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Why does Internet Explorer hang when it accesses Temporary Internet files (disk cache)?

Disk Cache

Why does Internet Explorer hang when it accesses Temporary Internet files (disk cache)?

by  bgauntt  Posted    (Edited  )
Internet Explorer (IE) can enter a state where it almost immediately hangs and starts to use 100 percent of CPU time. In particular, trying to delete Temporary Internet files via Tools, Internet Options triggers this behavior. Also, all attempts to delete files or folders from %systemdrive%\Documents and Settings\%username%\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files (or wherever the Temporary Internet files folder is located) causes Windows Explorer to hang. This behavior occurs because the Temporary Internet files database is corrupt.

The Temporary Internet files aren't really files but entries in %systemdrive%\Documents and Settings\%username%\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\index.dat. Deleting that file solves the problem.

1. Exit IE and Windows Explorer (iexplore.exe and explorer.exe, respectively, in Task Manager).
2. Use the following command from a command prompt to delete the file:
3. C:\>del "%systemdrive%\Documents and Settings\%username%\Local
4. Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\index.dat"
5. Restart IE and Windows Explorer.
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