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If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.

 
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 33457620
United States
02/01/2013 03:45 PM
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If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
As we all know internet privacy is a very important topic.

Everything you do online is stored in various directories on your hard drive, but using eraser programs like Ccleaner and Window Washer doesn't erase them completely.

There are hidden folders on your computer that store every URL you have visited, every picture you have viewed and every download you have saved, to your computer's hard drive and cannot be accessed to delete without a specific program.

This folder is called index.dat.

If you don't believe me, type these various file paths into your search bar in the start menu and find out for yourself.

If you have Windows 7 or Windows Vista then index.dat files are in these locations (note that on your PC they can be on other drive instead of drive C):

C:\Users\<username>\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\index.d​at
C:\Users\<username>\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\Low\ind​ex.dat
C:\Users\<username>\Local\Microsoft\Windows\History\History.I​E5\index.dat
C:\Users\<username>\Local\Microsoft\Windows\History\History.I​E5\Low\index.dat
C:\Users\<username>\Local\Microsoft\Windows\History\History.I​E5\index.dat\MSHistXXXXXXXXXXX\index.dat
C:\Users\<username>\Local\Microsoft\Windows\History\History.I​E5\Low\index.dat\MSHistXXXXXXXXXXX\index.dat
C:\Users\<username>\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\index.dat
C:\Users\<username>\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Low\Content.IE5index.dat
C:\Users\<username>\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\UserData\index.dat
C:\Users\<username>\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\UserData\Low\index.dat
------------------------------------------

If you have Windows XP or Windows 2000 then index.dat files are in these locations (note that on your PC they can be on other drive instead of drive C):

C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\Cookies\index.dat
C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\Local Settings\History\History.IE5\index.dat
C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\Local Settings\History\History.IE5\MSHistXXXXXXXXXXX\index.dat
C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\index.dat
C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\UserData\index.dat
----------------------------------

If you have Windows Me, Windows 98, Windows NT or Windows 95 then index.dat files are in these locations:
C:\Windows\Cookies\index.dat
C:\Windows\History\index.dat
C:\Windows\History\MSHistXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX\index.dat (XXXX are some digits)
C:\Windows\History\History.IE5\index.dat
C:\Windows\History\History.IE5\MSHistXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX\index​.dat
C:\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\index.dat (only in Internet Explorer 4.x)
C:\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\index.dat
C:\Windows\UserData\index.dat
C:\Windows\Profiles\<username>\Cookies\index.dat
C:\Windows\Profiles\<username>\History\index.dat
C:\Windows\Profiles\<username>\History\MSHistXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX​XX\index.dat
C:\Windows\Profiles\<username>\History\History.IE5\index.dat

C:\Windows\Profiles\<username>\History\History.IE5\MSHistXXXX​XXXXXXXXXXXXXX\index.dat
C:\Windows\Profiles\<username>\Temporary Internet Files\index.dat (only in IE 4.x)
C:\Windows\Profiles\<username>\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\index.dat
C:\Windows\Profiles\<username>\UserData\index.dat

Doesn't work does it? You can even set your settings to show hidden folders and they still will not allow access.

I have Windows 7 and I know for a fact that all index.dat files are locked from viewing and deleting.

I cannot speak as to what other operating systems do but go ahead and try it anyway. Even if they allow access they will not allow you to just drag them to your recycle bin because they are always being used by your computer.

Today I will show you to not only access and view evrything permanently stored on your computer, but also how to delete all traces of internet activity FOREVER.

Please be patient, I will be adding links to index.dat viewers as well as erasers.

The rest is up to you.
Anonymous Coward (OP)
User ID: 33457620
United States
02/01/2013 03:47 PM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
Do a Google search for index.dat viewers.

Here are a few...

[link to www.google.com (secure)]

These will allow you to search your computer and actually view everything that is permanently stored in your index.dat file.

Scary huh?
Anonymous Coward (OP)
User ID: 33457620
United States
02/01/2013 03:54 PM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
There are many free programs that will erase every single one of these index.dat files safely and securely from your PC.

My personal favorite is Tracks Eraser Pro. It's fast and easy to figure out.

I'm not sure if this is a free program or not, but the people in the know will know where to find a free version.

Torrents..cough cough.

This program not only allows you to access and delete ALL of your index.dat files, but also allows you to test it and make sure they were all deleted.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

This is a HUGE privacy violation and you should know how to properly clean your computer. Microsoft refuses to create programs that will get rid of these and locks these files on your PC so that you can't get rid of them.

Fuck that.

This is THE way to ensure your online privacy.
Anonymous Coward (OP)
User ID: 33457620
United States
02/01/2013 03:58 PM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
Doesn't seem to be getting a lot of views.

This is important and it would be sweet to see this pinned, especially at a conspiracy website where people are a little more paranoid about their online activities.

Idk, just wanted to help out a bit.

Most people don't know this stuff.
Anonymous Coward (OP)
User ID: 33457620
United States
02/01/2013 03:59 PM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
If I helped 46 people today, that is OK with me.

thumbs
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 25375394
United Kingdom
02/01/2013 04:07 PM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
After running ccleaner index.dat analizer can only find 2 files 1 google and 1 yahoo both to do with mail updates-I dont see a problem here.
Anonymous Coward (OP)
User ID: 33457620
United States
02/01/2013 04:11 PM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
After running ccleaner index.dat analizer can only find 2 files 1 google and 1 yahoo both to do with mail updates-I dont see a problem here.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 25375394


Ccleaner is useless for that.

Try the ones listed at the Google link I provided.

Keep trying man, they are there, I promise you.

Download one of the viewers and watch what pops up.

Everything you have ever done on your PC is in your index.dat file.

Everything.
We Who Watch

User ID: 33454786
United States
02/01/2013 04:11 PM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
:superbump:
7 Billion people on the planet!
That's a BIG number!
And I am one.
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 22427336
United States
02/01/2013 04:14 PM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
Good post thanks
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 2836766
United States
02/01/2013 04:17 PM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
thanks for this
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 25375394
United Kingdom
02/01/2013 04:17 PM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
After running ccleaner index.dat analizer can only find 2 files 1 google and 1 yahoo both to do with mail updates-I dont see a problem here.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 25375394


Ccleaner is useless for that.

Try the ones listed at the Google link I provided.

Keep trying man, they are there, I promise you.

Download one of the viewers and watch what pops up.

Everything you have ever done on your PC is in your index.dat file.

Everything.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 33457620


your not reading me properly-ccleaner found 12 mb and deleted them.
Index.dat Analizer found 2 files and nothing else.
Anonymous Coward (OP)
User ID: 33457620
United States
02/01/2013 04:20 PM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
After running ccleaner index.dat analizer can only find 2 files 1 google and 1 yahoo both to do with mail updates-I dont see a problem here.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 25375394


After reviewing this program and trying it out, it does in fact have an index.dat file eraser option in the program.

Tried it to see if it works and apparently it does.

My apologies.

One way to find out is to run Ccleaner and then download one of the index.dat viewers to see if it worked properly.
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 32899686
United States
02/01/2013 04:20 PM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
Doesn't seem to be getting a lot of views.

This is important and it would be sweet to see this pinned, especially at a conspiracy website where people are a little more paranoid about their online activities.

Idk, just wanted to help out a bit.

Most people don't know this stuff.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 33457620


I think its one of the best posts here ever.

You defined a problem and gave a solution.

Thanks

I'll be working in this over the weekend...not that I have anything to hide on my pc. But ya never know nowadays with all the malware and viruses.
Anonymous Coward (OP)
User ID: 33457620
United States
02/01/2013 04:21 PM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
After running ccleaner index.dat analizer can only find 2 files 1 google and 1 yahoo both to do with mail updates-I dont see a problem here.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 25375394


Ccleaner is useless for that.

Try the ones listed at the Google link I provided.

Keep trying man, they are there, I promise you.

Download one of the viewers and watch what pops up.

Everything you have ever done on your PC is in your index.dat file.

Everything.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 33457620


your not reading me properly-ccleaner found 12 mb and deleted them.
Index.dat Analizer found 2 files and nothing else.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 25375394


Try a index.dat file viewer if you could and let us know if it worked or not.
stinkbug

User ID: 1375508
United States
02/01/2013 04:21 PM

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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
I ran ccleaner and still had a bunch of crap in my index.dat files.

After running the program Privacy Mantra, should we delete everything? Or just the index.dat files?
Anonymous Coward (OP)
User ID: 33457620
United States
02/01/2013 04:23 PM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
Doesn't seem to be getting a lot of views.

This is important and it would be sweet to see this pinned, especially at a conspiracy website where people are a little more paranoid about their online activities.

Idk, just wanted to help out a bit.

Most people don't know this stuff.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 33457620


I think its one of the best posts here ever.

You defined a problem and gave a solution.

Thanks

I'll be working in this over the weekend...not that I have anything to hide on my pc. But ya never know nowadays with all the malware and viruses.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 32899686


To me, at least, it's not so much as erasing anything "bad" you've done on the net, but your privacy alone, no matter what you've done on the net should be of top priority to everybody.

Thanks for posting, glad I could be of help. thumbs
Anonymous Coward (OP)
User ID: 33457620
United States
02/01/2013 04:24 PM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
I ran ccleaner and still had a bunch of crap in my index.dat files.

After running the program Privacy Mantra, should we delete everything? Or just the index.dat files?
 Quoting: stinkbug


I would delete everything. I'm pretty sure that program won't mess up anything permanently on your PC.

Usually you may have to adjust private settings back to where you had them before but it won't erase things like bookmarks etc.
Anonymous Coward (OP)
User ID: 33457620
United States
02/01/2013 04:25 PM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
I ran ccleaner and still had a bunch of crap in my index.dat files.

After running the program Privacy Mantra, should we delete everything? Or just the index.dat files?
 Quoting: stinkbug


Also with that Mantra program, I tried it out and it doesn't seem to get rid of everything like Tracks Eraser Pro does.

One way to find out is to download one of the viewers and see what pops up.
stinkbug

User ID: 1375508
United States
02/01/2013 04:27 PM

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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
I ran ccleaner and still had a bunch of crap in my index.dat files.

After running the program Privacy Mantra, should we delete everything? Or just the index.dat files?
 Quoting: stinkbug


I would delete everything. I'm pretty sure that program won't mess up anything permanently on your PC.

Usually you may have to adjust private settings back to where you had them before but it won't erase things like bookmarks etc.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 33457620


famous last words. LOL
okay, let me see what happens. thanks for this post, btw.
Anonymous Coward (OP)
User ID: 33457620
United States
02/01/2013 04:28 PM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
My personal favorite is Tracks Eraser Pro. It's fast and easy to figure out.

I'm not sure if this is a free program or not, but the people in the know will know where to find a free version.

Torrents..cough cough.
Anonymous Coward (OP)
User ID: 33457620
United States
02/01/2013 04:30 PM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
I ran ccleaner and still had a bunch of crap in my index.dat files.

After running the program Privacy Mantra, should we delete everything? Or just the index.dat files?
 Quoting: stinkbug


I would delete everything. I'm pretty sure that program won't mess up anything permanently on your PC.

Usually you may have to adjust private settings back to where you had them before but it won't erase things like bookmarks etc.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 33457620


famous last words. LOL
okay, let me see what happens. thanks for this post, btw.
 Quoting: stinkbug


No problem.

I should have given a more concrete answer. lol

I have ran this program multiple times and all it does is resets my Firefox browser to the point where I have to re-enable all of my addons and bookmarks toolbar.

Everything else remains unchanged.
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 11634420
Australia
02/01/2013 04:31 PM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
Cheerz BITCH!

Goofy Thum
Anonymous Coward (OP)
User ID: 33457620
United States
02/01/2013 04:32 PM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
Cheerz BITCH!

Goofy Thum
 Quoting: Quyoi


Glad you clicked the thread!

I should have thought about my thread title more to get more views, but it seems to be catching on.

Keep it bumped.

This info NEVER gets old.
Anonymous Coward (OP)
User ID: 33457620
United States
02/01/2013 04:34 PM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
Maybe suggest a pin as well? 1dunno1

I never ask for them, but this is important for everybody on this site.

Unless of course everybody already knows how to do this. lol
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 22427336
United States
02/01/2013 04:34 PM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
I dunno...I ran it and the Index.dat viewer program and it only picked up my files and cookies from Internet Explorer (shit) that I use for work purposes. It picked up nothing from Firefox, where I use Ghostery and private browsing with cookies off, etc.
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 25375394
United Kingdom
02/01/2013 04:34 PM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
After running ccleaner index.dat analizer can only find 2 files 1 google and 1 yahoo both to do with mail updates-I dont see a problem here.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 25375394


Ccleaner is useless for that.

Try the ones listed at the Google link I provided.

Keep trying man, they are there, I promise you.

Download one of the viewers and watch what pops up.

Everything you have ever done on your PC is in your index.dat file.

Everything.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 33457620


your not reading me properly-ccleaner found 12 mb and deleted them.
Index.dat Analizer found 2 files and nothing else.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 25375394

Tried 2 different dat file analizers and both found the same 2 files google and yahoo that ccleaner left alone-you cannot just delete anything-ccleaner knows what its doing and can be personalised not to delete certain entries if you wish.
Try a index.dat file viewer if you could and let us know if it worked or not.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 33457620
Anonymous Coward (OP)
User ID: 33457620
United States
02/01/2013 04:37 PM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
I dunno...I ran it and the Index.dat viewer program and it only picked up my files and cookies from Internet Explorer (shit) that I use for work purposes. It picked up nothing from Firefox, where I use Ghostery and private browsing with cookies off, etc.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 22427336


Internet Explorer is the one that saves everything.

That is where all files are located.

You did it right.
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 25375394
United Kingdom
02/01/2013 04:37 PM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
...


Ccleaner is useless for that.

Try the ones listed at the Google link I provided.

Keep trying man, they are there, I promise you.

Download one of the viewers and watch what pops up.

Everything you have ever done on your PC is in your index.dat file.

Everything.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 33457620


your not reading me properly-ccleaner found 12 mb and deleted them.
Index.dat Analizer found 2 files and nothing else.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 25375394

Tried 2 different dat file analizers and both found the same 2 files google and yahoo that ccleaner left alone-you cannot just delete anything-ccleaner knows what its doing and can be personalised not to delete certain entries if you wish.
Try a index.dat file viewer if you could and let us know if it worked or not.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 33457620

 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 25375394


try again
Tried 2 different dat file analizers and both found the same 2 files google and yahoo that ccleaner left alone-you cannot just delete anything-ccleaner knows what its doing and can be personalised not to delete certain entries if you wish.
Anonymous Coward (OP)
User ID: 33457620
United States
02/01/2013 04:39 PM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
...


Ccleaner is useless for that.

Try the ones listed at the Google link I provided.

Keep trying man, they are there, I promise you.

Download one of the viewers and watch what pops up.

Everything you have ever done on your PC is in your index.dat file.

Everything.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 33457620


your not reading me properly-ccleaner found 12 mb and deleted them.
Index.dat Analizer found 2 files and nothing else.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 25375394

Tried 2 different dat file analizers and both found the same 2 files google and yahoo that ccleaner left alone-you cannot just delete anything-ccleaner knows what its doing and can be personalised not to delete certain entries if you wish.
Try a index.dat file viewer if you could and let us know if it worked or not.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 33457620

 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 25375394


Then you did it right.

The only reason why I say Ccleaner doesn't work is because I tried it and still found files on my PC afterwards.

If you're comfortable with one program, that's up to you.

I run multiples to make absolutely sure.
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 22427336
United States
02/01/2013 04:39 PM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
I dunno...I ran it and the Index.dat viewer program and it only picked up my files and cookies from Internet Explorer (shit) that I use for work purposes. It picked up nothing from Firefox, where I use Ghostery and private browsing with cookies off, etc.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 22427336


Internet Explorer is the one that saves everything.

That is where all files are located.

You did it right.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 33457620


Oh thank you. I fucking hate internet explorer
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 31557420
United States
02/01/2013 04:39 PM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
If I helped 46 people today, that is OK with me.

thumbs
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 33457620


Just wanted to chime in here OP. I don't really think I have the need for this right now but it is great info and knowledge to have so I appreciate your time in teaching us.





GLP