I don't know shot_gun_stu.

I have 2 different XP Pro systems and in both cases my Temporary Internet Files folder contained thousands of files- mainly cookies- until I followed these instructions.

I believe the main point is that there is a difference between the standard known temporary internet files- which you can set the max size of and empty at will, and the information kept in this secret hidden file that seems to remain hidden even after you unhide everything.