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General discussion

Help! Can download a program but can't run it anymore?!

Mar 3, 2007 8:23PM PST

Im using IE7 on Vista Premium. All of a sudden I can download a program but can't run it?!

Error message: C:Temporary Internet Files/Content.IE5/Y36V3498/program.exe

The directory name is invalid.


Please help!

Discussion is locked

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Try...
Mar 3, 2007 11:21PM PST

When you download a program, you can choose the destination location - "Downloads", "Desktop"...or a folder you created, and run or install from there.

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Tried that...
Mar 4, 2007 2:15AM PST

Tried, and although I can see it on the desktop it still comes up with the same message!?

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Thoughts...
Mar 5, 2007 4:07AM PST

* C:\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5 is not a default directory under Vista, so it is curious where it originated from.

* Open Internet Explorer and go Tools->Delete Browsing History. Click the Delete All button for Temporary internet Files, confirm the deletion, and then try downloading/installing a program again.

* If the problem remains, see if you can browse to that location using Windows Explorer. (Through (My) Computer.) You may need to enable the viewing of hidden files/folders, as well as system files/folders. (Viewing options can be found by going Organize->Folder and Search Options->View.)

* If you can browse to that location, try using MoveOnBoot to delete the file.

* Back in Internet Explorer, go Options->Internet Options and click Settings under "Browsing options." Let us know the "current location" it lists.

* Have you tried double-clicking the downloaded application installer instead of simply clicking Run when Internet Explorer presents you with the option?

Let us know how it goes.
John

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Hi John!
Mar 5, 2007 6:51AM PST

Thanks for the reply.

Tried deleting internet history and re-installing program and running downloaded program but still the same error.

Tried searching for content.ie5 folder, but was not found even with system and hidden folders option enabled.

Tried Running the program even if I download it to the desktop and it still gives me the same message even though I can see it in front of me displaying the icon and size of file etc.

Location of internet temp files: C:/Users/Bagi Eger/Desktop/Bagi/Temporary Internet Files/

And thats it. Hope it helps and thanks for the interest!
Vista's making me go grey...

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Same problem on D drive now
Mar 6, 2007 3:52AM PST

Just noticed that I get the same error message on my D drive too when I try to run off disc:

D:/

Directory name is invalid


Whats going on?

Heeeeeelp please?

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Some additional thoughts...
Mar 6, 2007 9:41AM PST

* Scan with antivirus software (ensure compatibility with Vista before beginning) and verify that you are not infected.

* Press Windows + R to display the run prompt and then enter sfc scannow (with the space) and press Enter. Windows will then go through the process of scanning your computer and verifying the correctness of each system file.

* Try booting in Safe Mode (press F8 during boot) and see if the problem remains.

* Perform a System Restore back to a time when it last worked properly, if it ever did in the first place.

Let us know how it goes.
John

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Still no luck
Mar 7, 2007 3:56AM PST

Have tried all the above now.

System restore doesn't restore and only goes back a few days.

Booting in safe mode still the same problem.

But I can download and play videos, see pics etc. it seems to not like exe. files.

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Clever me
Mar 7, 2007 6:44AM PST

I had to turn off UAC. Now I can run the .exe files.

Pat on the back for me.

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Good job!
Mar 7, 2007 9:12AM PST

The error message it spit out did not point in the direction of UAC, so I never thought of it. I'm curious as to why it glitched like that, but am glad you got it sorted out.

John