Delete index.dat in Windows.

This topic came up some time ago, so I thought I'p post this excerpt from the latest spywareinfo info.


There are many, many programs for cleaning out temporary files and other junk that Windows lets build up on the hard drive. Sometimes though, you just want to do things like this yourself. It seems simple enough to open the temp folder and delete everything in it, until you actually go to do it. For whatever reason, Windows throws up a roadblock to people who want to delete their cookies and temporary internet files (also called browser cache).

Windows keeps a file called index.dat in memory the entire time it is running. Index.dat is located inside a hidden subdirectory of the Temporary Internet Files folder. You can delete every single file and folder around and underneath that file, but Windows refuses to allow you to delete index.dat itself. This is why most cleaner programs want you to reboot when you tell them to clean out the internet files. Those programs insert a start up entry that deletes the file before you log into your account.

In the past, people running Windows 95, 98 or ME could simply boot to MS-DOS and delete the file at the command line. Unfortunately, for Windows 2000 and XP, this is not an option. So how do you purge this stubborn file if Windows won't let you touch it and there is no MS-DOS to boot into? There is a very simple way to do this that does not involve installing third party software or writing scripts to run at start up.

Basically, you have to create a new administrator account, then log into it. Since your normal account is not active, Windows is not able to lock you out of the index.dat file and everything can be deleted normally.

In Windows 2000, right-click the "My Computer" icon on the desktop. Highlight "manage" and click. The "Computer Management" console should pop up. Under "System Tools", double-click the item called "Local Users and Groups", then right-click on "Users". Highlight "New User" and click. Set up a new user and click "Ok".

After you've created the user, find the icon for them in the list and double-click it. Click the "Member Of" tab. Select "Administrators" in the list, then press "OK". You've just given your new user administrative privileges, so make sure you gave it a password!

In XP, this is much simpler (although you can follow the same directions as for 2000 if you want). Open the Control Panel (usually listed on the Start Menu) and open the "User Accounts" applet. Click "Create User" and create your new account. Make sure to choose "Computer Administrator".

Now, log out of your normal user account and log into the new account you just created. Find the Temporary Internet Files folder (c:\Documents and Settings\<your user name>\Local Settings), open it, press CTRL + A and then delete everything there. Don't worry, Windows will recreate what it needs the next time you log in. This also works for the index.dat file located in the cookies folder.

Log out of the new account and back into your normal account. Windows will create a new, empty index.dat file that will be much smaller than the old one.

Thanks mike at spyware info.

Best Regards
Ian

That seems like alot of trouble to me. I use a .bat file in my Startup directory to delete it each time my computer boots. It's also easier to end task on explorer.exe in Task Manager and delete it with a .bat file...or through the console directly.

Below is the contents of my .bat file. If you add it as a shortcut in your startup directory, you can right-click it and set it to start minimized. You will never even see it run.

@echo off
cls
cd "C:\Documents and Settings\Darren\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5"
del index.dat
cd "C:\Documents and Settings\Darren\Local Settings\History\History.IE5"
del index.dat
cd "C:\Documents and Settings\Darren\Cookies"
del index.dat
exit

Darren,
You are quite correct, it is "long winded" the other way, but I just posted it in case someone was interested, however, it was worth posting to have your solution.

thanks.

Best Regards
Ian

Worth pointing out too that with a standard XP install you already have 2 accounts - the Administrator account and your User account with Admin privileges. In Pro you can easily log off and log onto the Admin account to delete the TIF files. In XP Home though you would have to reboot and log into the admin account in safe mode.

Wait a minute.

With all the posts on index.dat (& similar ilk), & all the programs out there to delete it & all the confusion surrounding it, you're saying that just by using a simple batch file, placed in the Startup directory will do it?

And, notwithstanding XP and NTFS.

Is it just that Startup items are run before Windows 'locks' the file & so it works?

therube, no, it's not in the startup directory.

It's in the autoexec.bat file on the root of C:

when starting up, before winows starts loading up and the 'puter is in DOS, the autoexec.bat is read and contents are run. That's why the files can be deleted.

Yep, despite all that's written, it's that easy, of course, when an expert like Darren points it out to us.

Best Regards
Ian

Thats not what Darren said though - he said he uses a .bat file not Autoexec.bat and he said that it was in the Start-up directory not in the root of C:

Like therube I'm intrigued as a start-up item would surely be triggered after Explorer?

No...I don't use the autoexec.bat to contain the commands. I created a seperate index.bat file (in its own directory), with a shortcut to it in my Startup directory. I guess you could use the autoexec.bat if you are using Windows 9.X, but I don't think XP even parses that file. I don't know why it works, but I have it on all three of my machines. I guess it deletes the index.dat file before Windows has a chance to lock it. Anyway, it works for me.

"but I don't think XP even parses that file"

That is correct.
Normally, XP does not use the autoexec.bat file.
Though it can be configured to use it.

The startup folder(s) are processed before the explorer shell is fully loaded for the user, so that should work.

I just do it manually once in a while. It's rather funny on a machine that hasn't had it done in a couple of years. I've seen deltree /y tempor~1 take as long as 45 minutes (with smartdrv)

Grogan

Cheers for the clarification Mike

Mike?

Well that is his name dude

Darren

I followed your instructions,but I see no evidence of the bat file running at startup. I have checked the size of index.dat before and after I reboot and no size is changed. It just does not seem to be executing at startup. Below is my bat file, you will notice I have commented out some lines.
I put my bat file in my C:\ drive, and a shortcut in my startup folder.
I am running WindowsXP SP1
Any suggestions?



------------------------------
@echo off
cls
cd "C:\Documents and Settings\Jack Kitchen\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5"
del index.dat
::cd "C:\Documents and Settings\Darren\Local Settings\History\History.IE5"
::del index.dat
::cd "C:\Documents and Settings\Darren\Cookies"
::del index.dat
exit

----------------------------------

jkitc

Can you remove Exit from the end to make sure it is actually running when you reboot your computer?

Hi

Unable to understand the reason for appearance of Darren's name in the Autoexec.bat
Chari

What is this part of it. I see the rube didn't use it. Is it needed???

@echo off
cls

>What is this part of it. I see the rube didn't use it. Is
>it needed???
>
>@echo off
>cls
>

echo off doesn't show the commands in the console as they are run.

@ hides the echo off command.

CLS clears the console screen.

It has been awhile since those DOS days, but I think that is what they do.

As a non computer whiz, there are a few things I don't understand about index.dat: What exact spyware is in this file? Who is it spying for? Why do some sites say that it is not necessary to remove it? Why do some sites say it should not be removed? I have 2 freebie programs, Empty Temp Folders and EasyCleaner...could I set either of them to remove index.dat? Or, are there any free utilities out there that would do the job for you? I am still using Windows 98 and Netscape 7.1. Thanks!
Ann

As I understand it the index.dat file is a part of the Windows operating system, created by Microsoft. It is not actually spying on anyone, rather just a log of, for example, EVERY website that you have ever been to. A hacker or jealous husband/wife could look at the index.dat log to see every site that you have ever been to; for example, a hacker could be looking for banking sites, a wife for porn sites. The index.dat CANNOT be deleted, Windows will not let you, but they can be emptied of all information. Then they just start their logging all over again so they must constantly be emptied, some programs will do this for you automatically so you never have to think about it. I hope I explained all of this correctly.

Acadia

It CAN be deleted. Mine is deleted each day.

>It CAN be deleted. Mine is deleted each day.

Don't you mean that the contents are deleted each day?

Dave

Dell 8300 Dimension
Pentium 4
W XP Home


www.woodenpropeller.com

Unless you had a tool to open a DAT file there's no way you could just delete the contents. You delete the index.bat file and then Windows replaces it with a nice, fresh, empty index.dat file.

>Don't you mean that the contents are deleted each day?


Both. LOL

Jim.

No...the whole damn file is deleted each day.

>
>Don't you mean that the contents are deleted each day?
>

My apologies to you all, I must read the posts properly from now on

Sorry Darren & all peeps.

Best Regards
Ian

Ann/Cajun,

when i was looking into this about 6 mos. ago, i read in a couple of places that there is no freeware that can delete index.dat. however, if you can follow either of these methods, you don't need a special program to do it for you.

sophie

>Ann/Cajun,
>
>when i was looking into this about 6 mos. ago, i read in a
>couple of places that there is no freeware that can delete
>index.dat. however, if you can follow either of these
>methods, you don't need a special program to do it for you.
>
>sophie

Here is one:

Remove on Reboot Shell Extension

"Delete files that are locked. Remove on Reboot Shell Extension is a simple but useful shell extension, that allows you to delete files automatically after the next reboot. This is useful if you need to deleted a file that is currently in use (locked) and cannot be deleted from within Windows. Just right-click and select "Delete on Reboot" and the file will be automatically deleted."

http://www.snapfiles.com/get/removereboot.html




System Specs

Tried the Remove on Reboot Shell Extension.Nice little program.I like it. Thanks

http://www.snapfiles.com/get/removereboot.html

Rab

Just found your forum and really like it. Could you list the precise steps to delete index.dat file. You mention going into MS-Dos but as a lot less than an expert I need precise instructions on how to get to dos and how to put the right thing into the command prompt. I may not be saying this right but i hope you get the idea. Help

chief

Why not do what Darren describes and provides in his post #1 above? It's easy to create a .bat file and add it to your startup folder. This way it will be done automatically.

Jim.

Jim,
That sounds good but I dont know how to do that either. Would need all the steps to do it. Thanks I am in Windows98

chief

Hi all: I use a small program called "MoveOnBoot version 1.9.5. " - Freeware. Just highlight the File(s), right-click and select "Delete Files(s) on next Boot". It can't get any simpler than that. I works for any other file that can't be deleted because it is in use. Works for Win 98 & XP. When you get to the Website, click on File Utilities in the left column and scroll down to the bottom of the page.

http://www.gibinsoft.net/

Edit: I guess I should have Posted this earlier but I know how much you guys want to talk all that Technical stuff.

Ken:

>Hi all: I use a small program called "MoveOnBoot version
>1.9.5. " - Freeware. Just highlight the File(s), right-click
>and select "Delete Files(s) on next Boot". It can't get any
>simpler than that. I works for any other file that can't be
>deleted because it is in use. Works for Win 98 & XP. When
>you get to the Website, click on File Utilities in the left
>column and scroll down to the bottom of the page.
>
>http://www.gibinsoft.net/
>
>Edit: I guess I should have Posted this earlier but I know
>how much you guys want to talk all that Technical stuff.
>
>Ken:


Thanks for this information. I have been following this discussion, and so far using this program is the only way I have been able to delete Index.dat.

jkitc

FWIW, this dillema came up on another board and one of the members wrote a batch file called 'Delindex.bat' to get rid of the file. Same song - different verse. Works the same way. If anybody wants it, get it free at:
www.burzurq.com/forum/delindex.html
HTH.
Ed.

>FWIW, this dillema came up on another board and one of the
>members wrote a batch file called 'Delindex.bat' to get rid of
>the file. Same song - different verse. Works the same way. If
>anybody wants it, get it free at:
> www.burzurq.com/forum/delindex.html
>HTH.
>Ed.

This is a quote from there web site. So I can not use it for I am running WindowsXP.

"Delindex does not work in Windows XP/NT/2000."


jkitc

That is correct.
The .BAT file is written for Win9x.
There are enough differences between Win9x and WinNT batch file programming that generally one will not work on the other without modification.

I have downloaded Moveonboot. What is the file name to type in to remove index.dat.
There must be more than that because it says that is an improper file name. I always have problems with getting the right name with all the p's and q's. Can someone help?

chief

Hi chief1966: You don't have to type any name in anywhere. A new item is added to the "Right-click Context Menu" called "Delete File(s) on the next Boot". Just highlight the files you want to delete and right-click to open the Context Menu and select the Delete Files option. You can select one file or more than one if you use the Control Key. The next time you Re-boot the files will be deleted. In the case of the index.dat file, it will be recreated, but it will be a new Empty index.dat file.

Ken:

I understand you dont have to have the name except I dont know how to get to the file to highlight it. When I go to the program it asks to type in the file name. Where do I find this file to highlight it?

chief

I understand what you are saying, but I dont know how to get to the file to highlight it for deletion. Also when I go to the program it asks me to type in thename of the file. I need to know how to do one or theother.

chief

Ok, lets see where you're going wrong. I don't know what OS you're using. In Win 98 I open Windows Explorer -- then go down to the "Windows" Folder -- then go down to the "Temporary Internet Files" folder and then open the ContentIE5 folder. This is what the path would look like in the Address Bar at the top of the screen. "C:\WINDOWS\Temporary Internet files\ContentIE5". The index.dat file would be in there. In my Win XP System my index.dat file is in a different place than everybody eles's so I'll use an image of deleting my cookie index.dat file. By the way. My computers are set-up in "Classic View" so it might look different on your machines.











Hope this explains it better?

Ken:

Attachment #1, (jpg file)
Attachment #2, (jpg file)

Here's what the tree looks like.

Attachment #1, (jpg file)

OK Hank
Got it, sorry I was so slow but I thought one of the posts said this was a hidden file. I found it. Thanks for all the help.

chief

Your welcome Chief: I wasn't sure what you meant when you said "when I go to the program and type in". I now believe you meant "When I type in the "SEARCH" program". If you are using the Search program in WinXP, click on "More Advanced Options"- Put a check in the boxes - Search System Folders - Search hidden files and folders - Search subfolders. To Unhide File Extentions, Open Widows Explorer, click Tools, click on Folder Options, -- click on the View Tab. Under the Hidden files and folders check Show hidden files and folders - Uncheck - Hide protected operating system files - Uncheck - Hide extentions for known file types. The image below is from Win 98 but it is much the same as Win XP. One thing more. If you have anymore problems it is in your best interest to include what type of Operating System you have running. The more information we have, the faster somebody here can help you. Glad you got it figured it out.





Ken:

Attachment #1, (jpg file)

Hey Hank,
Thanks for the info and advice. I will try to include all the info next time. Sure appreciate the help

chief

This is how I delete index.dat files in XP Pro. It really only needs to be done once in a while and doing it this way deletes every index.dat file on the PC.........


1. Restart your PC and tap F8 as it's booting

2. When the menu boot menu appears select "Safe mode with command prompt"

3. Log in as "Administrator" if you get the option

4. When the command prompt appears type "cd\" without the quotes and press enter

5. Type "del index.dat /s" without the quotes and press enter. Note the space before /s

6. Once the process is complete type "shutdown -r" without the quotes and press enter to reboot. Note the space before -r


You could quite easily create a batch file to do that on every boot too.

Sigma,
I'm working in windows 98. Could you give me the step by step to delete index.dat in a batch file that will delete it each time I reboot? Would appreciate it. Not sure how to set up a batch file to do this. Thanks

chief

Chief,

Somehow I'm missing something. Although I'm very hesitant about interfering uninvited, I don't understand why there is so much discussion about getting rid of these files. Unless someone is absolutely determined to do this manually or by setting up a batch file on his own, there is no reason to mess with it. There are free programs available that will do it for you. You can download the following and check out the features and select the one you like best. If you don't like them for any reason, you can always uninstall. Each is free.

http://www.bmesite.com/

http://www.igorshpak.net/

http://www.it-mate.co.uk/support/idsuite.asp

Dan T

I tried intstalling this program, but I don't get the "Delete files on next boot" option on the right click menu. Any idea why?

Dave

Dell 8300 Dimension
Pentium 4
W XP Home


www.woodenpropeller.com

Hi dbahn: Have you tried uninstalling and removing any leftover folders? "( GiPo@Utilities )". "Reboot" and then Reinstall. After Reinstalling Reboot again. If that doesn't work the Executable file may be corrupt. Download another copy and try again.

Ken:

I think I've done what you suggested correctly, although I'm not sure about the leftover folders part. I uninstalled moveonboot, deleting the folder from my downloads folder, rebooted in between steps, but it still doesn't show up.

Dave

Dell 8300 Dimension
Pentium 4
W XP Home


www.woodenpropeller.com

Hi Dave: I'm not sure if I can help you about the Right-Click thing, But you can always go to the "Start/ -- Programs/ -- "GiPo@Utilities" program. Click on that and it will open up a "Wizard" where it will give you the Option to "Copy - Paste or Remove" the File. It's nice to have the Right-Click option, but if it don't work, it don't work.

Ken:

Just to confirm that Darren's method did work using XP SP1, NTFS.

>Just to confirm that Darren's method did work using XP
>SP1, NTFS.


I too have XP SP1, NTFS, but would not work for me. This bothers me and I would like to know the reason for this.. Any ideas?

jkitc

I would just check through your batch file & make sure that the names/paths are correct, that the batch filename actually ends in .BAT or .CMD, and that the batch file is in your startup folder. The apostrophe's do need to be there cause you are using longfilenames. I placed a pause in my batch file so that the I can review it for errors before it pops away.

cd "C:\Documents and Settings\therube\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5"
del index.dat
del "C:\Documents and Settings\therube\Local Settings\History\History.IE5\index.dat"
pause

C:\Documents and Settings\therube\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

Since first reading this thread I have found several index.dat removal programs--some of which take up very little disk space. I downloaded three free index.dat removal programs, and I'm experimenting to see which one I like best. Each has special features absent in the other programs.

The most interesting such program is quite large, but it includes the ability to decipher the code of each entry in each index. This enables you read exactly what is being collected in these hidden files. Very interesting, to say the least. . .particularly when you first see just how much data can be collected in just a few KB of coded space.

Anyone who would like to try this unique program can download it at http://www.it-mate.co.uk/support/idsuite.asp.

Good luck.

Dan T

Thanks Dan T: It's always nice to know that there are always alternatives out there.

Ken: