Downloaded Program Files

[ColTom2]

Hi:

I have 31 items listed in my Downloaded Program Files folder. The status
of these files range from damaged (2), unknown (7), and installed (22).

Is it safe to delete these files and if so are there any ramifications for
doing so?

Thanks

 

[Wesley Vogel]

C:\WINDOWS\Downloaded Program Files

Right click the damaged and unknown items and select Remove.

They will be offered again if needed when you visit whatever web site
installed them in the first place.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In

 

[Sharon F]

Hi:

I have 31 items listed in my Downloaded Program Files folder. The status
of these files range from damaged (2), unknown (7), and installed (22).

Is it safe to delete these files and if so are there any ramifications for
doing so?

Thanks

This folder is one of the "magic folders" in Windows. Instead of showing
the typical list of files and folders, it shows a list of browser controls
and their status. Properties will uncover some file names comprising that
control and possibly the actual location of those files on your hard drive.

It is safe to delete any of these. If and when you visit a site that
requires one of these to enhance the site's content, you will be prompted
to download and install it.

When you delete through the Downloaded Program Files "folder" interface, it
is similar to running a "mini-uninstall." In other words, don't try and
chase down individual files for deletion. Let Downloaded Program Files do
the work for you.

Suggestion: Keep the controls that you know you use and that are not
damaged. Example: I keep the ones for music.msn.com since I'm at that site
often.

Delete damaged controls. As stated before, when you visit a site that needs
these, you will be prompted to install new copies (and possibly newer
versions).

For "unknowns" - look at the items properties. If you cannot link the file
names with anything, delete those items too.

 

[Guest]

sharon.
i have the same problem...damaged downloaded program files.
if you would, could you clarify something for me please?

i have ie7, so i can click tools on my browser, then internet options, and
the internet options box comes up. in that box, under the general tab, under
"browsing history", there is delete, and a settings link. clicking on the
settings link takes me to
temporary internet files and history settings, and a link that says "veiw
objects", and view files. view files are my cookies. but view objects is
where i see all of my downloaded program files, and all of the "installed",
and "damaged" files.

is it from here that i can "remove" [because if you click on it it doesnt
say delete, it says update or remove], these damaged files?

i know of of no other way to get to a downloaded program files folder or file.

i appreciate your help, and thank you.

russell munson

 

[Guest]

hi wes.
im having the same problem with damaged downloaded program files.
can you clarify something for me please?

firstly, i run xp, and ie7. i cannot access a "downloaded program files"
folder by searching C:\WINDOWS\Downloaded Program Files.

so, i have to access them from internet options, browsing history section,
the settings link, then the "view objects" link.
from there all of my downloaded program files come up, and i can see the
"installed", and the "damaged" files.

your saying it is ok to "remove", [if you click on them they dont say
delete, it says remove or update, and although some of them will update, my
remaining damaged files will not], the damaged files from here, and that they
will reinstall themselves when i happen upon an action that requires re
downloading or installing that program file?

removing these damaged downloaded program files will not cause me to blow
out my puter will it? lol..(not really loud am i laughing)

thanks wes
i appreciate your taking the time to help a novice

russell munson

 

[Wesley Vogel]

Downloaded Program Files are ActiveX controls and Java applets downloaded
automatically from the Internet when you view certain pages. They are
temporarily stored in the Downloaded Program Files folder on your hard
disk.

Downloaded Program Files is a Hidden folder.

Internet Explorer | Tools | Internet Options |
General tab | Settings button | View Objects button |
Opens the C:\WINDOWS\Downloaded Program Files folder.

So does typing or pasting...
C:\WINDOWS\Downloaded Program Files
into Start | Run

Status displays whether the control is installed, damaged, or unplugged.
Damaged means that one or more of the dependency files has been deleted.
Unplugged means that an installation program has registered the .ocx file in
a location different from where the code download installed it.

Unless you have AutoCAD, there is nothing in Downloaded Program Files that
cannot be replaced simply by visiting the web page that you downloaded it
from in the first place. A Damaged DPF does no good what so ever. Remove
it. Half of what is in there is probably spyware anyway.

<quote>
By optimizing Internet Explorer, you can clear old files and settings that
may be causing conflicts and may be preventing you from connecting to the
Internet. To optimize Internet Explorer, follow these steps:
In Internet Explorer, click Tools, and then click Internet Options.
Click the General tab.
Click Settings.
Click View Objects.
Click View, and then click Details.
If Damaged appears in the Status column for any program file, remove that
program file.
Close the Downloaded Program Files dialog box.
In the Settings dialog box, click OK.
<quote>
from...
Error message when you try to access a Web site in Internet Explorer: "Page
Cannot Be Displayed"
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326155

Some of this does not apply if you have Windows XP SP2.

First. Make sure of these settings and nothing will install without you
clicking YES. (Except what may install as part of some other software.)
Don't click YES if you don't know/trust the source.

Internet Explorer | Tools | Internet Options | Advanced tab |
Make sure both of these are NOT checked.

Enable Install On Demand (Internet Explorer)
[[Specifies to automatically download and install Internet Explorer
components if a Web page needs them in order to display the page properly or
perform a particular task.]]

Enable Install On Demand (Other)
[[Specifies to automatically download and install Web components if a Web
page needs them in order to display the page properly or perform a
particular task.]]

Click Apply | Click OK

Enable Install On Demand is part of the driveby downloading of unwanted
programs. I.e. scumware or whatever will install without you even being
aware of it.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In

hi wes.
im having the same problem with damaged downloaded program files.
can you clarify something for me please?

firstly, i run xp, and ie7. i cannot access a "downloaded program files"
folder by searching C:\WINDOWS\Downloaded Program Files.

so, i have to access them from internet options, browsing history section,
the settings link, then the "view objects" link.
from there all of my downloaded program files come up, and i can see the
"installed", and the "damaged" files.

your saying it is ok to "remove", [if you click on them they dont say
delete, it says remove or update, and although some of them will update,
my remaining damaged files will not], the damaged files from here, and
that they will reinstall themselves when i happen upon an action that
requires re downloading or installing that program file?

removing these damaged downloaded program files will not cause me to blow
out my puter will it? lol..(not really loud am i laughing)

thanks wes
i appreciate your taking the time to help a novice

russell munson

C:\WINDOWS\Downloaded Program Files

Right click the damaged and unknown items and select Remove.

They will be offered again if needed when you visit whatever web site
installed them in the first place.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In

 

[Guest]

wow.
yes, Wes, this information was EXTREMELY helpful to me.
i really do appreciate your taking the time to write all of the information.
i do indeed have sp2, so that extra info about that was very helpful.

since i read your reply ive actually removed several damaged program files
and one of them has re installed itself after visiting a certain website.
the yellow bar popped up and asked me to run an active x program, and i did,
and that program file is now installed and undamaged.

thanks wes.

very cool of you to take the time to help me. im one of those guys that if
my computer has ANY kind of little bugaboo, it pesters the crap outta me till
i fix it, even if its not affecting the performance of my computer.

so again, and finally, thank you sir

russell munson

Downloaded Program Files are ActiveX controls and Java applets downloaded
automatically from the Internet when you view certain pages. They are
temporarily stored in the Downloaded Program Files folder on your hard
disk.

Downloaded Program Files is a Hidden folder.

Internet Explorer | Tools | Internet Options |
General tab | Settings button | View Objects button |
Opens the C:\WINDOWS\Downloaded Program Files folder.

So does typing or pasting...
C:\WINDOWS\Downloaded Program Files
into Start | Run

Status displays whether the control is installed, damaged, or unplugged.
Damaged means that one or more of the dependency files has been deleted.
Unplugged means that an installation program has registered the .ocx file in
a location different from where the code download installed it.

Unless you have AutoCAD, there is nothing in Downloaded Program Files that
cannot be replaced simply by visiting the web page that you downloaded it
from in the first place. A Damaged DPF does no good what so ever. Remove
it. Half of what is in there is probably spyware anyway.

<quote>
By optimizing Internet Explorer, you can clear old files and settings that
may be causing conflicts and may be preventing you from connecting to the
Internet. To optimize Internet Explorer, follow these steps:
In Internet Explorer, click Tools, and then click Internet Options.
Click the General tab.
Click Settings.
Click View Objects.
Click View, and then click Details.
If Damaged appears in the Status column for any program file, remove that
program file.
Close the Downloaded Program Files dialog box.
In the Settings dialog box, click OK.
<quote>
from...
Error message when you try to access a Web site in Internet Explorer: "Page
Cannot Be Displayed"
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326155

Some of this does not apply if you have Windows XP SP2.

First. Make sure of these settings and nothing will install without you
clicking YES. (Except what may install as part of some other software.)
Don't click YES if you don't know/trust the source.

Internet Explorer | Tools | Internet Options | Advanced tab |
Make sure both of these are NOT checked.

Enable Install On Demand (Internet Explorer)
[[Specifies to automatically download and install Internet Explorer
components if a Web page needs them in order to display the page properly or
perform a particular task.]]

Enable Install On Demand (Other)
[[Specifies to automatically download and install Web components if a Web
page needs them in order to display the page properly or perform a
particular task.]]

Click Apply | Click OK

Enable Install On Demand is part of the driveby downloading of unwanted
programs. I.e. scumware or whatever will install without you even being
aware of it.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In

hi wes.
im having the same problem with damaged downloaded program files.
can you clarify something for me please?

firstly, i run xp, and ie7. i cannot access a "downloaded program files"
folder by searching C:\WINDOWS\Downloaded Program Files.

so, i have to access them from internet options, browsing history section,
the settings link, then the "view objects" link.
from there all of my downloaded program files come up, and i can see the
"installed", and the "damaged" files.

your saying it is ok to "remove", [if you click on them they dont say
delete, it says remove or update, and although some of them will update,
my remaining damaged files will not], the damaged files from here, and
that they will reinstall themselves when i happen upon an action that
requires re downloading or installing that program file?

removing these damaged downloaded program files will not cause me to blow
out my puter will it? lol..(not really loud am i laughing)

thanks wes
i appreciate your taking the time to help a novice

russell munson

C:\WINDOWS\Downloaded Program Files

Right click the damaged and unknown items and select Remove.

They will be offered again if needed when you visit whatever web site
installed them in the first place.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In ColTom2 <[email protected]> hunted and pecked:
Hi:

I have 31 items listed in my Downloaded Program Files folder. The
status of these files range from damaged (2), unknown (7), and
installed (22).

Is it safe to delete these files and if so are there any ramifications
for doing so?

Thanks

 

[Sharon F]

sharon.
i have the same problem...damaged downloaded program files.
if you would, could you clarify something for me please?

i have ie7, so i can click tools on my browser, then internet options, and
the internet options box comes up. in that box, under the general tab, under
"browsing history", there is delete, and a settings link. clicking on the
settings link takes me to
temporary internet files and history settings, and a link that says "veiw
objects", and view files. view files are my cookies. but view objects is
where i see all of my downloaded program files, and all of the "installed",
and "damaged" files.

is it from here that i can "remove" [because if you click on it it doesnt
say delete, it says update or remove], these damaged files?

i know of of no other way to get to a downloaded program files folder or file.

i appreciate your help, and thank you.

I see Wes has already answered you but yes, you can remove from Internet
Options if you prefer. It does the same thing.

 

[Wesley Vogel]

You're welcome, Russell. Keep having fun.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In

wow.
yes, Wes, this information was EXTREMELY helpful to me.
i really do appreciate your taking the time to write all of the
information. i do indeed have sp2, so that extra info about that was very
helpful.

since i read your reply ive actually removed several damaged program files
and one of them has re installed itself after visiting a certain website.
the yellow bar popped up and asked me to run an active x program, and i
did, and that program file is now installed and undamaged.

thanks wes.

very cool of you to take the time to help me. im one of those guys that
if my computer has ANY kind of little bugaboo, it pesters the crap outta
me till i fix it, even if its not affecting the performance of my
computer.

so again, and finally, thank you sir

russell munson

Downloaded Program Files are ActiveX controls and Java applets downloaded
automatically from the Internet when you view certain pages. They are
temporarily stored in the Downloaded Program Files folder on your hard
disk.

Downloaded Program Files is a Hidden folder.

Internet Explorer | Tools | Internet Options |
General tab | Settings button | View Objects button |
Opens the C:\WINDOWS\Downloaded Program Files folder.

So does typing or pasting...
C:\WINDOWS\Downloaded Program Files
into Start | Run

Status displays whether the control is installed, damaged, or unplugged.
Damaged means that one or more of the dependency files has been deleted.
Unplugged means that an installation program has registered the .ocx
file in a location different from where the code download installed it.

Unless you have AutoCAD, there is nothing in Downloaded Program Files
that cannot be replaced simply by visiting the web page that you
downloaded it from in the first place. A Damaged DPF does no good what
so ever. Remove it. Half of what is in there is probably spyware
anyway.

<quote>
By optimizing Internet Explorer, you can clear old files and settings
that may be causing conflicts and may be preventing you from connecting
to the Internet. To optimize Internet Explorer, follow these steps:
In Internet Explorer, click Tools, and then click Internet Options.
Click the General tab.
Click Settings.
Click View Objects.
Click View, and then click Details.
If Damaged appears in the Status column for any program file, remove that
program file.
Close the Downloaded Program Files dialog box.
In the Settings dialog box, click OK.
<quote>
from...
Error message when you try to access a Web site in Internet Explorer:
"Page Cannot Be Displayed"
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326155

Some of this does not apply if you have Windows XP SP2.

First. Make sure of these settings and nothing will install without you
clicking YES. (Except what may install as part of some other software.)
Don't click YES if you don't know/trust the source.

Internet Explorer | Tools | Internet Options | Advanced tab |
Make sure both of these are NOT checked.

Enable Install On Demand (Internet Explorer)
[[Specifies to automatically download and install Internet Explorer
components if a Web page needs them in order to display the page
properly or perform a particular task.]]

Enable Install On Demand (Other)
[[Specifies to automatically download and install Web components if a Web
page needs them in order to display the page properly or perform a
particular task.]]

Click Apply | Click OK

Enable Install On Demand is part of the driveby downloading of unwanted
programs. I.e. scumware or whatever will install without you even being
aware of it.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In

hi wes.
im having the same problem with damaged downloaded program files.
can you clarify something for me please?

firstly, i run xp, and ie7. i cannot access a "downloaded program
files" folder by searching C:\WINDOWS\Downloaded Program Files.

so, i have to access them from internet options, browsing history
section, the settings link, then the "view objects" link.
from there all of my downloaded program files come up, and i can see the
"installed", and the "damaged" files.

your saying it is ok to "remove", [if you click on them they dont say
delete, it says remove or update, and although some of them will update,
my remaining damaged files will not], the damaged files from here, and
that they will reinstall themselves when i happen upon an action that
requires re downloading or installing that program file?

removing these damaged downloaded program files will not cause me to
blow out my puter will it? lol..(not really loud am i laughing)

thanks wes
i appreciate your taking the time to help a novice

russell munson



:

C:\WINDOWS\Downloaded Program Files

Right click the damaged and unknown items and select Remove.

They will be offered again if needed when you visit whatever web site
installed them in the first place.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In ColTom2 <[email protected]> hunted and pecked:
Hi:

I have 31 items listed in my Downloaded Program Files folder. The
status of these files range from damaged (2), unknown (7), and
installed (22).

Is it safe to delete these files and if so are there any
ramifications for doing so?

Thanks