Derek, using the start button as you suggested, "show all files" and "hide file ext. for known file types" were already set. I had gone to winfile several times checking and then ran RAV just to see if it would go into the folder. I think your suggesting winfile put me on the right track. I could then see the files were still there just not showing for some odd reason. The folder is ok today, all the files there.

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Open Windows Explorer and go to View, Folder Options, (or Start, Settings, Folder Options)View and tell it to show Hidden files and folders and show System files. While there tell it so show Extensions too. Click Apply and Ok. HTH Bryan

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Bryan Think we've been there (see my #4). Br- I said "UNtick" Hide file extensions for known file types - I assume that's what you did. Still, if it's OK now then fine I reckon. DerekW

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Files in your Downloaded Program Files are ActiveX files. If you were to use MS Disk Cleanup, you can set it to delete the files in that folder. Any you decide to leave in that folder are primarily for your convenience. As Derek mentioned, they can be downloaded again if needed. For instance Macromedia Shockwave/Flash, if you have it, should be there. That is used often, and makes sense to leave it alone. Online virus scans keep files there. I seldom use an online site and therefore, delete those. Description of the Disk Cleanup Tool http://support.microsoft.com/kb/186099 I have seen it posted before where they become invisible. However, the brain not being as sharp as it should be, does not remember any solution or cause. :) sekirt

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Derek, I meant to say that "hide file extensions" was already unchecked when following your instructions. sekirt, never used disk cleanup, but I have deleted individual files from that folder in the past. Never had a problem, so it really threw me when they disappeared on their own. Everything is still showing in the folder, must have been one of those glitches we all see now and then.

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I posted the idea that disk cleanup does delete them - just to backup the idea that they can all be deleted. So even if they did disappear, you would know that it isn't cause to worry. Certainly, I am glad they showed up. sekirt

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Yep, not everything can be explained so let's hope they stay there. Winfile can be very useful but I've never known it actually fix anything like this before. Good though LOL. DerekW

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Explaination is that Downloaded Program Files folder is a 'special' Windows folder as is Fonts, Temporary Internet Files, etc. What you see with Windows Explorer depends on Desktop.ini file located in that folder along with behavior written into Windows itself. I would suggest that running RAV corrected the desktop.ini file in there somehow and that was what 'brought them back'. Perhaps by re-registering some core Windows dll file? Customizing Folders with Desktop.ini Customizing a Folder's Web View: Unlike some of the other more well known special folders like TIF or Cookies, I don't think Windows will recreate this one if it is deleted in DOS mode. If it does, then it may not work right until Windows is reinstalled? Every item in this folder contains registry entries pertaining to it and so if they are truely gone then the registry is hosed for that missing item until it gets re-downloaded and re-installed again which should re-write the registry with now valid references again. IMO it's a pretty sticky wicket messing around with 'fixes' for this folder and Br is one lucky user to get it back before he 'fixed it up' real good. Be careful out there.

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melee5 Thank you for your interesting and useful contribution. I'd better add though that I only suggested (if need be) deleting the contents of this folder, not the system folder itself. From your information I should have suggested retaining the desktop.ini file (although it can obviously be remade if necessary, with some effort) in order to preserve the icon arrangements. As it turned out none of this was necessary. With the benefit of hindsight if we had needed to clear this folder it might have been better to have first tried using Disk Cleanup which is quite safe. Whether this would have worked is anybody's guess because of the missing entries in Windows Explorer. DerekW

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