temp internet folder cookies listing

[Guest]

Please help.
The listing of cookies that used to be in my temp internet folder has
disappeared. Since all the cookies placed on my computer do not show up in
the "cookie folder," I have used the temp internet folder to find and delete
them. How can I restore the listing of cookies in the temp internet folder?
Thanks, in advance.

 

[PA Bear]

How do you know they've disappeared?

How do you know they were really there in the first place?

1. Enable Show Hidden Files and Folders under Start > Control Panel > Folder
Options > View.

2. Now, in Windows Explorer, do you see C:\Documents and
Settings\[username]\Cookies <=this folder?

 

[Guest]

Thanks for replying. I've responded below after each of your questions:

How do you know they've disappeared?

When I click on IE -> Tools -> Internet Options -> Temp Internet files ->
Settings -> View Files -> Temporary Internet Files, there is a long list of
file names and internet addresses, at the beginning of which, after
"?CodeDownloadErrorLog!name={...}", have always been a number of "cookie"
addresses. There is now not a single "cookie" listing, even though I know
that there are cookies on my computer. (They show up in the
"C:\WINDOWS\Cookies" folder.) That is what I meant when I wrote that the
cookies no longer appear in the Temp Internet Folder.

How do you know they were really there in the first place?

I have always seen them there. Are you having a joke at my expense?

1. Enable Show Hidden Files and Folders under Start > Control Panel > Folder
Options > View.

Okay. Done.

2. Now, in Windows Explorer, do you see C:\Documents and
Settings\[username]\Cookies <=this folder?

This folder is, and has always been, empty except for a file entitled
"index/DAT File/16 KB".

So, my question remains. How can I restore the listing of cookies in the
temp internet folder?

 

[Newbie Coder]

Lili,

You cannot restore cookies. Just go to the same sites again & they will
re-download. Just remember to login if you wish for them to save
username/password

Is your Internet Cache damaged or moved?

Open Internet Explorer
Tools menu | Internet Options
General tab, click the Settings button & click View Files

It will tell you the current location above that button where the cache is
located

Post back please

--
Newbie Coder
(It's just a name)

Thanks for replying. I've responded below after each of your questions:

How do you know they've disappeared?

When I click on IE -> Tools -> Internet Options -> Temp Internet files ->
Settings -> View Files -> Temporary Internet Files, there is a long list of
file names and internet addresses, at the beginning of which, after
"?CodeDownloadErrorLog!name={...}", have always been a number of "cookie"
addresses. There is now not a single "cookie" listing, even though I know
that there are cookies on my computer. (They show up in the
"C:\WINDOWS\Cookies" folder.) That is what I meant when I wrote that the
cookies no longer appear in the Temp Internet Folder.

How do you know they were really there in the first place?

I have always seen them there. Are you having a joke at my expense?

1. Enable Show Hidden Files and Folders under Start > Control Panel > Folder
Options > View.

Okay. Done.

2. Now, in Windows Explorer, do you see C:\Documents and
Settings\[username]\Cookies <=this folder?

This folder is, and has always been, empty except for a file entitled
"index/DAT File/16 KB".

So, my question remains. How can I restore the listing of cookies in the
temp internet folder?

 

[PA Bear]

Are you having a joke at my expense?

No, just asking diagnostic questions.

...There is now not a single "cookie" listing, even though I know
that there are cookies on my computer. (They show up in the
"C:\WINDOWS\Cookies" folder.)

Are you running WinXP SP2, fully patched at Windows Update? If so, did you
upgrade to WinXP from an earlier Windows version?

This folder is, and has always been, empty except for a file entitled
"index/DAT File/16 KB".

Do you have any sort of "Registry cleaner" or security application (e.g.,
anti-virus; anti-spyware; security suite) installed and loading at boot that
may be deleting Temporary Internet Files and/or Cookies?

IE Tools > Internet Options > Temporary Internet Files [TIF] > Settings >
View files Windows Explorer open to C:\Documents and
Settings\[username]\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files <=this folder?

If not:

What is the address?

Have you ever changed the location of your TIF folder by clicking on the
"Move Folder" button? [Just asking; not a suggestion or recommendation to do
so]
--
~PA Bear

Thanks for replying. I've responded below after each of your questions:

How do you know they've disappeared?

When I click on IE -> Tools -> Internet Options -> Temp Internet files ->
Settings -> View Files -> Temporary Internet Files, there is a long list
of
file names and internet addresses, at the beginning of which, after
"?CodeDownloadErrorLog!name={...}", have always been a number of "cookie"
addresses. There is now not a single "cookie" listing, even though I know
that there are cookies on my computer. (They show up in the
"C:\WINDOWS\Cookies" folder.) That is what I meant when I wrote that the
cookies no longer appear in the Temp Internet Folder.

How do you know they were really there in the first place?

I have always seen them there. Are you having a joke at my expense?

1. Enable Show Hidden Files and Folders under Start > Control Panel >
Folder Options > View.

Okay. Done.

2. Now, in Windows Explorer, do you see C:\Documents and
Settings\[username]\Cookies <=this folder?

This folder is, and has always been, empty except for a file entitled
"index/DAT File/16 KB".

So, my question remains. How can I restore the listing of cookies in the
temp internet folder?

 

[Guest]

Thank you for your help.

Are you running WinXP SP2, fully patched at Windows Update? If so, did you
upgrade to WinXP from an earlier Windows version?

I am running WinXP SP1, fully patched at Windows Update. My computer came
pre-loaded with XP SP1.

Do you have any sort of "Registry cleaner" or security application (e.g.,
anti-virus; anti-spyware; security suite) installed and loading at boot that
may be deleting Temporary Internet Files and/or Cookies?

I have Norton anti-virus, Ad-aware, and Spybot installed, but they run only
when I instruct them to do so. They have been on my computer all along, and
I have made no changes in the way they load or run. There has been no
deletion of which I am aware in the Temporary Internet Files folder other
than the listing of Cookies. However, Cookies are still being installed on
my computer, because I find them in the "C:\WINDOWS\Cookies" folder (though
not in the "C:\Documents and

Settings\[username]\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files <=this folder" that you mention).

BTW, I do not want the cookies; I want to know that they are present so that
I can delete them. The only complete listing that I have found is the one
that has, until recently, appeared in the TIF folder.

IE Tools > Internet Options > Temporary Internet Files [TIF] > Settings >
View files Windows Explorer open to C:\Documents and
Settings\[username]\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files <=this folder?

Yes; this is the folder to which I am referring.

Have you ever changed the location of your TIF folder by clicking on the
"Move Folder" button? [Just asking; not a suggestion or recommendation to do
so]

No. It is where it has always been.

I appreciate your efforts to sort this out.

Lili

Thanks for replying. I've responded below after each of your questions:

How do you know they've disappeared?

When I click on IE -> Tools -> Internet Options -> Temp Internet files ->
Settings -> View Files -> Temporary Internet Files, there is a long list
of
file names and internet addresses, at the beginning of which, after
"?CodeDownloadErrorLog!name={...}", have always been a number of "cookie"
addresses. There is now not a single "cookie" listing, even though I know
that there are cookies on my computer. (They show up in the
"C:\WINDOWS\Cookies" folder.) That is what I meant when I wrote that the
cookies no longer appear in the Temp Internet Folder.

How do you know they were really there in the first place?

I have always seen them there. Are you having a joke at my expense?

1. Enable Show Hidden Files and Folders under Start > Control Panel >
Folder Options > View.

Okay. Done.

2. Now, in Windows Explorer, do you see C:\Documents and
Settings\[username]\Cookies <=this folder?

This folder is, and has always been, empty except for a file entitled
"index/DAT File/16 KB".

So, my question remains. How can I restore the listing of cookies in the
temp internet folder?

--
lili wrote:
Please help.
The listing of cookies that used to be in my temp internet folder has
disappeared. Since all the cookies placed on my computer do not show up
in
the "cookie folder," I have used the temp internet folder to find and
delete
them. How can I restore the listing of cookies in the temp internet
folder?
Thanks, in advance.

 

[Guest]

Thank you for your response. Please see below:

Lili,

You cannot restore cookies. Just go to the same sites again & they will
re-download. Just remember to login if you wish for them to save
username/password

I do not want to restore cookies. I want to delete them, in order to do
which, I need to know that they are present and to see them listed somewhere.
That "somewhere" has always - until recently - been in the TIF folder
(IE>Tools>Internet Options>Temporary Internet files Settings>View
Files>Temporary Internet Files [C:\Documents and Settings\[user name]\Local
Settings\Temporary Internet Files]).

Is your Internet Cache damaged or moved?

Open Internet Explorer
Tools menu | Internet Options
General tab, click the Settings button & click View Files

It will tell you the current location above that button where the cache is
located

Not moved. How would I know if it is damaged?

Post back please

I appreciate your efforts to help sort this out. Thanks for any further
assistance.

Lili

--
Newbie Coder
(It's just a name)

Thanks for replying. I've responded below after each of your questions:

How do you know they've disappeared?

When I click on IE -> Tools -> Internet Options -> Temp Internet files ->
Settings -> View Files -> Temporary Internet Files, there is a long list of
file names and internet addresses, at the beginning of which, after
"?CodeDownloadErrorLog!name={...}", have always been a number of "cookie"
addresses. There is now not a single "cookie" listing, even though I know
that there are cookies on my computer. (They show up in the
"C:\WINDOWS\Cookies" folder.) That is what I meant when I wrote that the
cookies no longer appear in the Temp Internet Folder.

How do you know they were really there in the first place?

I have always seen them there. Are you having a joke at my expense?

1. Enable Show Hidden Files and Folders under Start > Control Panel > Folder
Options > View.

Okay. Done.

2. Now, in Windows Explorer, do you see C:\Documents and
Settings\[username]\Cookies <=this folder?

This folder is, and has always been, empty except for a file entitled
"index/DAT File/16 KB".

So, my question remains. How can I restore the listing of cookies in the
temp internet folder?

--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-Windows (IE, OE, Security, Shell/User)
AumHa VSOP & Admin; DTS-L.org

lili wrote:
Please help.
The listing of cookies that used to be in my temp internet folder has
disappeared. Since all the cookies placed on my computer do not show up in
the "cookie folder," I have used the temp internet folder to find and
delete
them. How can I restore the listing of cookies in the temp internet
folder?
Thanks, in advance.

 

[Guest]

Thanks so much for your response. I posted a reply, but it appears to have
come through blank! So, here is a reconstruction:

Are you running WinXP SP2, fully patched at Windows Update? If so, did you
upgrade to WinXP from an earlier Windows version?

I am running WinXP SP1, fully patched at Windows Update. XP SP1 came
pre-loaded on my computer.

Do you have any sort of "Registry cleaner" or security application (e.g.,
anti-virus; anti-spyware; security suite) installed and loading at boot that
may be deleting Temporary Internet Files and/or Cookies?

I have Norton Anti-Virus, Ad-aware, and Spybot loaded. They have been on my
computer all along. Other than installing their updates, I have made no
changes in any of them. They run only when I instruct them to do so. The
only thing missing (of which I am aware) from the Temporary Internet Files
folder is the list of Cookies on my computer. Some of the Cookies (usually
only the more benign ones) show up in the following folder: "C:\Documents and
Settings\********\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files."

IE Tools > Internet Options > Temporary Internet Files [TIF] > Settings >

View files Windows Explorer open to C:\Documents and
Settings\[username]\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files <=this folder?

Yes. This is the folder to which I am referring.

Have you ever changed the location of your TIF folder by clicking on the
"Move Folder" button? [Just asking; not a suggestion or recommendation to do
so]

No. Never.

Thank you so much for your efforts to sort this out. I appreciate all the
help that you can offer.

Lili

Thanks for replying. I've responded below after each of your questions:

How do you know they've disappeared?

When I click on IE -> Tools -> Internet Options -> Temp Internet files ->
Settings -> View Files -> Temporary Internet Files, there is a long list
of
file names and internet addresses, at the beginning of which, after
"?CodeDownloadErrorLog!name={...}", have always been a number of "cookie"
addresses. There is now not a single "cookie" listing, even though I know
that there are cookies on my computer. (They show up in the
"C:\WINDOWS\Cookies" folder.) That is what I meant when I wrote that the
cookies no longer appear in the Temp Internet Folder.

How do you know they were really there in the first place?

I have always seen them there. Are you having a joke at my expense?

1. Enable Show Hidden Files and Folders under Start > Control Panel >
Folder Options > View.

Okay. Done.

2. Now, in Windows Explorer, do you see C:\Documents and
Settings\[username]\Cookies <=this folder?

This folder is, and has always been, empty except for a file entitled
"index/DAT File/16 KB".

So, my question remains. How can I restore the listing of cookies in the
temp internet folder?

--
lili wrote:
Please help.
The listing of cookies that used to be in my temp internet folder has
disappeared. Since all the cookies placed on my computer do not show up
in
the "cookie folder," I have used the temp internet folder to find and
delete
them. How can I restore the listing of cookies in the temp internet
folder?
Thanks, in advance.

 

[Guest]

Oops! My pasting was a step off. Please disregard my previous response and
refer to this one, instead:

Thanks so much for your response. I posted a reply, but it appears to have
come through blank! So, here is a reconstruction:

Are you running WinXP SP2, fully patched at Windows Update? If so, did you
upgrade to WinXP from an earlier Windows version?

I am running WinXP SP1, fully patched at Windows Update. XP SP1 came
pre-loaded on my computer.

Do you have any sort of "Registry cleaner" or security application (e.g.,
anti-virus; anti-spyware; security suite) installed and loading at boot that
may be deleting Temporary Internet Files and/or Cookies?

I have Norton Anti-Virus, Ad-aware, and Spybot loaded. They have been on my
computer all along. Other than installing their updates, I have made no
changes in any of them. They run only when I instruct them to do so. The
only thing missing (of which I am aware) from the Temporary Internet Files
folder is the list of Cookies on my computer. Some of the Cookies (usually
only the more benign ones) show up in the following folder:
"C:\WINDOWS\Cookies."

IE Tools > Internet Options > Temporary Internet Files [TIF] > Settings >

View files Windows Explorer open to C:\Documents and
Settings\[username]\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files <=this folder?

Yes. This is the folder to which I am referring.

Have you ever changed the location of your TIF folder by clicking on the
"Move Folder" button? [Just asking; not a suggestion or recommendation to do
so]

No. Never.

Thank you so much for your efforts to sort this out. I appreciate all the
help that you can offer.

Lili

Thanks for replying. I've responded below after each of your questions:

How do you know they've disappeared?

When I click on IE -> Tools -> Internet Options -> Temp Internet files ->
Settings -> View Files -> Temporary Internet Files, there is a long list
of
file names and internet addresses, at the beginning of which, after
"?CodeDownloadErrorLog!name={...}", have always been a number of "cookie"
addresses. There is now not a single "cookie" listing, even though I know
that there are cookies on my computer. (They show up in the
"C:\WINDOWS\Cookies" folder.) That is what I meant when I wrote that the
cookies no longer appear in the Temp Internet Folder.

How do you know they were really there in the first place?

I have always seen them there. Are you having a joke at my expense?

1. Enable Show Hidden Files and Folders under Start > Control Panel >
Folder Options > View.

Okay. Done.

2. Now, in Windows Explorer, do you see C:\Documents and
Settings\[username]\Cookies <=this folder?

This folder is, and has always been, empty except for a file entitled
"index/DAT File/16 KB".

So, my question remains. How can I restore the listing of cookies in the
temp internet folder?

--
lili wrote:
Please help.
The listing of cookies that used to be in my temp internet folder has
disappeared. Since all the cookies placed on my computer do not show up
in
the "cookie folder," I have used the temp internet folder to find and
delete
them. How can I restore the listing of cookies in the temp internet
folder?
Thanks, in advance.

 

[PA Bear]

I am running WinXP SP1, fully patched at Windows Update. My computer came

pre-loaded with XP SP1.

Sorry, lili, but if you're running WinXP SP1, the machine is *not* fully
patched at Windows Update; in fact it's missing 3 years' worth of critical
security updates. Furthermore, you *must* have WinXP SP2 installed to be
able to install updates (since October 2006).

Please proceed as follows:

1. Run a thorough check for hijackware, including posting your HijackThis
log to an appropriate forum for review.

Check for Hijackware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/Darnit.htm
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/

When all else fails, HijackThis (http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe)
is the preferred tool to use. It will help you to both identify and remove
any hijackware/spyware.

**Post your HijackThis log to http://forums.spywareinfo.com/,
http://castlecops.com/forum67.html, http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30 or
other appropriate forum for expert analysis, not here.**

2. After an expert gives your HijackThis log a clean bill of health, install
WinXP SP2:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=049c9dbe-3b8e-4f30-8245-9e368d3cdb5a

NB: Disable Norton AntiVirus and any Spybot "protections" (i.e., SDHelper;
Tea Timer) *before* installing SP2. After installing SP2, it can take up to
20 minutes or more for the machine to finish rebooting; this is normal.
After the initial reboot, reboot a second time.

References:

What to Know Before Downloading/Installing SP2
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/sp2_whattoknow.mspx

Installing SP2 Step-by-Step
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];xpsp2insthowto

Troubleshooting Your Installation
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];xpsp2insttshoot

WinXP SP2 FAQ: What to do after installing SP2
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;ln;xpsp2installed

Service Pack (any) Installation Checklist (MVP Jupiter Jones)
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm

WinXP SP2-specific Page (MVP Jupiter Jones)
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/xpsp2.htm

The hard disk space requirements for Windows XP Service Pack 2
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=837783

3. Go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com and install all critical updates
offered (75, minimum).

NB: I do *not* recommend installing IE7 via Windows Update or Automatic
Updates!

4. Make certain the Automatic Updates is enabled and configured as you wish.

How to configure and use Automatic Updates in WinXP:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306525

5. Reply to this thread and tell us if C:\Documents and
Settings\[username]\Cookies <=this folder contains and shows your cookies.
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-Windows (IE, OE, Security, Shell/User)
AumHa VSOP & Admin; DTS-L.org

Thank you for your help.

Are you running WinXP SP2, fully patched at Windows Update? If so, did
you
upgrade to WinXP from an earlier Windows version?

I am running WinXP SP1, fully patched at Windows Update. My computer came
pre-loaded with XP SP1.

Do you have any sort of "Registry cleaner" or security application (e.g.,
anti-virus; anti-spyware; security suite) installed and loading at boot
that
may be deleting Temporary Internet Files and/or Cookies?

I have Norton anti-virus, Ad-aware, and Spybot installed, but they run
only
when I instruct them to do so. They have been on my computer all along,
and
I have made no changes in the way they load or run. There has been no
deletion of which I am aware in the Temporary Internet Files folder other
than the listing of Cookies. However, Cookies are still being installed
on
my computer, because I find them in the "C:\WINDOWS\Cookies" folder
(though
not in the "C:\Documents and

Settings\[username]\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files <=this
folder"
that you mention).

BTW, I do not want the cookies; I want to know that they are present so
that
I can delete them. The only complete listing that I have found is the one
that has, until recently, appeared in the TIF folder.

IE Tools > Internet Options > Temporary Internet Files [TIF] > Settings >
View files Windows Explorer open to C:\Documents and
Settings\[username]\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files <=this
folder?

Yes; this is the folder to which I am referring.

Have you ever changed the location of your TIF folder by clicking on the
"Move Folder" button? [Just asking; not a suggestion or recommendation to
do
so]

No. It is where it has always been.

I appreciate your efforts to sort this out.

Lili

Thanks for replying. I've responded below after each of your questions:

:
How do you know they've disappeared?

When I click on IE -> Tools -> Internet Options -> Temp Internet
files ->
Settings -> View Files -> Temporary Internet Files, there is a long list
of
file names and internet addresses, at the beginning of which, after
"?CodeDownloadErrorLog!name={...}", have always been a number of
"cookie"
addresses. There is now not a single "cookie" listing, even though I
know
that there are cookies on my computer. (They show up in the
"C:\WINDOWS\Cookies" folder.) That is what I meant when I wrote that
the
cookies no longer appear in the Temp Internet Folder.

How do you know they were really there in the first place?

I have always seen them there. Are you having a joke at my expense?

1. Enable Show Hidden Files and Folders under Start > Control Panel >
Folder Options > View.

Okay. Done.

2. Now, in Windows Explorer, do you see C:\Documents and
Settings\[username]\Cookies <=this folder?

This folder is, and has always been, empty except for a file entitled
"index/DAT File/16 KB".

So, my question remains. How can I restore the listing of cookies in
the
temp internet folder?
--
lili wrote:
Please help.
The listing of cookies that used to be in my temp internet folder has
disappeared. Since all the cookies placed on my computer do not show
up
in
the "cookie folder," I have used the temp internet folder to find and
delete
them. How can I restore the listing of cookies in the temp internet
folder?
Thanks, in advance.

 

[Guest]

Oh, my!!!

Well, I will follow your directions. Thank you very much. When I have
completed all that you suggest, I will post here again.

Lili

I am running WinXP SP1, fully patched at Windows Update. My computer came
pre-loaded with XP SP1.

Sorry, lili, but if you're running WinXP SP1, the machine is *not* fully
patched at Windows Update; in fact it's missing 3 years' worth of critical
security updates. Furthermore, you *must* have WinXP SP2 installed to be
able to install updates (since October 2006).

Please proceed as follows:

1. Run a thorough check for hijackware, including posting your HijackThis
log to an appropriate forum for review.

Check for Hijackware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/Darnit.htm
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/

When all else fails, HijackThis (http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe)
is the preferred tool to use. It will help you to both identify and remove
any hijackware/spyware.

**Post your HijackThis log to http://forums.spywareinfo.com/,
http://castlecops.com/forum67.html, http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30 or
other appropriate forum for expert analysis, not here.**

2. After an expert gives your HijackThis log a clean bill of health, install
WinXP SP2:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=049c9dbe-3b8e-4f30-8245-9e368d3cdb5a

NB: Disable Norton AntiVirus and any Spybot "protections" (i.e., SDHelper;
Tea Timer) *before* installing SP2. After installing SP2, it can take up to
20 minutes or more for the machine to finish rebooting; this is normal.
After the initial reboot, reboot a second time.

References:

What to Know Before Downloading/Installing SP2
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/sp2_whattoknow.mspx

Installing SP2 Step-by-Step
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];xpsp2insthowto

Troubleshooting Your Installation
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];xpsp2insttshoot

WinXP SP2 FAQ: What to do after installing SP2
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;ln;xpsp2installed

Service Pack (any) Installation Checklist (MVP Jupiter Jones)
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm

WinXP SP2-specific Page (MVP Jupiter Jones)
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/xpsp2.htm

The hard disk space requirements for Windows XP Service Pack 2
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=837783

3. Go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com and install all critical updates
offered (75, minimum).

NB: I do *not* recommend installing IE7 via Windows Update or Automatic
Updates!

4. Make certain the Automatic Updates is enabled and configured as you wish.

How to configure and use Automatic Updates in WinXP:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306525

5. Reply to this thread and tell us if C:\Documents and
Settings\[username]\Cookies <=this folder contains and shows your cookies.
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-Windows (IE, OE, Security, Shell/User)
AumHa VSOP & Admin; DTS-L.org

Thank you for your help.

...There is now not a single "cookie" listing, even though I know
that there are cookies on my computer. (They show up in the
"C:\WINDOWS\Cookies" folder.)

Are you running WinXP SP2, fully patched at Windows Update? If so, did
you
upgrade to WinXP from an earlier Windows version?

I am running WinXP SP1, fully patched at Windows Update. My computer came
pre-loaded with XP SP1.

This folder is, and has always been, empty except for a file entitled
"index/DAT File/16 KB".

Do you have any sort of "Registry cleaner" or security application (e.g.,
anti-virus; anti-spyware; security suite) installed and loading at boot
that
may be deleting Temporary Internet Files and/or Cookies?

I have Norton anti-virus, Ad-aware, and Spybot installed, but they run
only
when I instruct them to do so. They have been on my computer all along,
and
I have made no changes in the way they load or run. There has been no
deletion of which I am aware in the Temporary Internet Files folder other
than the listing of Cookies. However, Cookies are still being installed
on
my computer, because I find them in the "C:\WINDOWS\Cookies" folder
(though
not in the "C:\Documents and

Settings\[username]\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files <=this
folder"
that you mention).

BTW, I do not want the cookies; I want to know that they are present so
that
I can delete them. The only complete listing that I have found is the one
that has, until recently, appeared in the TIF folder.

IE Tools > Internet Options > Temporary Internet Files [TIF] > Settings >
View files Windows Explorer open to C:\Documents and
Settings\[username]\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files <=this
folder?

Yes; this is the folder to which I am referring.

Have you ever changed the location of your TIF folder by clicking on the
"Move Folder" button? [Just asking; not a suggestion or recommendation to
do
so]

No. It is where it has always been.

I appreciate your efforts to sort this out.

Lili

lili wrote:
Thanks for replying. I've responded below after each of your questions:

:
How do you know they've disappeared?

When I click on IE -> Tools -> Internet Options -> Temp Internet
files ->
Settings -> View Files -> Temporary Internet Files, there is a long list
of
file names and internet addresses, at the beginning of which, after
"?CodeDownloadErrorLog!name={...}", have always been a number of
"cookie"
addresses. There is now not a single "cookie" listing, even though I
know
that there are cookies on my computer. (They show up in the
"C:\WINDOWS\Cookies" folder.) That is what I meant when I wrote that
the
cookies no longer appear in the Temp Internet Folder.

How do you know they were really there in the first place?

I have always seen them there. Are you having a joke at my expense?

1. Enable Show Hidden Files and Folders under Start > Control Panel >
Folder Options > View.

Okay. Done.

2. Now, in Windows Explorer, do you see C:\Documents and
Settings\[username]\Cookies <=this folder?

This folder is, and has always been, empty except for a file entitled
"index/DAT File/16 KB".

So, my question remains. How can I restore the listing of cookies in
the
temp internet folder?
--
lili wrote:
Please help.
The listing of cookies that used to be in my temp internet folder has
disappeared. Since all the cookies placed on my computer do not show
up
in
the "cookie folder," I have used the temp internet folder to find and
delete
them. How can I restore the listing of cookies in the temp internet
folder?
Thanks, in advance.

 

[PA Bear]

Looking forward to it. Please reply to this thread (not begin a new one).
--
~PA Bear

Oh, my!!!

Well, I will follow your directions. Thank you very much. When I have
completed all that you suggest, I will post here again.

I am running WinXP SP1, fully patched at Windows Update. My computer
came
pre-loaded with XP SP1.

Sorry, lili, but if you're running WinXP SP1, the machine is *not* fully
patched at Windows Update; in fact it's missing 3 years' worth of
critical
security updates. Furthermore, you *must* have WinXP SP2 installed to be
able to install updates (since October 2006).

Please proceed as follows:

1. Run a thorough check for hijackware, including posting your HijackThis
log to an appropriate forum for review.

Check for Hijackware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/Darnit.htm
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/

When all else fails, HijackThis
(http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe)
is the preferred tool to use. It will help you to both identify and
remove
any hijackware/spyware.

**Post your HijackThis log to http://forums.spywareinfo.com/,
http://castlecops.com/forum67.html, http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30
or
other appropriate forum for expert analysis, not here.**

2. After an expert gives your HijackThis log a clean bill of health,
install WinXP SP2:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=049c9dbe-3b8e-4f30-8245-9e368d3cdb5a

NB: Disable Norton AntiVirus and any Spybot "protections" (i.e.,
SDHelper;
Tea Timer) *before* installing SP2. After installing SP2, it can take up
to 20 minutes or more for the machine to finish rebooting; this is
normal.
After the initial reboot, reboot a second time.

References:

What to Know Before Downloading/Installing SP2
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/sp2_whattoknow.mspx

Installing SP2 Step-by-Step
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];xpsp2insthowto

Troubleshooting Your Installation
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];xpsp2insttshoot

WinXP SP2 FAQ: What to do after installing SP2
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;ln;xpsp2installed

Service Pack (any) Installation Checklist (MVP Jupiter Jones)
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm

WinXP SP2-specific Page (MVP Jupiter Jones)
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/xpsp2.htm

The hard disk space requirements for Windows XP Service Pack 2
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=837783

3. Go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com and install all critical
updates offered (75, minimum).

NB: I do *not* recommend installing IE7 via Windows Update or Automatic
Updates!

4. Make certain the Automatic Updates is enabled and configured as you
wish.

How to configure and use Automatic Updates in WinXP:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306525

5. Reply to this thread and tell us if C:\Documents and
Settings\[username]\Cookies <=this folder contains and shows your
cookies.
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-Windows (IE, OE, Security, Shell/User)
AumHa VSOP & Admin; DTS-L.org

Thank you for your help.

...There is now not a single "cookie" listing, even though I know
that there are cookies on my computer. (They show up in the
"C:\WINDOWS\Cookies" folder.)

Are you running WinXP SP2, fully patched at Windows Update? If so, did
you
upgrade to WinXP from an earlier Windows version?

I am running WinXP SP1, fully patched at Windows Update. My computer
came
pre-loaded with XP SP1.


This folder is, and has always been, empty except for a file entitled
"index/DAT File/16 KB".

Do you have any sort of "Registry cleaner" or security application
(e.g.,
anti-virus; anti-spyware; security suite) installed and loading at boot
that
may be deleting Temporary Internet Files and/or Cookies?

I have Norton anti-virus, Ad-aware, and Spybot installed, but they run
only
when I instruct them to do so. They have been on my computer all along,
and
I have made no changes in the way they load or run. There has been no
deletion of which I am aware in the Temporary Internet Files folder
other
than the listing of Cookies. However, Cookies are still being installed
on
my computer, because I find them in the "C:\WINDOWS\Cookies" folder
(though
not in the "C:\Documents and
Settings\[username]\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files <=this
folder"
that you mention).

BTW, I do not want the cookies; I want to know that they are present so
that
I can delete them. The only complete listing that I have found is the
one
that has, until recently, appeared in the TIF folder.


IE Tools > Internet Options > Temporary Internet Files [TIF] > Settings

View files Windows Explorer open to C:\Documents and
Settings\[username]\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files <=this
folder?

Yes; this is the folder to which I am referring.


Have you ever changed the location of your TIF folder by clicking on
the
"Move Folder" button? [Just asking; not a suggestion or recommendation
to
do
so]

No. It is where it has always been.

--
~PA Bear

I appreciate your efforts to sort this out.

Lili


lili wrote:
Thanks for replying. I've responded below after each of your
questions:

:
How do you know they've disappeared?

When I click on IE -> Tools -> Internet Options -> Temp Internet
files ->
Settings -> View Files -> Temporary Internet Files, there is a long
list
of
file names and internet addresses, at the beginning of which, after
"?CodeDownloadErrorLog!name={...}", have always been a number of
"cookie"
addresses. There is now not a single "cookie" listing, even though I
know
that there are cookies on my computer. (They show up in the
"C:\WINDOWS\Cookies" folder.) That is what I meant when I wrote that
the
cookies no longer appear in the Temp Internet Folder.

How do you know they were really there in the first place?

I have always seen them there. Are you having a joke at my expense?

1. Enable Show Hidden Files and Folders under Start > Control Panel >
Folder Options > View.

Okay. Done.

2. Now, in Windows Explorer, do you see C:\Documents and
Settings\[username]\Cookies <=this folder?

This folder is, and has always been, empty except for a file entitled
"index/DAT File/16 KB".

So, my question remains. How can I restore the listing of cookies in
the
temp internet folder?
--
lili wrote:
Please help.
The listing of cookies that used to be in my temp internet folder
has
disappeared. Since all the cookies placed on my computer do not show
up
in
the "cookie folder," I have used the temp internet folder to find
and
delete
them. How can I restore the listing of cookies in the temp internet
folder?
Thanks, in advance.