index.dat

[Dick]

Hi and thanks for your time;

I wonder can anyone tell me what this file is in my
cookies folder,(client url cache mmf ver 5.2),

I am always a little suspisious when it says things like
the file is locked for editing by another user and when I
attempt to scan with Norton Norton cannot open it to scan
as well,
I took a chance and tried to delete it as well and also
found that I was not able to delete the file either,

it would be nice if somone was able to tell me what this
file is
Thanks again Dick Ei

 

[Rick]

Index.dat is a normally hidden file where IE stores most of your surfing
history including URL, cookies and images. It is not cleared with the clear
History and Cache buttons of IE and remains. Index.dat is also 'open' (as in
use) by Windows and that is why you cannot delete this file (an open file
cannot be deleted until it is closed.

Do a search on google for IndexDatViewer and use it to take a look at what
Windows stores about your surfing habits . . . or download it from here:
http://www.acesoft.net/winspy/index.dat viewer/index.dat_viewer.htm

Some 'erase-your-tracks' utilities offer to clean up your history and such .
.. . including index.dat. I have tested them. Any input?

Since index.dat is held open by Windows, the only safe way of removing it is
to boot to DOS (or a command prompt before loading Windows and delete it
then. Windows will recreate an empty index.dat the next time it boots up.
I am not sure how much good this does . . . searching for index.dat on my
system comes up with numerous copies scattered about the system. Again, any
expert input?

Rick

 

[Dick]

I cannot offer any expert oppinions, but I have to say
your help was invaluable,
All I really have to offer is I agree and cannot
understand why microsoft makes it so difficult to see
things that are on your own property,
I think warnings about deleting files is good enough and
it should be left up to the user to determine if he
should delete file or not.
Tanks again Dick

 

[Guest]

Can you tell me how to boot to dos and the exact commands to delete the index. dat file. I am a dos dummy....Thank you for your time. I have some files in there that are dreating annoying pop ups. jimmysurf, adserv, duoble click. Any advice?