I have a niche search engine where I cache pages and files (html, doc, pdf, etc.). I have a VB program that goes through and checks to see if the files still exists on the web using the inet control. The problem is, that I need to actually download the entire file to see if the file actually is what it is supposed to be, and some of the pdf docs are 5 megs.

Is there a better way to find out if a file actually exists on the web. It is relatively easy for HTML files, but when I throw in pdf, doc, ppt into the equation it makes it much more complicated.

Is winsock the way to go? I have never used it before.

I am willing to spend a few bucks for a 3rd party inet replacement if I have to.

Thanks!
Bob