I am running an Alienware desktop with MS Windows XP Prof SP2, Intel Pent 4 3.2 Ghz HT, 2 GB Ram, Nvidia Geforce FX 5900 Ultra, Internet Explorer 7 with latest updates, Adobe Acrobat 8 Prof, Zone Alarm Pro, Spysweeper and ESET Nod 32 Virus check
Over the last few days I have encountered a new problem.
When downloading a file on the internet such as a program or "pdf" file I get the following right after the file downloads but not completed...
"Windows cannot access the specified device, path or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item." The path shown in the window is: C:\Documents and Settings\(my user name)\Temp\Temporary Internet Files\CONTENT.IE5
I looked in the Content.IE5 directory and it contains misc  files you would see when you are on the internet. It does not show the "index" file.
I also found another Temp directory and it's path is: C:\Documents and Settings\(my user name)\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5   The content of this ..IE5 directory shows only and "index" file and nothing else.
Is there any way to correct my problem?
I am considering reformating and installing Windows VISTA if I have to wipe out my drive and start all over...but would rather STAY with what I have.
I also have run into the following: I tried a roll back to each of the ten or so points shown that are available. Windows comes back and shows that it is UNABLE to roll back.
I tried to do a Windows Repair but I get the message that my operating system is newer than my CD. I have a pre SP2 CD that came with my COMPUTER 3 1/2 yrs ago and I have the SP2 Upgrade CD from Microsoft although this was not used to upgrade. I downloaded the upgrade over the internet when it became available.
My computer is kept up to date with upgrades and should be "current"
I have run a full sweep of my system, defragged with Diskeeper 7 Prof, virus checked , and have run CCleaner. I also use System Mechanic 7 to monitor the system.

Any help would be appreciated.

Run System File Checker...
Start / Run / sfc /scannow and hit Enter...have your XP CD handy as it will ask for it.
As to the repair option i would travel to NLite's website and read up on slipstreaming SP2 into XP so that you create a bootable CD that includes all updates.
They have a free program that makes this task relatively easy....
Good to have though.Thanks for the info on the system file checker. Didn't help with this problem. Any other ideas?Is Alienware desktop a program you have installed?  Does the problem persist when you shutdown or uninstall this program?

Many thanks to all that replied and to the infinite amount of information on this site. Alienware is a computer manufacturer that makes cutting edge gaming computers.

My problem has been solved. I had the OEM Windows XP disk that came with my computer and the SP2 CD I got from Microsoft. When trying to repair the system, all I got was a message that said the OS was newer than my disk.

I found the "autostreamer" program and it created a CD that slipstreamed SP2 into the original disk. With that I went to www.michaelstevenstech.com site and found a "fool proof" article that tells you how to perform a Windows XP Repair install without screwing it up. If you follow it, you can't miss.

Now my system is back to normal and works as it should. I don't know what caused my problem, but the duplicate "temporary internet files\Content.IE5" directory is gone and the original directory works as it should.

Thanks again!Good thinking, Blue.

 8-)