Temporary Internet Files

[JimmieC]

Using Windows 98 IE: Opening the temporary internet files - Right clicking a site - Open - A dialog box appears showing "Running a system command on this item might be unsafe. Do you want to continue?" If I enter Yes, will I be asking for trouble (computer wise)? Also, why do I have an Internet File and a Content File with what seems the same information? Thanks,

[¿jobe¿]

No you won't be asking for trouble....its just a warning because of so much that goes on the internet these days.

If its in your temp folder then the system as pretty much already run it and it should be safe...the message its just a warning.

But I'm not sure what your asking about the content file....is there any more info you can give on it?

[reghakr]

It's most likely due to the options you have selected under Internet Options>Security in Intenet explorer's options.

Click the Custom Level button. Under ActiveX Control and plugins, I'd suggest

Download signed ActiveX Controls...Prompt
Download unsigned ActiveX Controls...Disable
Initialize and script ActiveX Control not marked as safe...Disable
Run ActiveX controls & plugins...Enable
Script ActiveX Ciontrols marked safe for scripting...Enable

You want Prompt under the first entry, otherwise you'll get crap like Comet Cursor installing in the background without your knowledge.

reghakr

[JimmieC]

The options were in agreement with your suggestions. I was not obliged to change anything, but the situation remains the same. Thanks,

[RWSchlatter]

some input from my point of view:

the Temporary Internet Files directory is a Special System Folder used by the MS internet software, especially IE. The data will be stored in several file system directories. You will get different views to the TIF from the Internet Options applet, General tab.

What you see, when you open a special folder directly in Windows Explorer is not necessarily file information from the file system, but any information , that a software component may want to present to you in a hierarchical way with folder and file icons. You will notice, that the headers are not exactly the same as for a file directory.

Windows Explorer knows that you are working within a special folder. But it does not know, what functionality is triggered by eg the Open command, so you get the warning message.
You may trigger the execution of some code, that would not have been executed had IE been in control and matched internet addresses against the Security Zone definitions.
It is up to you to decide if it is dangerous or not.

As long as you only display or copy icons, or look at cookies contents, that should be safe.

______________
Regards - Richard

[JimmieC]

Thank you Richard, I appreciate your input on this matter.