temporary internet files

Question

hi guys, i have 40 subfolders (with alphanumeric names like 89ABCDEF) in the C:\windows\temporary internet files\content.IE5

if i try to delete any of these subfolders i get a warning "this a system folder. If you delete it, windows or another program may not work correctly."

shld i still go ahead and delete these subfolders? they have files worth 1GB. its such a space drain. thanks nids

I am running windows ME on Inspiron 8000.

Flooby · Answer

I delete the contents of the subfolders (not the subfolders themselves) on a regular basis, although Disk Cleanup won't do the job, even with all the options checked, and manual pruning from within Windows isn't a real good idea.  The safest way to do this is to first run a disk cleanup with all the options checked, then boot to the WinME boot floppy, and change directories so that you're at the root C: prompt.  At the C:\ prompt, type:deltree C:\windows	empor~1 (note the space between deltree and C) and press Enter.  You'll get a prompt asking you to confirm the deletion - type y for Yes, and press Enter.  Depending on how many temporary files you've allowed to accumulate and the size of your drive, the process can take anywhere from a second or two to a half hour or more.  When it's finished, you'll be returned to a C:\ prompt and a blinking cursor.  Wait for this, remove the boot floppy, and press Ctrl-Alt-Del to restart.  There may be one or two files in 1 or more of the folders, but the majority of them will be gone, and only the ones that should be there will remain. I do this at least once a month on 9x systems, as well as both immediately before and after any significant installations, like Office, Internet Explorer upgrades, etc. Message Edited by Flooby on 04-07-2004 09:37 PM

T Morris · Answer

MIDS-  Flooby:  I was about to post a message asking for help on Temporary Internet Files.  I had 6,197 files and 5 Folders and couldn't figure it all out and then I read your Thread.  I accidentally found out how to delete the 6197 files.  I right clicked on Internet Explorer:  Click Properties:  Click  Delete files in Temporary Internet Files:  A window came up.  Delete Files.  Checked box that says 'Delete all off line Contents.  Click O.K.:  It cleaned up all of the 6197 files except 13 files and 5 folders.  It scares me to death to hit that Delete Button because it has caused me a lot of trouble.  I have no idea as to what I deleted but my computer seems to be running fine.  Have been on line, did some Words work, played a couple of CD and just  sitting here feeling like a PRO, until something blows up. It aint good to get an OLD MAN this charged up.  I want to thank all of you Great People here on the Forum for you past Help and I'm sure your future help                                                 T Morris

Sput · Answer

T.... I am assuming in the instructions below you know how to use Windows Explorer to manually delete files and folders.

Delete everything within C:\WINDOWS\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5

including the folders withing content IE5. (they are restablished by windows) Just do not delete Content.IE5.. Do content IE5, first.

Then if there are cookies also within C:\WINDOWS\Temporary Internet Files\ first delete everthing in the content ie5 folder, then select only the cookies themselves, delete, be sure to leave the Content .IE5 folder...this folder needs to remain.

Message Edited by Sput on 04-24-2004 12:04 PM

nids · Answer

yes, deleting offline content takes care of it all! thanks flooby and sput.

Windows General

temporary internet files

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