Often referred to as the cache, the Temporary Internet Files folder contains a kind of travel record of the items you have seen, heard, or downloaded from the Web, including images, sounds, Web pages, even cookies. Typically these items are stored in the Temporary Internet Files folder.

Storing these files in your cache can make browsing the Web faster because it usually takes your computer less time to display a Web page when it can call up some of the page's elements or even the entire page from your local Temporary Internet Files folder.

Clearing Your Internet Explorer 7 Browser's Cache

All those files stored in your cache take up space, so from time to time, you may want to clear out the files stored in your cache to free up some space on your computer. This is called clearing the cache.

To clear your cache:

1. On the Internet Explorer Tools menu, click Internet Options.

The Internet Options box should open to the General tab.

2. On the General tab, in the Browsing history section, click the Delete... button. This will bring up the Delete Browsing History Box.



Select the Delete files... button to delete Temporary Internet Files
Select the Delete cookies... button to delete Cookies
Select the Delete history... button to delete your browsing history

After you select delete a box will appear asking you to confirm you would like to delete the files. Select Yes for each one.

Confirm Internet Explorer Cache Delete

Confirm Internet Explorer Cookies Delete

Confirm Internet Explorer History Delete

3. Click Yes, and then click Close and OK again.