> Is there a way to stop HTTrack from createing all these
> external link files so that the content pages just go to
> the external link rather than these intermediary pages?
In WinHttrack options, under the Build tab, make sure "no external pages" is
unchecked. ie,

Options> Build>

   [ ] No external pages

Consequence of checkmark on that option, the helpfile's description:

|   Rewrite all external links (links that needs an Internet
|   connection) so that there can be a warning page before
|   ("Warning, you need to be online to go to this link..")