Downloaded files disappear

[Enigmatic Thinker]

Hi,

A problem we haven't come across before and would appreciate some
advice.

PC is running Windows XP Home Edition SP2 & all critical/security
updates.
Has McAfee & Windows Defender.

Windows Updates work fine. However....

.... any other downloaded files appear to download but then vanish.

All of these files are told to go to a folder called c:\stuff. So, for
example, download the latest Picasa file and it seems to be download to
C:\stuff perfectly correctly. Download finishes and nothing is in the
folder! Over & over again. Even with McAfee & Windows Defender turned
off.

A search of the drive shows that all these files are in the Windows
Prefetch folder.

Obvious question: what on earth is happening?

Thanks

Robin

 

[R. McCarty]

If using Internet Explorer then all downloads actually queue to the
Temporary Internet Files cache. Once the download is completed
the finished download is transferred to the destination folder.

Are you certain the file(s) end up in \Prefetch or just a .PF tracking
module ?

I would dump/empty the TIF cache (retaining Cookies) and retry.
I've also seen this issue and sometimes enabling the IE option box
"Notify when Downloads Complete" helps in resolving. Option is
located in the Advanced (TAB) of IE options under the "Browsing"
category.

 

[Enigmatic Thinker]

Tried all that (TIF, IE options).
You're right about the .pf. The actual files just vanish.

Absolutely baffled by this "feature".

 

[AAH]

Check this folder

C:\WINDOWS\Windows Update Setup Files


Hi,

A problem we haven't come across before and would appreciate some
advice.

PC is running Windows XP Home Edition SP2 & all critical/security
updates.
Has McAfee & Windows Defender.

Windows Updates work fine. However....

.... any other downloaded files appear to download but then vanish.

All of these files are told to go to a folder called c:\stuff. So, for
example, download the latest Picasa file and it seems to be download to
C:\stuff perfectly correctly. Download finishes and nothing is in the
folder! Over & over again. Even with McAfee & Windows Defender turned
off.

A search of the drive shows that all these files are in the Windows
Prefetch folder.

Obvious question: what on earth is happening?

Thanks

Robin