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General discussion

Need some advice on cookies and files...

Jun 23, 2004 1:28AM PDT

When I go to Tools/Internet options/General/Temporary Internet Files, there are a bunch of cookies and about 8 files, is it ok to delete these? Will it cause any problems? OS WXPHome/OE6/IE6.
Thanks
Larry

Discussion is locked

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Re: Need some advice on cookies and files...
Jun 23, 2004 2:01AM PDT
y'all....


1. Set things up as described in "How to Manage Cookies in Internet Explorer 6 (Q283185)]," be sure to read this referenced articles concerning cookies, and then completely clear the cookie folder as explained in the Q278835 link.

2. Download the "12-Wash" utility from Tucows -- I guess that means five (5) as there are five pictures of a cow, that is listed in the "Index" near the bottom of the page -- a free!1.5MB file.

3. When executed, you'll see the tab IE, IE, AOL (click to see a screen shot) which when clicked give you the option to delete "cookies" among other things along with an "Except" button that allows you to select cookies to keep -- a history recorded in the system registry and not changed unless you do so.

4. Create a Shortcut to this program and placed in the Startup folder that purges cookies you have elected not to keep each time the system boots:

<drive> \ <path> \12wash.exe /silent /washall

Bill Gaston

Pardon ma ACKsent, ah'm frum Austin, Tex_As, USA

....its been my policy to view the Internet not as an 'information highway,' but as an electronic asylum filled with babbling loonies.
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Larry, Yes, They're Safe To Delete...
Jun 23, 2004 7:18AM PDT

...and it shouldn't cause any problems...BUT remember, some of those cookies may contain "remembered" passwords from various log in websites, such as Cnet. If you delete them, you will need to log in with username and password the next time you visit the site.

I clean out my Temporary Internet Files folder frequently.

Hope this helps.

Grif

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Re: Larry, Yes, They're Safe To Delete...
Jun 23, 2004 7:49AM PDT

Thanks Grif,
I have never cleaned them out, so there are about 6mo. worth since I set up the PC new. I keep an updated list of all my user IDs and passwords.
What about the file section? I have about 8 files 4 are active X, 2 are java runtime, 1 is housecall and the other is MS security adv. If you need more info. on these I will send it.
Larry

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Larry, Do You Mean ???
Jun 23, 2004 10:10AM PDT

Let's make this perfectly clear for my sake.

In regards to the "Cookies" files you have mentioned, are you finding those by using the following path? While in Internet Explorer, click on "Tools/Internet Options/General Tab/Settings button/View Files button" ?? If that's the case, then it's completely safe to delete all the files there, as mentioned earlier. Those are the "Temporary Internet Files" folder items.

In regards to the ActiveX files you're seeing, are you finding those by using the following path? While in Internet Explorer, click on "Tools/Internet Options/General Tab/Settings button/View Objects button" ?? If that's the case, then you'll probably want to leave those files where they are. Although they are completely safe to delete, those files are contained in the "Downloaded Program Files" folder and they include a variety of Active X controls that help run a variety of online programs including Windows Update. If you delete them, no harm will come to the machine, but you will be required to download them again when the computer needs them again. It's your choice.

Hope this helps.

Grif

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Re: Larry, Do You Mean ???
Jun 23, 2004 10:43AM PDT

That is exactly what I was trying to say, I guess I should have said objects as that is what the button said. I'm glad you have ESP.
Thanks a lot Grif I will leave the objects alone and get rid of the Cookies.
Larry

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(NT) (NT) Larry, Good Job & Keep Up The Good Work
Jun 23, 2004 2:27PM PDT