failure with your specific URL is likely due to domain restrictions, firewall rules, or anti-bot measures on the target server.

Excel & Data Problems