[b]Was my Temporary Internet Files folder "hijacked"?[/b] 2

[oscarb]

I often clear out my Temporary Internet Files folder (several times a day). Yesterday, the folder was empty, which was obviously strange. I opened several browser (I.E. 6) windows and then checked again. The Temporary Internet Files folder was still empty.

After a lot of searching and finding nothing, I rebooted and everything seems fine. But what was going on?

Before and after the problem, this was my setting:

Current location: C:\Documents and Settings\Me\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files
During the problem, this was my setting:

Current location: C:\DOCUME~1\Me\LOCALS~1\Temp Internet Files
I could not find the folder referenced above.

If you have a minute, please let me know what was going on. Thank you.

 

[bcastner]

I am not exactly sure what is going on, it sounds as if the index.dat file was unavailable. Kelly Theriot notes:

The Temporary Internet files aren't really files but entries in %systemdrive%\Documents and Settings\%username%\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\index.dat. Deleting that file solves the problem.

Exit IE and Windows Explorer (iexplore.exe and explorer.exe, respectively, using Task Manager). Use the following command from a command prompt to delete the file:

Type in cd.. enter, cd.. enter then paste this line:
del "%userprofile%\local settings\temporary internet files\content.ie5
Use File, New Task, explorer.exe to re-enable your desktop when done.

You might consider this freeware tool to automate the deletion of your TIF cache:

http://www.danish-shareware.dk/soft/emptemp/index.html

 

[oscarb]

Thank you. Also, I looked at your profile. Your FAQ about slow logins to W2K Domains is excellent. I will read the rest of your FAQs, too.

 

[bcastner]

oscarb,

Thank you for the nice comments.

Bill Castner