diff --git a/modules/file/file.module b/modules/file/file.module
index a9d35d5..c498cc1 100644
--- a/modules/file/file.module
+++ b/modules/file/file.module
@@ -141,15 +141,6 @@ function file_file_download($uri, $field_type = 'file') {
   // Find out which (if any) fields of this type contain the file.
   $references = file_get_file_references($file, NULL, FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT, $field_type);
 
-  // Stop processing if there are no references in order to avoid returning
-  // headers for files controlled by other modules. Make an exception for
-  // temporary files where the host entity has not yet been saved (for example,
-  // an image preview on a node/add form) in which case, allow download by the
-  // file's owner.
-  if (empty($references) && ($file->status == FILE_STATUS_PERMANENT || $file->uid != $user->uid)) {
-      return;
-  }
-
   // Default to allow access.
   $denied = FALSE;
   // Loop through all references of this file. If a reference explicitly allows