Why is it when I go to Tools -> Internet Options ( Browser History ) -> Settings -> View Files it does not show me my temporary internet files? I've been to loads to websites, downloaded data but temporary internet files only shows 2 files Where are all my temporary files? Why can't i see them? I want to be able to get hold of some of them, like youtube .flv files Thanks, SnapperJW

yeah i would like to know as well. .swf files for me hehe

files are set at C:\Users\User name\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files

files are set at C:\Users\User name\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files

but that folder only shows a few files. there must be a way to view all of them?

View Hidden Files

View Hidden Files

I have the same problem viewing files in the Temporary Internet Files folders. Tried View Hidden files, disabling Phishing and all sorts of other things.Didn't work. Sought help from DELL where i purchased my PC; they also couldn't help. Suspect it is a limitation of Vista, or even a bug! Been advised to junk Vista and use XP which is still better!

I have the same problem viewing files in the Temporary Internet Files folders. Tried View Hidden files, disabling Phishing and all sorts of other things.Didn't work. Sought help from DELL where i purchased my PC; they also couldn't help. Suspect it is a limitation of Vista, or even a bug! Been advised to junk Vista and use XP which is still better!

yeah i bet its some new vista security setting that wont allow us to look at them :T so annoying

the correct answer is: C:\Users\[your user name]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5 you will have to copy and paste that into windoes explorer because it (Content.IE.5) is hidden. tricky microsoft has double hidden it even though we allow viewing of system and hidden files wonder what else they are hiding inside those index.dats

SnapperJW,I hope you found your answer. I'd appreciate any responses you feel comfortable in sharing. My experience with IE and Vista are, that everything is about security. If this is your personal PC with Vista running, make sure you are logged in with Administrative privileges and not just as the Standard User. Further (I'm sure you already know this) make sure that you have set your folder preferences to show hidden, system, protected etc. files/folders. You may also want to right click on the specific folder and add rights and privileges to yourself to that folder. As you know, it is difficult to open certain folders. Once you've gotten into the Systems folder via IE settings, temp. files, you have accessed a folder with higher rights and privileges. If you don't find what you're looking for in that folder, navigate yourself out of the folder by modifying the URL in your browser, 1 folder out. Try to look for a Temp folder under YOUR username instead of the temporary internet files. Careful not to nest yourself out too far, or you won't be able to access the folders before you (higher privileged files). Also, be aware that this technique of accessing system folders directly through IE and WMP, is a VERY large systems vulnerability that MicroSoft has not yet addressed. Accessing privileged and protected systems/files has been their priority that can be circumvented by using IE and WMP system privileges. I hope that helped. Let me know if you received a different solution.

Why on Earth did Microsoft decide to make Vista's Temporary Internet files full blown "protected operating system files"; hidden by default and requiring special settings to even view? Does this in any way make sense in any universe where logic and common sense prevail? 75% of all viruses I find by manually scanning hide in this location, and now Microsoft is providing a nice secure home for them. Nicely done. Is Microsoft TRYING to get people to buy Apple? If this is not their intention I hope they strongly reconsider the choicesthey've made with Vista and their strong arm marketing tactics.

So I guess no one has found a way to view Vista's temporary internet filesyet..

You have to remove the check from the "Hide Protected System Files" option under Folder Options (available under any "Tools" menu in any folder window. It's like giving criminals a nice cozy private room right in your house.

Maybe this will answer some of your questions The 'Temporary Internet Files' Folder in Windows Vista.

After doing everything that's been mentioned in the thread, I still can't view the wma files that I've opened before. Can anyone help me?

Its amazing. I realize people want to help, but if you're guessing at solutions, rather don't attempt. You're just eating up my bandwidth. I have tried everything. The only people that will be able to give us an answer is Microsoft, it seems. And they're silent. For the first time in my life, I'm getting the feeling many others have about M'soft. And it is sad.

To view temporary Internet files 1. Open Internet Explorer by clicking the Start button , and then clicking Internet Explorer. 2. Click the Tools button, and then click Internet Options. 3. Click the General tab, and then, under Browsing history, click Settings. 4. In the Settings dialog box, click View files. Found this at http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/6b17376d-8b06-4602-93a1-5688c364f23e1033.mspx Worked for me an you can do what you want with them when you get there.

This worked for me: http://www.purgeie.com/indexdat.htm

Well I've tried everything. I've tried Tools>Internet Options>Settings>View Files. I've tried to show hidden files and protected operating system files. Nothing has worked so far. I don't see any files (or very few files)when I click on View Files from Internet Options but I know there should be things in the Temporary Internet Files folder because when I right-click on the folder and look at Properties it tells me there are over 700 files and 130 folders. This is so annoying

I agree 100% with ecila. I've just upgraded from XP to a new PC with Vista and IE7. On my XP machine I partitioned the HD and moved the Temp Internet Folder to the new partition and never had a moments problem viewing the files. I've done exactly the same with Vista and have exactly the same problem as ecila. I think, possibly, it can be solved through the Properties/Security tab, and changing the settings there. I read 'Learn about Access control and Permissions' but, to be honest, didn't really understand it. Doesn't anybody know how to view these Temp internet Files?? Me. First post, by the way

I located the files under the following path: C:\Users\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Low\Content.IE5 There are 5 hidden folders in this location. All of you videos and pictures will be scattered through these folders. One website that I was on saved all the JPG's in smaller groupsin those folders. Hope this helps. It took me a while to find it.

Thanks for your help gasman but the path you gave me doesn't work. I used C:\Users\[MyName]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\ I come to a dead end there. Even with 'Show Hidden Files' andunchecking 'Hide protected OS files', there's no 'Low' folder. In fact the folder shows empty, but if I go up one level and hover over the folder, right click and check properties - I see the folder contains 379 files and 35 folders. Dams! Another dead end

Use the same path C:\Users\[MyName]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files once thewindow refreshes, go up to the address bar, and at the end, type \low The final address will look like this C:\Users\[MyName]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\low You will find a folder called Content.IE5 In this folder you will find the hidden folders that you are looking for, containing those files.

This is the correct answer. Thank you very much!!! After all the back and forth BS going on here, finally someone has the straight correct answer. You would think that Microsoft would help their technical support people out here by not making working with Windows Vista so impossible. I think someone inside MS decided that for the good of nobody they would just move everything in the entire operating system to a different place just to be doing it, so we can all go out of business trying to figure out what happened to that simple dialog box that used to be only one click away. Jeez. It's not in Microsoft's interest to ruin the careers of all the support people who have invested years in their technology. This is a lot more than just annoying.

For about three months, I have searched for a way to view all the temp internet files on Visat - I was able to view for awhile when I switched to Classic View but didn't work when I tried it today. Your answer is exactly what I needed. Brilliant - thanks so much!

In fact, anandkay's recommended article The 'Temporary Internet Files' Folder in Windows Vista answered the problem, although in a quite enigmatic way.

Hi all, I've a little strange thing with Vista & Temporary Internet Files, so, if someone could help... My HDD is divided in 3 parts : - System : C:\ - 80Go - Data : D:\ - 90Go - Temp : E:\ - 10Go, in which I redirected my general and users TEMP and TMP variables (C:\Windows\Tempand D:\Users\xxx\Local Settings\... normaly)... and IE7 T.I.F. When I move the Temporary Internet Files (TIF) directory with IE from C:\ to E:\ (E:\Temp\...), no downloads starts. The download window is showing up, but nothing appends, no data transfered at all. (There is enough space to receive the file) But if I put back the directory at its normal place or in C:\Windows\Temp for example, downloads works perfectly !!! I don't understand why that doesn't works (works perfectly with XP). Perhaps a right problem because IE is running in a protected mode, but my user is in the administrator group and he have the rigths to write/delete/modify files in the temp directory. Need some help... Best regards, Stphane

gasman wrote: I located the files under the following path: C:\Users\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Low\Content.IE5 There are 5 hidden folders in this location. All of you videos and pictures will be scattered through these folders. One website that I was on saved all the JPG's in smaller groupsin those folders. Hope this helps. It took me a while to find it. i've opened every single file but i still can't find the wma files that i've opened in the webpages!! can anyone help?

I followed the directions in a search in Microsoft Support to --Control Panel --FolderOptions--View Tab, and under hidden files, click Show Hidden Files , Apply, and all will be seen.....

I'm Korean. So, I'm poor at English. The solution is very simple. 1. Click(right button)the Internet Explorer icon, and click 'execute as administrator' 2. Click 'permission'. 3. Go to Tools -> Internet Options ( Browser History ) -> Settings -> View Files Then, You'll be able to see the files!! (I'm using Korean windows. So, I translate as my please. But I believe you can understand it. Sorry...)

Hi, Has somebody tried to move the T.I.F. folder on another disk for example ? If so, does the downloads still works ? (see my previous post) Thanks for the answers, Cheers,

You have your browser set to protected mode, files are stored in a hidden folder with lower privileges than standard files this prevents malicious content being written to your hard disk by inadvertant downloading of harmful material. You can dowload 3rd party apps e.g. http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/ie_cache_viewer.html but I have not tried any myself. I tend to save a webpage to desktop if I like the content. Or use googles free software for utube. For most videos I use Realplayer premium which you pay a modest fee for but cuts out the hassle in a major way for most download tasks.

This is what i need. You are right on the money. Exactly right. Im so happy.

Hi all, Still have no answer to my problem, so I try to post it again... I've a little problem with Vista & Temporary Internet Files, so, if someone could help... My HDD is divided in 3 parts : - System : C:\ - 80Go - Data : D:\ - 90Go - Temp : E:\ - 10Go, in which I redirected my general and users TEMP and TMP variables (C:\Windows\Tempand D:\Users\xxx\Local Settings\... normaly)... and IE7 T.I.F. When I move the Temporary Internet Files (TIF) directory with IE from C:\ to E:\ (E:\Temp\...), no downloads starts. The download window is showing up, but nothing appends, no data transfered at all. (There is enough space to receive the file) But if I put back the directory at its normal place or in C:\Windows\Temp for example, downloads works perfectly !!! I don't understand why that doesn't works (works perfectly with XP). Perhaps a right problem because IE is running in a protected mode, but my user is in the administrator group and he have the rigths to write/delete/modify files in the temp directory. Need some help... Best regards, Stphane

Whirling Wind wrote: I'm Korean. So, I'm poor at English. The solution is very simple. 1. Click(right button)the Internet Explorer icon, and click 'execute as administrator' 2. Click 'permission'. 3. Go to Tools -> Internet Options ( Browser History ) -> Settings -> View Files Then, You'll be able to see the files!! (I'm using Korean windows. So, I translate as my please. But I believe you can understand it. Sorry...) This one is perfect but some more information is needed for better understanding. Steps 1,2,3 are fine but 2.1 some people might miss. Note:You got to sure whether it is safe to run the particular websiteyou want does not pose threat like malicious virus, spyware, etc....before running 2.1 step 1. same 2. same 2.1.Now browse thepage from which you want to saveimages,objects swf .... continue to step 3. 3. same I can finally see swf file in Temporary Internet Folder. I guess it should work with other files also. For info on what happens otherwise(if you don't open internet explore as 'execute as administrator') can be seen here. http://www.winvistaclub.com/f11.html

thanks this run as admin might come in handy didnt know how to do that b4 i had the same problem of not being able see all my stored files in temp folder i managed to get it by moving and deleting folders see http://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=2675981&SiteID=17for more info a few days agomy internet was running slow (still is) ,i tried most things to fix it that i no but no luck, i then decided to reset my internet options like b4 in one of those steps (big mistake) it didnt fix my slow internet but did make me looses ability to see stored files agin i did the steps again but for some reason the settings never sticked they kept switch back to temp internet protected files everytime i logged back in . i managed to get it working by after doing all the steps instead of clickingOK (to contine to log off and move folders) i did a restart the folders and settings seemed to stay it been a few days now and still working all be it with the slow internet but i think thats another problem if i loose my files agin ill try that run as admin thing but as it seems to be working now im not gona play around with it all im saying is its possible to see ur stored files, i did it this way maybe thers an easier way fell free to add if u know. also any hints on why myinternet is slow would be great thanks

Try: C:\Users\YOUR_USER_NAME\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Low\Content.IE5 I have finally found all the temporary internetfiles

I followed the above list: C:\Users\User name\MyOwnName\Local\Microsoft\Windows\ ...but couldn't find a Temp Int Files option... only Explorer, game explorer.. -AJS83

With mine, it is exactly this: C:\Users\MyName\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5 I didn't have "Low" preceding Temporary Internet Files the way it was reported by someone earlier. Anyway, just get out to Explorer, type this in the address line and hit Enter. If you try to go out here by clicking each folder, you will only get as far as Temporary Internet Files. But once you type Content.IE5 and hit Enter, your files will miraculously show up. Nice, huh?!!!

You were and are absolutely right. But after reading anandkay's post, I must say I would be very happy to allow criminals in a tiny little corner of my house. Especially if theyare fooled to believe thatthey have access to the whole house!

I have read over all the posts and have have tried all the suggestions;and I still cant see the temporary internet files? In XP it was so easy, just open the "view files" and there they are, copy and paste them. Can anyone really help me? I would appreciate it!

I Have had almost the opposite problem and really need some advice/help.Clearing out all my history cookies etc. tonight and basically was able to access pretty much any site that had been accessed on my laptop - including other people's email accounts etc. as the puter had stored the access id and password. I've deleted everything now but need to ensure the settings do not allow this to happen again and that firefox does not store passwords without prompting and that when accessing sites from history that are password protected it prompts for the password.... it's a wierd one but need to get it sorted?!

The more important thing, is to go in those folders with an other administrator account (not from the account you want to "see-in"), With windows explorer, go in C:\Users\user name\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5 and "windows explore" one of those folder 'till you find the folder that contents the file you're looking for, and do what you want with; of course you did in folder options\view\[show hidden files and folder | UNhide extensions for known file types | UNhide protected operating system files] or "run as administrator" a command prompt, paste the path in the administrator command prompt = cd C:\Users\user name\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\ dir /a /s /o:e, choose one folder cd [choosen folder] dir /a /s /o:e, choose the file you're looking for and then use move, copy, or xcopy command with the file extension you're seeking to, and why not move it in users\public\[folder for it]

TheAnswer;1- go to Folder Options: from any folder> Organize > Folder & SearchOptions > View2- Uncheck the box "Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)" 3- Cick Ok 4- type into your windows browser "C:\Users\Your_Name\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Low\Content.IE5"5- Have you replaced (Your_name) with your user name? Ok then,,6- F I N (The End)You can find the tif folders which contain all missing files you're looking for (in particularly the SWF, FLV)Cheers,D.

Hi everybody had the same problem, and tried all the ways recommended by different friends here in this forum, but no one could solve it! But finally, I myself managed to find the solution. Its so easy: (after setting windows so that it shows all hidden normal or system files) go to Temporary Internet Files folder through this address (we assume that the drive in which Windows has been installed, is C:): C:\Users\[User Name]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Note that if the Users name for example is Azerbaijani TURK, this address will be so: C:\Users\Azerbaijani TURK\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Now, the only thing you should do, is to copy Temporary Internet Files folder and paste it in another drive! Thats it! The internet files existing in this folder (which were invisible when being in drive C:) are now visable! Yaasn Bamsz GNEY Azerbaycan Yaasn Gney Azerbaycan TRK milleti lm Olsun Fars ovenizmine!

Hi everybody had the same problem, and tried all the ways recommended by different friends here in this forum, but no one could solve it! But finally, I myself managed to find the solution. Its so easy: (after setting windows so that it shows all hidden normal or system files) go to Temporary Internet Files folder through this address (we assume that the drive in which Windows has been installed, is C:): C:\Users\[User Name]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Note that if the Users name for example is Azerbaijani TURK, this address will be so: C:\Users\Azerbaijani TURK\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Now, the only thing you should do, is to copy Temporary Internet Files folder and paste it in another drive! Thats it! The internet files existing in this folder (which were invisible when being in drive C:) are now visable! Yaasn Bamsz GNEY Azerbaycan J Yaasn Gney Azerbaycan TRK milleti J lm Olsun Fars ovenizmine!

Thank you gasman! I have been dealing with these invisible folders for days!

thanks Prabhakar Kasi right Click Internet Explorer icon, and 'run as administrator'

Another approach (IE7 and 8): Start-Run and type "cmd" and hit Enter to get to Command Prompt. (most already know this but junst in case) Type the following from the Command line, swap USER NAME with yours and hit enter: c:\windows\explorer /e,c:\Users\"USER NAME"\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5 You may will likely need to be admin and open up views from the Control Panel - folder Options. Good luck

Yeah that's it! I had the same problem with an adobe file hidden away somewhere. If I clicked Save As for the file (since I could still open in under Adobe Recently Opened stuff) I could see where it was saved. So I typed the exact address to it and found it! I turned on the hidden folders and files view, but still can't believe that keep more stuff hidden from you.

try C:\Users\userName\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Low\Content.IE5\72JYO3GY the LOW is the trickStuart