Moving this folder to its default location is easy with Internet Explorer’s own settings, so you don’t need to remove and reinstall Internet Explorer or reset all of its options. , with the ieframe.dll DLL error being a common example. If for some reason the location of this folder has moved, such as due to a malware issue or a change you made, very specific issues and error messages may occur. As the name suggests, the IE browser uses this folder to store temporary internet files. Why move IE temporary files?īy default, the Temporary Internet Files folder in Internet Explorer is buried deep in several folders. Repeat steps 3-5, but under this path, also in the HKEY_CURRENT_USER hive: Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders WinXP: %USERPROFILE%\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files
Windows 7 and Vista: %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files
Windows 11, 10 and 8: %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\iNetCache\ Type the correct value for your version of Windows: Navigate to the HKEY_CURRENT_USER hive, then follow this path: Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Foldersĭouble click Hidden on the right side of Registry Editor. It’s much easier to use Internet Explorer as described above, but if you can’t for some reason, try this method.
Reset IE Temporary Files Folder Using Windows RegistryĪnother way to make this change is to use the Windows registry.
These steps show how to hide hidden files from normal view, reversing the steps you took in step 1. Log back into Windows and test to see if you return the Temporary Internet Files folder to its default location solved your problem.Ĭonfigure Windows to hide hidden files and folders. Your computer will log off immediately, so be sure to save and close any files you are working on before choosing Yes. To select Yes if you are prompted to sign out to finish moving temporary internet files. To select OKAY in the Find a folder window, then again in the other window. If you complete step 1 now, you must return to step 5 to refresh the folders.
Once you land on the last folder in the path you see above, just highlight it, you don’t need to select the arrow or plus sign next to it.ĭon’t see the right folder? Windows may not be configured to show hidden files and folders, or you may need to show protected operating system files as well. WinXP: C:\Documents and Settings\\Local Settings\ Windows 7 and Vista: C:\Users\\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files Windows 11, 10 and 8: C:\Users\\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\iNetCache\ Navigate to the default folder used by Internet Explorer to store temporary Internet files: For example, I would expand the folder Tim since that’s my username. Select the arrow or plus sign next to Usersor Documents and settings if you see this, followed by the folder corresponding to your username. Select the down arrow or plus sign (the one you see) next to the VS : drive to open this folder. To select Settings of Navigation history section.Ĭhoose Move Folder at the bottom of the window. Type inetcpl.cpl in the text box, then press OKAY.
Open the Run dialog with the Win + R shortcut. Some of the steps below require hidden folders to be visible, so this prerequisite is a must. Reset the Internet Files folder to its default locationĬonfigure Windows to show hidden files and folders. These steps work on Windows 11 through Windows XP, but there are differences. This article explains how to move the Temporary Files folder in Internet Explorer. Find the default folder used by Internet Explorer to store temporary Internet files and select OKAY.To select Settings in the Browsing history section, then choose Move Folder at the bottom of the window.Open the Run dialog box and enter inetcpl.cpl. Configure Windows to show hidden files and folders.5.1 More information about How to Move IE Temporary Internet Files Folder to Default Location.3 Reset IE Temporary Files Folder Using Windows Registry.2 Reset the Internet Files folder to its default location.1 Under Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista and XP.