How many files and how large a directory is that?
Open Windows explorer>scroll down explorer pane on the
left>Windows>temporary internet files>expand>content.IE5>right
click>properties. If it is super large it will quite possibly hang, freeze,
crash. In such a case it may be necessary to do a Deltree command in DOS to
fix that, by rebuilding the directory. You may want to export your cookies
using file/import and export. You can import them when you are finished.
See these links:
Safely Delete the Temporary Internet Files
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/delcache.htm
Description of the Internet Explorer Cache
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/answers3.htm
A general rundown of how it works:
Shut down all programmes and boot into DOS if you are using Windows 95 or
98. If using Windows ME use an appropriate disc to access DOS. Run the
following commands from the windows directory, typically c:\windows\>
smartdrv
deltree tempor~1
Reboot using ctrl, alt, del if using Windows 95 or 98. If using WindowsME
remember to remove the boot floppy.
Windows 2000 users will have to log in as Administrator to be able to delete
the folders in question directly from within Windows Explorer. Windows XP
users will use the same procedure.
NOTE:
Different operating systems use different paths to the history, temporary
internet files and cookies folders. Check your system to make sure that you
are using the correct path for your machine. For example, you may find your
folders are located at ...\documents and settings\{identity}\{dir} or
similar.
More on Deltree here:
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/answers_8.htm#deltree