Downloaded Program Files

[MK]

I'm running XP Pro. I would like to see the files in the Downloaded Program
Files folder, but all I can see is the 21 or so ActiveXs installed but not
the 78 files and folder that properties says are there. I have file options
to display contents of system folders, show hidden files and folders,and
hide protected OS files is unchecked... Is there some other setting I'm
missing. I'm trying to remove a spyware file that is supposed to be there.
Thanks
MK

 

[Jerry]

From "Microsoft Windows XP Inside Out, 2nd edition", page 304 - Note: This
listing is by no means complete. Windows includes an enormous collection of
ActiveX controls that it uses for various functions, and programs like
Microsoft Office also install ActiveX controls that don't appear in the
Downloaded Program Files folder. As the name suggest, this listing shows
only ActiveX controls that you've downloaded and installed using your web
browser.

From "Windows XP In A Nutshell", page 142 - .... If you clean out this
folder, these components will simply be downloaded again when you revisit
the sites that use them.

In neither book did I find any info on subfolders; hidden files and folders,
etc.

So, my guess/suggestion would be to simply delete the folder, reboot, and
repopulate the folder as you browse the web.

 

[Gary Smith]

Downloaded Program Files is a system folder for which Windows explorer
presents a special view. The drawback to this situation is that it
prevents you from seeing exactly what is in the folder. If you have
access to a file management program that doesn't conform to Windows
conventions in this regard (File manager from WinNT and Servent Salamander
are two examples, you can use that to see what's really there.

Another approach is to open a commnad prompt, change to the DPF folder,
and list the files with a "dir /a" command.

The easiest way to disable the system view temporarily is to open a
command prompt (Start > Run > type cmd > OK), and then type the following
lines into the window.

cd %systemroot%
attrib -s "Downloaded Program Files"

Now open the folder in Windows Explorer and you'll have a normal view.
Once you've finished your cleanup, repeat the process, substituting "+s"
for "-s".

 

[MK]

That's what I was looking for. Thanks Gary
MK

Downloaded Program Files is a system folder for which Windows explorer
presents a special view. The drawback to this situation is that it
prevents you from seeing exactly what is in the folder. If you have
access to a file management program that doesn't conform to Windows
conventions in this regard (File manager from WinNT and Servent Salamander
are two examples, you can use that to see what's really there.

Another approach is to open a commnad prompt, change to the DPF folder,
and list the files with a "dir /a" command.

The easiest way to disable the system view temporarily is to open a
command prompt (Start > Run > type cmd > OK), and then type the following
lines into the window.

cd %systemroot%
attrib -s "Downloaded Program Files"

Now open the folder in Windows Explorer and you'll have a normal view.
Once you've finished your cleanup, repeat the process, substituting "+s"
for "-s".

 

[Gary Smith]

You're welcome. I'm glad I could help.

That's what I was looking for. Thanks Gary
MK