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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 31. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by noa on April 8, 2004, at 18:10:02
OK--here goes....
I like to delete temporary internet files and cookies fairly regularly. BUT, I don't want to erase my psychobabble cookies and the cookies from a couple other sites I visit frequently. Because, as you know, when the cookies are gone, I get the new tags on every single message, and it makes it cumbersome to scroll through messages for new ones.
My solution thus far has been to open the temp/cookies files, select all, and then use the control button and the mouse to unselect certain cookies. But this is also rather cumbersome, and not always accurate. There are often several cookies from the same site and I have a hard time knowing if I would need to keep all of them, or the most recent, or what. Plus sometimes I miss some and they get deleted with the others.
My question is this: Is there a way to get my computer to put certain cookies in a different folder from all the other cookies--a kind of 'special cookies and special temporary internet files" folder? That way I could keep the "special" ones and delete the rest more efficiently.
Or any other suggestions?
Thanks.
Posted by spoc on April 9, 2004, at 3:34:51
In reply to Silly Cookie ? 4 Dr. Bob and other tech smart ones, posted by noa on April 8, 2004, at 18:10:02
> ....My solution thus far has been to open the temp/cookies files, select all, and then use the control button and the mouse to unselect certain cookies. But this is also rather cumbersome, and not always accurate. There are often several cookies from the same site and I have a hard time knowing if I would need to keep all of them, or the most recent, or what. Plus sometimes I miss some and they get deleted with the others.>
-----
Hi noa, please put down your mouse and freeze! I found out the hard way awhile back that one should *never* delete temp files/cookies directly/individually from Windows Explorer or anywhere else you can get at them. This can cause damage to your computer. Those temp files aren't even really where they appear to be; what you see displayed in the listing is actually a concentrated mirror image of them where they *really* are, which is in widespread places. You obviously CAN get them to disappear from the temp folder, but other processes caused by this "far-removed" removal are set in motion. You've probably noticed other odd things as you were removing them manually, and that's why. Pretty intriguing, huh? Who sez this stuff is boring!I deleted temps as you are for years without *noticing* a problem from it -- but then again my computer IS now giving out, and who knows how many of my "daring" practices may have hastened that. Anyway, eventually I started going after a folder called "Content IE 5," and found huge *wads* of cookies from eons ago in there, and deleted them all. All heck broke loose with the operation of my PC, and I had to go on an odyssey to find out why. That's when I discovered in reputable techie forums and through system admin acquaintances that one should *never* manually remove cookies at all, much less the ominous ones I did. I still have Windows 98, but I see that with newer operating systems, it's been made even harder for owners to get into and manipulate these areas now.
As far as your objective of saving cookies selectively -- Dr. Bob, a couple others and myself ended up discussing the general issue in a recent Admin thread begun under the title "Where's the previous indicators box?" But that veers in a few directions, so I'll put two main thoughts here. First, despite what anyone says, I've noticed that performing a proper Internet Options temps removal at least does not cause me to lose most of the color-coding of my previously-read links (I posted about random losses, but realized they are due to my crummy computer's frequent crashes). I almost think that deleting temps may remove stored images of whole Internet site pages more so than it does whatever causes previously-read links to stay colored. Just guessing, better stop there. Anyway, the colors may not be AS useful to you as flags, but they're much better than nothing, and seem to stay a lot longer.
Second and more efficient thought: Although I feel very confident in stating that we can't selectively retain cookies (if we could, that would be a standard feature, as everyone would want a choice), I will defer to a couple of my favorite techie forums, linked below. There, you can get good answers pretty quickly. The first is a general computer tech site. The second is a security issues site, but that includes cookies and spyware. Right now it's down for software upgrades, for up to a few days.
Good luck! :- )
==================
> I like to delete temporary internet files and cookies fairly regularly. BUT, I don't want to erase my psychobabble cookies and the cookies from a couple other sites I visit frequently. Because, as you know, when the cookies are gone, I get the new tags on every single message, and it makes it cumbersome to scroll through messages for new ones.> .....> My question is this: Is there a way to get my computer to put certain cookies in a different folder from all the other cookies--a kind of 'special cookies and special temporary internet files" folder? That way I could keep the "special" ones and delete the rest more efficiently.
>
> Or any other suggestions?
>
> Thanks.
Posted by spoc on April 9, 2004, at 3:44:07
In reply to Re: Silly Cookie ? 4 Dr. Bob and other tech smart ones » noa, posted by spoc on April 9, 2004, at 3:34:51
..... Or, would this have been more efficient:
Hey noa, it's actually bad for your computer to delete temps manually. And no, I don't think you can save cookies selectively, but you can try asking at the following sites:
[site]
[site];- )
Posted by octopusprime on April 9, 2004, at 12:29:24
In reply to Silly Cookie ? 4 Dr. Bob and other tech smart ones, posted by noa on April 8, 2004, at 18:10:02
noa - you might want to try something like this in internet explorer (i am using ie 6 to write these instructions):
To avoid storing cookies in general, but to accept cookies for Dr bob's site:
1. Click Tools->Internet Options.
2. Click the Privacy tab.
3. Move the slider closer to the top of the screen (to High or Block All Cookies).
4. Click the Edit button.
5. Type http://www.dr-bob.org in the Address of Web Site text box.
6. Click the Allow button.
7. Click OK.
8. Click OK.You may have to restart your browser for changes to take effect. Let me know if this helps!
Posted by spoc on April 9, 2004, at 13:12:10
In reply to Re: Silly Cookie ? 4 Dr. Bob and other tech smart ones » noa, posted by octopusprime on April 9, 2004, at 12:29:24
> noa - you might want to try something like this in internet explorer (i am using ie 6 to write these instructions):
>
> To avoid storing cookies in general, but to accept cookies for Dr bob's site:
> 1. Click Tools->Internet Options.
> 2. Click the Privacy tab.
> 3. Move the slider closer to the top of the screen (to High or Block All Cookies).
> 4. Click the Edit button.
> 5. Type http://www.dr-bob.org in the Address of Web Site text box.
> 6. Click the Allow button.
> 7. Click OK.
> 8. Click OK.
------------
Hi Octopusprime,Can't resist examining this stuff! I believe the above setting would only continue to allow cookies from Dr. Bob, as noa's computer already does. But would not affect their ability to be stored/retained differently, or what happens to them during a proper temps/cookie clean up. I think the only difference would be that it would start preventing the loading or correct display of almost all other websites, as a high setting will refuse some necessary and harmless "deposits" that are required for viewing....
They really should design a way around this, it *would* be so useful to retain cookies selectively! : )
Posted by octopusprime on April 9, 2004, at 18:04:09
In reply to Re: Silly Cookie ? 4 Dr. Bob and other tech smart ones » octopusprime, posted by spoc on April 9, 2004, at 13:12:10
spoc - you're right, it won't store dr bob's cookie in a different folder.
however, the idea is that you clean up once, then you follow the instructions i gave, then you won't have to clean up much more because you won't be receiving new cookies.
there are some sites where cookies are necessary (for example, online banking and subscription sites like the new york times and salon). but on others it should be ok to reject the cookies. it will affect scripting on the page, and whether or not your preferences are saved from session to session, but pages should load ok.
Posted by noa on April 9, 2004, at 18:17:37
In reply to Re: Silly Cookie ? 4 Dr. Bob and other tech smart ones » spoc, posted by octopusprime on April 9, 2004, at 18:04:09
Spoc and Octopusprime--thank you for all the suggestions. I started with the suggestion of changing the security level in internet options. But it does not give me the option of allowing certain sites. Perhaps I have a different version of IE? But what I am experimenting with now is that I did a "custom" level of security where I set the cookies preferences as follows: For "in session" cookies, ie, not stored, I enabled these. For stored cookies, I set it to prompt me before accepting them. This will probably be a pain in the butt to get prompts all the time, but I want to see how this works.
BTW, even for banking sites and newspaper sites, etc., I think you don't have to keep the cookies, but if you don't keep them, the preferences you set for how the page is set up, etc. won't keep, or you'll have to enter name and password to get into the page each time you go there.
Thanks.
Posted by spoc on April 9, 2004, at 21:36:09
In reply to Re: Silly Cookie ? 4 Dr. Bob and other tech smart ones, posted by noa on April 9, 2004, at 18:17:37
> Spoc and Octopusprime--thank you for all the suggestions. I started with the suggestion of changing the security level in internet options. But it does not give me the option of allowing certain sites. Perhaps I have a different version of IE? But what I am experimenting with now is that I did a "custom" level of security where I set the cookies preferences as follows: For "in session" cookies, ie, not stored, I enabled these. For stored cookies, I set it to prompt me before accepting them. This will probably be a pain in the butt to get prompts all the time, but I want to see how this works.>
---
Noa, might you have gone to the Privacy tab and then clicked on 'Advanced' in the middle of the box, instead of 'Edit' towards the bottom? I think Internet Options are pretty standardized across all versions, and I do see the area where specific sites can be entered after clicking 'Edit,' as well as what I think you're referring to under 'Advanced.'Just so you know, it's no problem brainstorming with you on this if you have any questions -- I really enjoy it. My unintended/unanticipated "down time" of late has resulted in me being quite the armchair enthusiast!
I assumed from your original post that selectively accepting cookies wouldn't be feasible for you, since your description of trying to manually delete a lot of other cookies while saving Dr. Bob's showed that you do visit a number of other sites. I tried a high setting years back and it interferred with web sites in few ways. Anyway, I could post your objective at one of my favored forums if you like, since that will most quickly determine how close you can get to it. : )
==========
> BTW, even for banking sites and newspaper sites, etc., I think you don't have to keep the cookies, but if you don't keep them, the preferences you set for how the page is set up, etc. won't keep, or you'll have to enter name and password to get into the page each time you go there.
>
> Thanks.
Posted by octopusprime on April 9, 2004, at 22:04:31
In reply to Re: Silly Cookie ? 4 Dr. Bob and other tech smart ones, posted by noa on April 9, 2004, at 18:17:37
noa, did you see the "Edit" button on the "Privacy" tab of the "Internet Options" dialog box? I had to click "Edit" before allowing cookies on a site-by-site basis.
I am using IE 6.
Posted by noa on April 9, 2004, at 22:54:59
In reply to Re: Silly Cookie ? 4 Dr. Bob and other tech smart ones » noa, posted by octopusprime on April 9, 2004, at 22:04:31
There is no Privacy tab on mine. I'm opening the "tools" menu, clicking on "internet options". The tabs are "General", "Security", "Content","Connections", "Programs", and "Advanced".
On "Security", I don't see an "edit" button.
Am I looking in the wrong place altogether? My IE version is 5.1, I think.
Posted by spoc on April 10, 2004, at 0:15:44
In reply to Re: Silly Cookie ? 4 Dr. Bob and other tech smart ones » octopusprime, posted by noa on April 9, 2004, at 22:54:59
> There is no Privacy tab on mine. I'm opening the "tools" menu, clicking on "internet options". The tabs are "General", "Security", "Content","Connections", "Programs", and "Advanced".>
> On "Security", I don't see an "edit" button.
> > Am I looking in the wrong place altogether? My IE version is 5.1, I think.
----------
As you probably know, you can also open Internet Options from the Control Panel, but that's likely the same. If you don't have a Privacy tab then maybe something has indeed changed in newer versions. I have 6.0 and checked to see if a site slot was also available under any of the other tabs, but no, only one pertaining to trusted sites which is mostly java and stuff.But do you have room on your computer to upgrade to a higher IE version? It's a really good idea for many reasons, from the quality of browsing to the increasing savvy of spyware and hackers. Even the version above yours is already being "retired" from Microsoft's site. At the link below, if you click to download, it may detect that you need to start with interim version components first, and tell/show you which:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/downloads/critical/ie6sp1/default.asp
On a side note, here's a link to Microsoft's general Windows Update, also a very good idea to check. When you open it it can detect and list what you need right away. With both this and the IE update site, you'll also get a lot of optional components offered to you, but usually you only need the ones listed as Critical/Security. (Microsoft also has an Office Update area, but I don't have room for too many luxuries myself):
http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/en/default.asp
If you do the IE upgrade and do see that you then have a Privacy tab, maybe you could also enter a couple other frequently visited sites, so those pages can still load quickly and you can avoid the log-in stuff, etc. Unless you do visit a lot of sites in addition to Babble, all this might be a disproportionate effort. BUT it really is a good idea to update your browser no matter what (always wait awhile after new versions of any Microsoft download come out though, because a few problems are usually discovered initially).
Posted by spoc on April 10, 2004, at 3:51:48
In reply to Re: Silly Cookie ? 4 Dr. Bob and other tech smart ones, posted by spoc on April 10, 2004, at 0:15:44
Ok, maybe this will be best for you in the end! A lot of PBers may like this feature. At a tech forum, I saw that free or cheap software can be downloaded to perform your exact original objective of selective cookie cleaning/retention. (It'll have other functions you probably don't need, but whatever!) This type of software was recommended by forum users, for forum users.
Sometimes freeware downloads, unless very established, aren't worth saving a few dollars.
So here's a reasonable one that's supposed to be very good, called Window Washer. Like many of them, you can download and try it free for 30 days. This one can then be purchased for $39 if you like it:http://www.webroot.com/wb/products/windowwasher/index.php?rc=451&ac=padw
And here's a link to a search at download.com, where you can pick through others if you want, and sort them by various factors like size, OS or free. There are some reviews there but would also be a good idea to Google any product you are considering for other ratings/opinions:
-------
Here's some of the description of Window Washer:New in Release 5.0:
Includes a free copy of My Personal Favorites, an innovative tool for securing and organizing your favorite sites list, user names and passwords.
Cookie keeper:
Save valuable cookies to maintain your preferred Internet settings and log-ins.Customized User Interface:
Select the interface that best matches your comfort and experience level. The beginner screen is intuitive and immediately allows for a safe wash experience. The advanced screen gives you additional options such as keeping cookies from a specific domain or skipping plug-ins during a wash.
Posted by noa on April 10, 2004, at 14:15:21
In reply to Re: download free/cheap software to save flags!, posted by spoc on April 10, 2004, at 3:51:48
Hey, Thanks! That was nice of you to go and research this for me! Really, Thank you!
As for updating to 6.0--this is going to happen. I can get a free upgrade to Windows xp from the dealer I bought the computer from, and I think it will have the newer versions of everything.
Thanks.
Posted by spoc on April 10, 2004, at 14:53:34
In reply to Re: download free/cheap software to save flags! » spoc, posted by noa on April 10, 2004, at 14:15:21
Posted by Dr. Bob on April 10, 2004, at 16:35:09
In reply to Re: Silly Cookie ? 4 Dr. Bob and other tech smart ones » spoc, posted by octopusprime on April 9, 2004, at 18:04:09
> the idea is that you clean up once, then you follow the instructions i gave, then you won't have to clean up much more because you won't be receiving new cookies.
1. To keep just your PB time-of-visit cookies, you can "log off" to save them on the server, delete all your cookies, and then "log on" to restore them. See:
http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/extras.pl
That doesn't save your posting name and password, but just type them in the next time you post, and they'll be saved again.
2. Netscape 7 also lets you have site-specific cookie settings.
Bob
Posted by spoc on April 10, 2004, at 18:25:51
In reply to Re: Silly Cookies, posted by Dr. Bob on April 10, 2004, at 16:35:09
Posted by noa on April 11, 2004, at 9:04:58
In reply to Re: Silly Cookies, posted by Dr. Bob on April 10, 2004, at 16:35:09
COOL!!!!
Thank you, Dr. Bob. I didn't know the log on and log off function existed. How long has this been there?
I think this more or less solves my problem, at least for this site.
Thanks.
Posted by spoc on April 11, 2004, at 9:24:15
In reply to Re: Silly Cookies » Dr. Bob, posted by noa on April 11, 2004, at 9:04:58
> I think this more or less solves my problem, **at least for this site.** >
Yay! Maybe my 673,946,271 words -- posted before Dr. Bob had a chance to post his 15 that actually answered the question -- may still help somewhere! [Hmmm, maybe I better get to work on finding that next med!] ;- )
Posted by noa on April 11, 2004, at 14:41:07
In reply to Re: Silly Cookies, posted by Dr. Bob on April 10, 2004, at 16:35:09
It didn't work!
I did the log out thing and then the log in thing and then came to the boards.
Every message is yellow-tagged and it says my previous visit was December 31, 1969!!!
What happened?
Posted by noa on April 11, 2004, at 14:44:44
In reply to Re: Silly Cookies » noa, posted by spoc on April 11, 2004, at 9:24:15
Well, maybe not, Spoc, as you can see from my message to Dr. Bob.
Besides, I do plan to look into the software idea you gave me because it would be nice to be able to select which sites to save cookies for. There are a few other sites I'd like to be able to do that for.
Your attention to this was marvelous--much more than I expected. Thanks!
I'm sure that if you set your mind to it, maybe you really can come up with a great new medicine for us!
Thanks again!
Posted by Dr. Bob on April 12, 2004, at 9:34:25
In reply to Re: Silly Cookies » Dr. Bob, posted by noa on April 11, 2004, at 14:41:07
> I didn't know the log on and log off function existed. How long has this been there?
Since:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20030808/msgs/251773.html
> It didn't work!
>
> I did the log out thing and then the log in thing and then came to the boards.
>
> Every message is yellow-tagged and it says my previous visit was December 31, 1969!!!
>
> What happened?Hmm, did you turn cookies back on, at least for PB, before you logged back on?
Bob
Posted by noa on April 12, 2004, at 9:54:10
In reply to Re: Silly Cookies, posted by Dr. Bob on April 12, 2004, at 9:34:25
>Hmm, did you turn cookies back on, at least for PB, before you logged back on?
I'm not sure what this means. How do I turn the cookies back on?
Posted by spoc on April 12, 2004, at 12:39:59
In reply to Re: Silly Cookies » Dr. Bob, posted by noa on April 12, 2004, at 9:54:10
.....tab, that is! Lack of a Privacy tab in Internet Options. I had to use an old computer today that still has some correspondingly old stuff on it, namely a Windows 95 operating system and IE 5.5. So whether it's because of the OS you have, or maybe the Privacy tab first appeared in IE version 6.0, just thought I'd tell you I see what you mean!
Almost couldn't resist taking a stab at your current question to Dr. Bob, but mercifully realized that his own answer would be both correct *and* concise! ;- )
Posted by Dr. Bob on April 13, 2004, at 0:34:51
In reply to Re: Silly Cookies » Dr. Bob, posted by noa on April 12, 2004, at 9:54:10
> > Hmm, did you turn cookies back on, at least for PB, before you logged back on?
Since if cookies are "turned off" (not being accepted), then you won't be able to log on (restore your old cookies)...
> I'm not sure what this means. How do I turn the cookies back on?
See:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#cookies
Bob
Posted by noa on April 13, 2004, at 10:12:49
In reply to Re: Silly Cookies, posted by Dr. Bob on April 13, 2004, at 0:34:51
OK, I just went through the procedure you linked me to---cleared cache, disabled cookies, closed browser, opened browser, reset options so that the cache won't clear on closing, enabled cookies.
At this point I can't remember the sequence of what I had done the other day. But let me ask this question.
If I want the cookies to save on the server and not on my computer, I would need to log out when I leave and log back in when I come back to PB. Right?
Would I also need to go through the procedure (above) every time I logged out and back in again in order to save the yellow tags on the server and not on my computer?
Thanks.
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