.htaccess

[#1]

I want to modify my htaccess file to relect a new path, so I used my ftp program to download it but can't see it in the download folder. Am I missing something, why cannot I not see this file?

[#2]

Possibly because it is treated as a hidden file since its name begins with a dot. In this case you need to select something like 'show hidden files'.
On Windows systems naming the file htaccess.txt can make life easier. Then rename it to .htaccess once it has been transferred to the server.

[#3]

I am using Windows 7 ultimate x32 and I have show hidden files. As I said I downloaded my existing .htaccess file from the site to amend it but it does not show up in the download folder. Even tried to rename the file on the folder in the web site as you suggested to no avail. Do I have to re-create this file again?

[#4]

You could try opening a command console, navigating to the downlad folder and typing:
attrib .*
... and see if that shows it up.