How to Check Cache Files in Internet Explorer

A cache file is a file that your web browser downloads when it is accessing a web page on the Internet. Many web pages are actually a collection of files that are used to present the page in your browser. These files can include the web page itself, any images associated with the page and scripts that are used by the page. Needless to say, there should be many files in the file folder your web browser uses as a cache.

For a parent who is concerned about their child's computer use, the absence of these files may mean that their child could be browsing inappropriate sites on the Internet and is erasing the files to hide their activities. As a means of efficiency, the web browser may be set to use the cache files to speed up loading of web sites by only downloading files that have been changed since the last visit. If the files have been erased, the web browser will have to fetch all of them again.

The information below will guide you through checking that cache files in Internet Explorer:

1. Start Internet Explorer
2. Select the Tools menu from the top menu bar and then select "Internet Options"
3. When the "Internet Options" menu appears, make sure you are on the "General' tab.
4. Click on the "Settings" button in the second row of buttons
5. When the "Settings" box appears, click on the "View Files" button in center at the bottom of the box
6. A file browser with the title "Temporary Internet Files" should appear
7. In the window containing a listing of the Temporary Internet Files, you should see the name of the file, the Internet Address, the type of file and various dates related to the files
8. If the list is empty or very short, chances are that the cache has recently been erased.