Problem deleting "DOWNLOADED PROGRAM FILE" IE

[gbstelecom]

Dear Sirs,

I prepared several screen snaphots to upload, but I dont think this enviroment supports attachments. I have noticed that IE 5.5 allows things to be downloaded and put in a file called c:\WINDOWS\DOWNLOADED PROGRAM FILES. These can be viewed by right clicking internet explorer from the desktop, then scrolling down to properties, left clicking. Then the internet properties dialog box comes up. Under TEMPORARY INTERNET FILES if you click on "settings" and then view objects various "downloaded" material appears. I was able to delete all of them with the exception of one. Everytime I try to delete it I get a dialog box with the following message: "The program files are currently being used by one or more programs. Please close some programs and try again. You may need to restart windows." I have closed all running programs that show up when doing a ctrl+alt+del once. Then went back to delete the program, but I get the same message. Let me know if you have a suggestion.

Thanks

 

[mcraigw]

Hmmm... you might try renaming the file, then rebooting and deleting the renamed file. Depending on what is going on though, it may not let you rename it. Sooo... rename the folder in which the file resides, reboot, delete the file, change the folder's name back and reboot again.

If you are using a FAT file system, then you can probably boot up using a WIN98 diskette, booting to DOS, then find and delete the file. Although sometimes long file names, or file names with blanks cause problems with this approach.

 

[gbstelecom]

I appreciate your timely response to my problem. I tried your suggestion, and indeed have used that approach in the past. Maybe I should have explained that this file is an ActiveX Control. It says under properties that the file itself depends on two other .dll files which are not located on the computer. I did try renaming the file from windows, but there is no option for it by right clicking; the options are update, remove and properties. So I am still wondering can this file be deleted? I will try using dos...I appreciate your help; it seems there should be more control for the end user to accept activex control programs. I am sure I am beating a dead horse, or that someone will explain you can turn Active X Control off somewhere in settings, wel let me know if you have any other ideas.

Thanks Again

 

[gbstelecom]

Well... guess what...the directory "downloaded program files" appears in windows but not in DOS??? Is it because its a system file? Well this is really bugging me now.. I appreaciate your help.

 

[gbstelecom]

Also, I did try renaming the directory but it wont let me from windows...it may be because its a system file. thanks again

 

[BeenThereDoneThat]

gbstelecom:

The file 'Downloaded Program Files' is a special folder that is controled by a CLSID in the registry. Microsoft in it's 'infinite wisdom' has decided that the end user doesn't need to be in there, so they created this folder to hide various files. Files with extensions like .inf .txt .ini and the like are not displayed within the Windows GUI. You must go to DOS to view them. In DOS use the 8.3 filename path and you should be able to see them. (C:\Windows\Downlo~1) If you use the 'Attrib' or 'Edit' commands you can take the special provisions off so that all files will be displayed in Windows. What OS are you using and what is your DOS skill level?

 

[gbstelecom]

BeenThereDoneThat,

Thanks for the information. I was able to sucessfully delete numerous files that "did not belong"..(by using DOS) as to my experience with DOS. My level is probably above average to moderate... I am using WIN 98 SE. I did recieve an error message when attempting to delete one paticular .dll file; DOS responded "access denied"; is it because the file is currently in use??? I am still working on deleting the active X file, will its name appear as the same thing it shows under Windows??? The reason I ask is I do not recollect seeing it.... I will have to check again...Thanks for the help and input, any more? Also, just fyi- when it comes to telephones I am a professional, computer related well just a "layman"...thanks again

 

[BeenThereDoneThat]

gbstelecom:

'Access Denied' messages are generally caused by a file that is in use or one that has +H+S+R attributes set. Did you just go to a dos prompt and get this error? If so shut the computer down and restart in ms-dos mode and no active x components will be loaded so they won't be in use, then go into that folder and delete them -- after removing the attributes.

 

[gbstelecom]

Yes Sir, I did do that(I used the command line prompt from Windows) ok I said above average, lol maybe I over stated that LOL...so I will get instructions on booting to DOS..From your previous email I know I got to use the Windows CD...If you want you can leave instructions(maybe it will help someone else too) I appreciate your help.

 

[BeenThereDoneThat]

gbstelecom:

All you have to do is press Start>shutdown and put a tick in the box that says 'Restart in MS-DOS Mode'