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index.dat files and vista - 7/6/2008 9:24:18 PM

Aneirin

Posts: 6121
Joined: 3/18/2006
From: Tamaris
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Index.dat files I understand are files created by M$ that record and store securely one's computer activities. Files that secure the data there within from even the user/owner of the computer and cannot be erased by conventional means. Why M$ sees fit to create these things that effectively spy on the user I understand has never been satisfactorily explained and there are plenty of conspiracy theories about because of this.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/connected/main.jhtml?xml=/connected/2003/09/24/ecrboot23.xml

Now, I understand there used to be a program called 'spider' which was effective at erasing these files on boot up, but I believe spider was not even available for XP users so I would think definately not crappy vista disaster.

Does anyone know of a Vista friendly freeware program which will clean these files and any other sneaky secret M$ files from one's own computer ?

Does anyone actually know why M$ sees the need to create secret files , secret from the computer owner and user ?

< Message edited by Aneirin -- 7/6/2008 9:25:50 PM >

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RE: index.dat files and vista - 7/6/2008 11:38:59 PM

DomKen

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Joined: 7/4/2004
From: Chicago, IL
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There's nothing secret about index.dat. In simple terms it is what allows explorer to give the dropdown list of URL's that match what you've typed. Since internet explorer and what is usually called windows explorer or my computer are actually the same basic program index.dat is opened any time the OS is up and running so deleting these files is not easy but honestly there is very little need.

There is no evidence that these files are ever transmitted anywhere so the only time they could be used to examine your surfing habits is if someone has physical access to your computer and unless you always clear all your temporary internet files after every session there are other easier ways to get the same info.

(in reply to Aneirin)

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RE: index.dat files and vista - 7/7/2008 4:43:15 AM

Termyn8or

Posts: 18681
Joined: 11/12/2005
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index.dat used to be an index of internet activity. It may be more now.

If your HD is in FAT32 mode, you MIGHT be able to get winfile.exe to run, from Win98SE. This actually can delete anything, but nothing you can do can do it.

Try this, you probably have a 300MB internet cache, in control panel, reduce it to zero. The PC will pretend to delete the files, but as proof, go back and set it back up to 300MB. The files magically reappear ! That means they were never gone.

DO NOT take my word for this, just try it.

Wait, now Vista might not pretend to restore the files, things may have changed. But do it in 98 or XP and what I said is true.

T

(in reply to DomKen)

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