temporary internet files

[Jim Schmidt]

I'd like to know about temporarty internet files in: Documents and
settings\<my name>\Local settings\Temporary Internet
Files\Content.IE5\ \.

I didn't know these files existed until I glanced at the monitor
during a virus scan. Even with viewing hidden files and folders
enabled, only the path down to Temporary Internet Files is displayed
in Windows Explorer. Clicking properties on that folder tells me
there are over 78,000 files contained/over 40MB. This is after
cookies have been deleted.

What are these files? Why do I need 78,000 on my computer? Why are
they inaccessible? If I'm using IE6, why is there an IE5 content
folder? How can I delete these files, or perhaps prevent them from
accumulating?

Thanks,
Jim Schmidt

[Ronnie Vernon MVP]

Jim Schmidt wrote:
> I'd like to know about temporarty internet files in: Documents and
> settings\<my name>\Local settings\Temporary Internet
> Files\Content.IE5\ \.
>
> I didn't know these files existed until I glanced at the monitor
> during a virus scan. Even with viewing hidden files and folders
> enabled, only the path down to Temporary Internet Files is displayed
> in Windows Explorer. Clicking properties on that folder tells me
> there are over 78,000 files contained/over 40MB. This is after
> cookies have been deleted.
>
> What are these files? Why do I need 78,000 on my computer? Why are
> they inaccessible? If I'm using IE6, why is there an IE5 content
> folder? How can I delete these files, or perhaps prevent them from
> accumulating?
>
> Thanks,
> Jim Schmidt

Jim

The TIF folder has always been a source of consternation for IE users since
IE4 was released. This folder has special properties that are geared mainly
toward security. They contain all of the many files that make up each and
every website you have visited. Every little button, line, image, code and
everything else the webpage contains. When you revisit a webpage, it will
load faster because most of the files are already loaded from the TIF.

You can control the size by going into Tools/Internet Options/General tab of
IE. Click the Settings button in the TIF properties. Set the amount of disk
space you want to allocate for this cache. When the size approaches this
limit, files will be deleted to make room for the new files. You can also
set other behaviors in this dialog. Back on the General tab, you can delete
the files with that button.

--
Ronnie Vernon
Microsoft MVP
Windows Shell/User

Associate Expert
ExpertZone - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
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[Jim Schmidt]

Ronnie,
Thanks for the tip on reducing the size of the cache. The 'delete
temporary files' doesn't affect these files on my computer. 'Delete
cookies' does work. I've used these buttons regularly.
Jim

[Jim Schmidt]

Clicking 'delete TIF' again, I noticed and checked the 'delete offline
content' box, and that made a difference. 40MB of files was knocked
down to 832K.
Jim