"Invisible" folder in Windows XP Pro

[AlfAlmeida]

This is a problem that is bugging me and which might be of academic interest to informed users of Windows XP Professional!

I occasionally use PowerPoint to translate presentations into english for a friend. On completion I delete the presentations, but this particular one persisted, and numerous searches could not find it, but it still loaded when clicked in the PowerPoint File menu!

I found out where it resided by right clicking the title in the menu and then clicking Properties. However, the folders tree in Windows Explorer was not exactly the same as shown under Properties, so I could not reach the folder containing the file! Carrying out a Windows Search for the folder could not find it.

I finally reached the folder by copying from the Presentation Properties in PowerPoint and pasting it in Start/Run which openend the "errand" folder containing the presentation I wanted to delete!

This folder also contained umpteen other files and I took a risk and deleted the lot, luckily without any faults occurring! The folder in question is:
C:\Documents and Settings\HP_Administrator\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\2FBG8T0U

I have today viewed this folder and it again contains lots of files! I enclose part snapshot of the contents.

And now the question. How is it that Windows Search cannot find this folder: carrying out a clean of temporary files will not empty the folder: and why does it not appear in Windows Explorer?

[EzyStvy]

It is a System Folder - you must use the Advanced Search feature to include system folders.

[AlfAlmeida]

Advanced Search Feature? Where do I find this?

[EzyStvy]

Lower left hand of a normal serach window. Might have to start with "more search options."

[AlfAlmeida]

Thanks EzyStvy, found the advance options. Ticked "Search System Folders", "Search Hidden Files and Folders" and "Search Sub-folders", but still Windows Search will not find the 2FBG8T0U folder!!

Like I said in my original post, if I key in the full path in Start/Run, the folder opens!

In Windows Explorer, everything after "Local Settings" is not shown, even though I have ticked "Show hidden files and folders" in Folder Options.

I hope this doesn't prove a mystery to you as it is foxing me!!!

[SokaRakos]

Viruses manifest in umpteen ways. Then I'll suggest that you use Symantec's antivirus, update it ad then do a thorough scan of your system. My guess is that you will find a virus which is responsible for that mayhem.