How can I delete index.dat system files?

[chris.a.mitchell]

I've been trying to clean up index.dat files on my Win XP Home PC.

I've deleted those that I can, and they've been replaced with clean
new ones, but there are some that are designated system files that I
can't get at.

I've tried temporarily making another account the Admin account and
the account where the file is a Limited account and re-booting, but I
still can't get at this file.

Is there some way I can change the designation of this file so that I
can get at it, or are there other ways of clearing these?

I appreciate that there are programs out there that claim to do this,
but I'm always a bit concerned about going down this route. However
if there are freebies that are good and do the job without infecting my
machine I'd be prepared to consider these.

I would prefer to do it myself, but would need comprehensive step by
step guidance.

TIA.

Chris.

 

[Guest]

Try folder options,scroll down to:Hide system files Uncheck the box + the 2
others associated with it..

 

[chris.a.mitchell]

I've already shown hidden system files, but whilst I can see it I can't
delete it because it's a protected system file.

 

[Chuck]

You need to log in as another user to delete those files or use a utility
like
http://www.acesoft.net/delete_index.dat_files.htm

The cheap way is to create another user profile, log in to it, find the
index.dat files you want to delete and there you go . . . and next time -
don't visit those questionable web sites ;-)

 

[SimonRB]

I'm not 100% sure, but there kinda sound like files created by the XP or
office indexing services, you could try to disable the service(s) to see
what the effects are ... do a search on google for services you can safely
disable.

 

[chris.a.mitchell]

Chuck.

I have already tried to do what you suggest, but no go.

 

[Guest]

Chuck.

I have already tried to do what you suggest, but no go.

Hello, This site has a free index.dat suite that I have been using without
problem.
Download the full program.
http://support.it-mate.co.uk/?mode=Products&act=DL&p=index.datsuite
take care
beamish