DAMAGED "Downloaded Program Files"?

OK, This has been bugging me since i 1st seen it in 95'. In Internet Explorers TOOLS> INTERNET OPTIONS> SETTINGS> VIEW OBJECTS. there is a folder that comes up with the header "Downloaded Program Files" I have 16 objects there, stuff like macromedia, shockwave, java etc... I understand that some, most or all? are used for certain video features in browser. BUT it seems i have ALWAYS had something there that says 'DAMAGED' "SHOCKWAVE FLASH OBJECT", "MACROMEDIA AUTHORWARE WEB PLAYER CONTROL" & one with a crapload of ###s (numbers) are 'DAMAGED'. I also have one that says 'UNKNOWN' with a bunch of numbers. Shockwave & flash works fine.
What exactly are these files? some could be dangerous there?(virus'). & what about the 'damaged' ones? repairing browser never took care of them... I have posted this about 6 years ago & never got a response & was hoping SOMEONE here is knowledgable enough to be able to explain what these really are & why i have always had damaged objects here... ANY info or links will be apreciated! Thx in advance MrDish

I believe they are basicly just various "Internet multimedia" componets that are (if allowed by your settings) downloaded as needed when you visit a web site that supports this kind of media to allow you a more "exiting browsing experience" with the technology available today. You can and maybe should right click on these and choose remove and the next time a web site needs these you (depending on your settings)will re-download them or be prompted as needed.

P.S.
The path to controlling this activity in IE.
-Open the browser
-Select tools
-Internet Options
-Advanced
Look for "Enable Install on demand".

The folder where they are located on your hard drive.
C:\windows\downloaded program files

[This message has been edited by JohnQ (edited 10-07-2001).]

Hi Mr. Dish,
I just checked my Internet Explorer "view objects" and I only have 4 items: CV3 Class (I have no idea what that is); Housecall Control; Shockwave Activ and Shockwave Flash.
I'm sorry I don't know what those errors could be, but I just thought I'd let you know what mine shows.
Did you run into a lot of failed installs for Shockwave?
I'm sure someone here will know about this.
Sincerely, Nancee

Thx for the replies.. JohnQ, You explained pretty much what i thought it was, I think i will delete damaged ones (& unknown) & see what happens.. Seems i tried that before & had to reinstall browser (A long time ago) & I will have browser PROMPT me instead of auto-dl the objects! I thought there was more than 5 for normal browsing.. but after looking into most of them they are a few from 'online tests' sites. I think there is 5 just from PCPITSTOP.COM (which i dont need! I ran performance test there once) I will clean house here & repost results. I will probably just keep housecall Control(online AV scan) & CV3class (for windows update it appears 'NanceelO') Scrap the rest & see what happens... wish me luck

It's safe to delete the problem files in directory C:\WINDOWS\Downloaded Program Files as said above, i.e. right click on them and select Remove (select Properties to determine the source etc.).

These are ActiveX controls. To check whether you will be prompted to download these again when you visit certain web sites, go into Tools/Internet Options in IE and select the Security tab. For the Internet zone, click on Custom Level and check the first three settings relating to ActiveX controls. I would suggest you set the first setting to prompt and disable the other two relating to unsigned/unsafe ActiveX controls.

To install Macromedia Flash and Shockwave players visit this URL: http://sdc.shockwave.com/shockwave/d...rameset.fhtml? .

AFAIK, enable install on demand relates to additional IE components not installed when you first set up IE. For instance, if you surf to a Japanese web site, you may be prompted to install Japanese language support.

Thx for help, I DELETED all but the housecall control & cv3class. I will reinstall 'plugins' or 'objects' as i need them. Everything still working fine yet. I have no idea what caused the DAMAGED files...

You can delete everything in that folder. The next time something is needed it will be downloaded (if you permit) by the site that needs it.

There are dangers in allowing programs to download. The Internet page at my web site describes all of the security settings in Internet Options, if you are concerned.

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Jerry CTX
Computer (In)Security