Temporary Internet Files

XRaptor · Mar 15, 2009

Hello, Last days I found, that system changed default location of TIF to path:
C:\Users\[USER]\AppData\Local\Temp\Temporary Internet Files

But that's wrong, before it was:
C:\Users\[USER]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files

If I want to change it back - Move folder in IE settings doesn't work. I have no idea why it was changed, or what program did it, but it is really annoying, because all cookies, history and temp files are now in my TEMP directory.

Shell folders in registry are ok, byt destination is still wrong. Fresh install of OS (in virtual machine) is ok. Anyone knows solution?

DrWho · Mar 18, 2009

Have you not found out yet that windows likes to hide its little trinkets in various places?

You can usually find TIF's in at least three different folders.

I wrote a batch file in XP to remove all the junk files from all of XP's little hiding places. That batch file is nearly forty lines long.

Without such a program, you'll probably find MS's "Disk Cleanup" to be very helpful. Run it in Extended mode for an even better cleanup.
here's the shortcut to run Disk Cleanup in extended mode.

%SystemRoot%\System32\Cmd.exe /c Cleanmgr /sageset:35 & Cleanmgr /sagerun:35

Just copy and paste this shortcut into a NEW desktop shortcut and run it for a much improved cleanup of your HD.
When selecting items for the program to remove, its safe to select anything but "Setup Logs". leave those alone.

Good Luck,
The Doctor

Jacee · Mar 18, 2009

It's easier to just type cleanmgr in the start 'search' box
Or, you could use ATF Cleaner ... don't check "prefetch", but check everything else as needed.
ATF Cleaner http://www.atribune.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=25&Itemid=25

(This does work on Vista and Windows 7 32bit for sure)

DrWho · Mar 18, 2009

Don't just blow something off if you've not tried it.

With MY shortcut, you don't have to type anything.
All you have to do is click the Extended Cleanup icon on your desktop.

Running 'cleanmgr' will get you almost nowhere into cleaning up all the junk on your HD. You'll get a little short menu of things to remove. It's hardly worth your time.

Using the Extended Cleanup, you will have the options to remove MUCH MORE of the junk that windows stores up on the HD.

I'm NOT just a home PC user.....I do this stuff for a living as I've done for the past 19 years. And PC efficiency and security is my speciality.

So try it, before you try to nix it. OK?

The Doctor

XRaptor · Mar 19, 2009

Sorry but I don't want to clean up this directory - I want to move it back to original location. I system variables points to different location than files are, thats bad. History, Cookies and TIF just CAN'T be in TEMP directory. If I will reinstall Windows, it will be ok, but I don't want to do it. There must be way how to fix it or find the problem why it was changed and who did it.

I found the same problem in another diskusion - but no solution:
http://www.eggheadcafe.com/conversation.aspx?messageid=31514446&threadid=31514446

angryman · Mar 19, 2009

Hi XRaptor.

My temp dir is the same as yours is now, C:\Users\[USER]\AppData\Local\Temp\Temporary Internet Files

However, and I think this is where you are confused, the temporary internet directory that holds the cookies is hidden, even with the option to display hidden folders unchecked.

To view follow these instructions:

- On IE8, top right you will see Page, Safety, and Tools beside a little house. Click "Tools" and then "Internet Options".
- In "general" (the first tab opened) you will see in the middle is "browsing history" click the button that says "settings" in that middle section
- Now click "view files" and open a large window, you will see the full path and notice it is in the correct location, with all your cookies.

So, the directories are named the same, but are seperate.

Hope this helps your confusion!

XRaptor · Mar 19, 2009

Hi angryman,

well how to say it

I know where is TIF and other folders correct location. Based on Shell folders settings in registry and in fresh installed system:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders]
Cache="C:\Users\[USER]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files"
Cookies="C:\Users\[USER]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies"
History="C:\Users\[USER]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\History"

That is ok, but all files are in my TEMP directory, so whan I want to see all files here, I see nothing, because "View files" button opens folder "C:\Users\[USER]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files"

I thought I wrote it clearly in my 1st post. All I want is to find WHERE system process gats wrong directory and WHY all is in TEMP and not in correct location.

So please, don't reply if you can't help me with changing this problem

Thanx

angryman · Mar 19, 2009

XRaptor said:
Hi angryman,

well how to say it I know where is TIF and other folders correct location. Based on Shell folders settings in registry and in fresh installed system:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders]
Cache="C:\Users\[USER]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files"
Cookies="C:\Users\[USER]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies"
History="C:\Users\[USER]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\History"

That is ok, but all files are in my TEMP directory, so whan I want to see all files here, I see nothing, because "View files" button opens folder "C:\Users\[USER]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files"

I thought I wrote it clearly in my 1st post. All I want is to find WHERE system process gats wrong directory and WHY all is in TEMP and not in correct location.

So please, don't reply if you can't help me with changing this problem Thanx

Hi Raptor. No reason to get angry, I am trying to help, I did not misunderstand what you were saying, I just was pointing out there are 2 dir's in your computer for some reason, and was making sure you did not get them mixed up.

There is a similar problem with Windows XP, it could shed some light on this problem:

Each time a user visits a website using Microsoft Internet Explorer, files downloaded with each web page (including html, images, Cascading Style Sheets and JavaScript scripts) are saved to the Temporary Internet Files folder, creating a cache of the web page on the local computer's hard disk, or other form of digital data storage. The next time the user visits the cached website, only changed content needs to be downloaded from the Internet; the unchanged data is available in the cache.
Despite the name 'temporary', the cache of a website remains stored on the hard disk until the user manually clears the cache. This is often regarded as a privacy issue[1] [2] [3], because anyone with access to the computer can view the cache. The contents of the folder are indexed using an index.dat file, a form of database.
On Windows XP, the cache is usually located at %USERPROFILE%\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files (where %USERPROFILE% is an environment variable pointing to the root directory of the logged-in user's user profile). However, the cache may be moved by changing a value in the registry. Occasionally an additional cache named "Temporary Internet Files" may appear in %USERPROFILE%\Local Settings\Temp\Temporary Internet Files. This location can only be deleted by manually accessing the folder and removing it. To date, no satisfactory explanation for the appearance of this directory has been located.
On Windows Vista, the cache for Internet Explorer 7 is usually located at %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Low\Content.IE5 where %LOCALAPPDATA% is an environment variable pointing to %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local (note that the checkbox for 'Hide protected operating system files' under 'Folder Options' must be unchecked and the 'Show hidden files and folders' option enabled for the files to be visible in Windows Explorer). For all other Trident-based applications, the cache is located at %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files. Like on Windows XP, the location of the cache can be changed by moving the folder location in Internet Explorer or by changing a value in the registry.
The Temporary Internet Files cache can be useful in certain situations. For example, if no Internet connection is available, previously cached websites are still available offline. Certain online media files (such as embedded Flash movies) are not easily accessed directly through Internet Explorer, but are automatically saved into the cache after viewing them. Depending on the type of website and how often it is updated, the cached data may not reflect the online version of the website. The cache is also useful for police to collect forensic evidence.
The cache can be cleared by using Internet Options within the Internet Explorer interface, but this method is subject to deletion privacy issues. Many alternative tools exist to erase the data instead.

This is from Temporary Internet Files - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Feel free to give it a read. I would suggest deleting the C:\Users\[USER]\AppData\Local\Temp\Temporary Internet Files dir, and reboot, see if that fixes the problem, just move all the files in it, if you want to keep them, to the correct DIR.

XRaptor · Mar 20, 2009

Hi, sorry, I didn't want to be rude.

I know what is on Wiki, but I don't think it is ok. I'm working with computers many years and it is my primary job, but I never saw this strange thing, with Temp directory. Tell me what do you think - is it ok, when system variables points to 1 location and system itself is using another wrong location? I don't think so. This happen somehow and I want to know what application or update or something did it, because it IS something like bug or system error.

If I want to move TIF directory (Move folder button), it doesn't work. If I can delete TIF and others in Temp, it can't be done, because of SYSTEM process. It can be removed only in safe mode, but after reboot all is back.

OS is using wrong directories and not directories set in system variables. So coorect folders contains no files. That's not ok, it's wrong. And based on everything I found on internet, only way how to fix it is reinstall system. So it is really strange.

angryman · Mar 20, 2009

Yes I agree, especially considering we can't find any fix for this online other then to just "delete" it. Either way, that would be my bet, sometimes deleting a file path corrects the issue, without the need to reinstall.

I am assuming you already sent feedback to microsoft about this problem? Maybe if you leave your email they will email you indicating why this happens, as it seems even the almighty google doesn't have the answer!

Anyway, good luck, hopefully someone else comes along that was more help then I was!

jollymoon · Oct 24, 2009

I too have a need to access the Temporary Internet Files folders...to view versions of prototype, scriptalicious, mootools, etc.
I am using Windows 7 with IE 8 and would like to view my cached files, graphics, javascript files, etc.
All of the places I have been able to search out suggest that the folder resides in:
C:/users/USERname/appData/local/microsoft/windows/TemporaryInternetFiles/ BUT mine is blank...as well as all of the other permutations of "temporary internet files" that can be seen with windows explorer.
Where are the temp internet files located and why make it so hard to see them? In winxp with IE8 you could move the folder to a location of your choice...Win7 allows this but there are only icon files.

I have administrator permissions with only one account on my system and all hidden files, extentions are unchecked in the TOOLS/InternetOptions/Advanced/
Does anyone have the exact path of all of the temporary internet files?

logicearth · Oct 24, 2009

C:\Users\[USERNAME]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5

If it is empty then it means it is empty.

MacGyvr · Oct 24, 2009

XRaptor said:
Hi, sorry, I didn't want to be rude.

I know what is on Wiki, but I don't think it is ok. I'm working with computers many years and it is my primary job, but I never saw this strange thing, with Temp directory. Tell me what do you think - is it ok, when system variables points to 1 location and system itself is using another wrong location? I don't think so. This happen somehow and I want to know what application or update or something did it, because it IS something like bug or system error.

If I want to move TIF directory (Move folder button), it doesn't work. If I can delete TIF and others in Temp, it can't be done, because of SYSTEM process. It can be removed only in safe mode, but after reboot all is back.

OS is using wrong directories and not directories set in system variables. So coorect folders contains no files. That's not ok, it's wrong. And based on everything I found on internet, only way how to fix it is reinstall system. So it is really strange.

You keep referring to system variables. What do system variables have to do with the TIF location? If you are referring to the variables TMP and TEMP, they do not control TIF in any way.

oldspook · Oct 25, 2009

Utilities and applets in Win 7

Is there a list of the Utility programs and applets included with Windows 7?

MacGyvr · Oct 25, 2009

oldspook said:
Is there a list of the Utility programs and applets included with Windows 7?

Not sure what you're looking for...does this pertain to the topic?

jollymoon · Oct 25, 2009

Temporary Internet Files Folder Location Windows 7

logicearth said:
C:\Users\[USERNAME]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5

If it is empty then it means it is empty.

Brilliant, logicearth, just brilliant.

We know it is empty...so where are the files?? They gotta be somewhere for your browser to display them on your local computer's monitor?? Surely 500+ posts would give a person a little insight ...

logicearth · Oct 25, 2009

They are located in memory then displayed on the monitor. They are then stored on the HDD for later visits. And right where I pointed at is where they are stored on the HDD. You see if it is empty it is empty. There is no other place they would be. Maybe you are the one who needs the insight? Hmm?

zigzag3143 · Oct 25, 2009

jollymoon said:
logicearth said:

C:\Users\[USERNAME]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5

If it is empty then it means it is empty.

Click to expand...

Brilliant, logicearth, just brilliant.

We know it is empty...so where are the files?? They gotta be somewhere for your browser to display them on your local computer's monitor?? Surely 500+ posts would give a person a little insight ...

Jolly

I know you are frustrated but He is trying to help. He is also in fact correct. That is exactly and precisely where the IE temp files are located. could it be that you are in fact looking for somethins else?

Ken

jollymoon · Oct 26, 2009

I am sorry that I am not as brilliant as you are.

If they are stored in memory and then LATER put into the directory you suggest, then why didn't you just say that...oh person of great insight that has 500+ posts?

If they ARE saved in that directory, and it is empty, WHEN exactly does IE8 dump the Temp Internet Files to this directory from memory???

Would be nice to know for all us with less knowledge...

jollymoon · Oct 26, 2009

Windows 7, Internet Explorer 8 and temp internet files

C:\Users\[USERNAME]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5

Frustration is a factor. If someone is trying to help and has that kind of knowledge, then it would be really nice for them to share it. I think I speak for all who read these posts and have the same kinds of issues. They come here for help.

My directory as listed above is STILL empty. I even checked after I closed the browser to see if there were any files there. NADA.

One website suggested there is another hidden directory called "Low" that comes before "Content.IE5" mine is still empty.

And yes, I did miss the direction of the backslashes \ versus / tried both and still this directory is empty.

So where am I wrong? Why can you and logicearth see the files and not me. Is it just me "looking for something else" or could it be that the "helpers" are not, in fact, correct??

Just looking for a little help here. Several other websites I have checked have no answer either. Still looking.....

Thanks for at least trying...

Jolly

I know you are frustrated but He is trying to help. He is also in fact correct. That is exactly and precisely where the IE temp files are located. could it be that you are in fact looking for somethins else?

Ken

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