HDtracks download manager...

[One and a half]

I find that using IE for HD tracks a total mess as you describe.

 

Google Chrome I know of downloads the hdtracks.jnlp as a normal file. Double click this file and HD tracks manager starts up right away.

 

Some time ago I researched this issue to fix in IE and it got too hard and complex to find an easy solution. If you keep your JAVA up to date for Win7, and use perhaps any other browser than IE9, you should have better luck.

 

It's a pain to have two browsers, but I've grown accustomed to Chrome and it's now preferred option. Some apps only work with IE, (CISCO router management software for one), so I can't get rid of it completely.

 

[One and a half]

Different countries have different VAT percentages. VPNing into a different country to download is tax fraud.

If I fly to the USA, and take my computer with me, the purchase is legal. With a VPN, I save the cost of the airfare, still buying product with money, not stealing or torrent methods.