A different "cookie" problem

[julirog]

Help..

When I search all files I get a bunch of files like "cookie:2of7.com". I cannot open, delete or see these files. They appear to be links to various web sites. Does anyone know how to delete or manage these files?? Where are they??

thanks,

-Roger

 

[wesley]

To delete tracking cookies: Open Internet explorer. Go to Tools, Internet options and click on delete under browsing history. I've attached a pic to show you if you don't know what I'm talking about.

 

[julirog]

thanks, but these are not normal "cookies". I can manage those pretty well - but these are different. Have checked and deleted all cookies both manually and with IE -- these other files are still there. I also do not get any "location" noted when I try properties (from the search list).

-Roger

 

[wesley]

What spyware/ adware programs have you tried running?

 

[julirog]

Sorry for the delay. I have Norton and run virus/spyware on a regular basis. These files do not seem to be a virus or spyware - but???? They show up with a full search (advanced) on "cookie". Their are entries for yahoo, google and other popular sites as well as some that are unrecognizable. If I double click on the file, it opens IE and takes me to that site. Seems like some kind of shortcut - but, again, it won't let me delete, reset attributes or see where the file is at. When I try to delete, I get error with message that "no such interface supported". Have never run into these on XP or other systems -- just seem to be in Vista.

Thanks again,
-Roger

 

[Brink]

Hi Roger,

Run Spybot Search & Destroy to see what it finds for you. You can get it for free here:

The home of Spybot-S&D!

Hope this helps,
Shawn

 

[julirog]

Spybot sure has grown since I last used it. It did not catch these files, but I have made the files inactive by changing the associated program to Notepad. That way, I can change them back if somehow they are needed. Sure curious, though, why I cannot delete or find them except through advanced search.

Thanks to all for the help.
-Roger

 

[Brink]

Roger,

Cookies are stored in two places in Vista:

C:\Users\(your username)\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\Low

AND

C:\Users\(your username)\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies


These are in the hidden folder AppData, so you will need to set your system files to not be hidden. For how if needed, see: How to Hide or Show Hidden Files and Folders in Vista

You might find them and others to be able to delete there.

Shawn