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

 
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 1465548
United States
02/06/2013 03:16 AM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
windows is like so 1990s

get linux
Resister

User ID: 669410
United States
02/06/2013 10:04 AM

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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
Used the index file thingy. Found nothing more than this evening's surfing.

Used the Track Eraser Pro thingy. Nothing seen this evening's surfing.

Also, the Track Eraser Pro window is small and cutssquiches some words making it difficult to know what some options are.

Not impressed so far. What am I doing wrong?
 Quoting: Resister


Start over man.

Download index.dat viewer 3 here.

[link to www.softpedia.com]

That program will only give you a list of what is already on your PC.

Then download Index.dat analyzer here.

[link to download.cnet.com]

When you open that program there is a little icon in the upper right area of the program that looks like a little hammer (to me at least) with a yellow handle and a cubed looking top. Click that and it will pull up all the folders on your PC that store index.dat files.

Right next to that button, to the right, there is another button. Click that and it will erase everything.

You're done.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 33750478


Thanks. Will try again tonight.
"God forbid we should ever be 20 years without such a rebellion. The people cannot be all, & always, well informed... If they remain quiet under such misconceptions it is a lethargy, the forerunner of death to the public liberty... Let them take arms... What signify a few lives lost in a century or two? The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots & tyrants. " - Thomas Jefferson in 1787
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 33810484
United States
02/06/2013 12:46 PM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
Used the index file thingy. Found nothing more than this evening's surfing.

Used the Track Eraser Pro thingy. Nothing seen this evening's surfing.

Also, the Track Eraser Pro window is small and cutssquiches some words making it difficult to know what some options are.

Not impressed so far. What am I doing wrong?
 Quoting: Resister


Start over man.

Download index.dat viewer 3 here.

[link to www.softpedia.com]

That program will only give you a list of what is already on your PC.

Then download Index.dat analyzer here.

[link to download.cnet.com]

When you open that program there is a little icon in the upper right area of the program that looks like a little hammer (to me at least) with a yellow handle and a cubed looking top. Click that and it will pull up all the folders on your PC that store index.dat files.

Right next to that button, to the right, there is another button. Click that and it will erase everything.

You're done.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 33750478


Thanks. Will try again tonight.
 Quoting: Resister


It works. Be patient. thumbs
Mister_Worlwide

User ID: 26282771
United States
02/06/2013 03:58 PM
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Re: 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.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 33457620
5 stars OP! thumbs
There's nothing like Miami's heat....
...Padre Island, TX does beat it!
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 1581924
Canada
02/06/2013 04:29 PM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
Any dangers to mac users? Should I wipe my history clean?
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 18381151
United States
02/06/2013 07:07 PM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
How do you know those "free software" companies aren't transferring files before deleting them?
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 11261416
United States
02/06/2013 07:42 PM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
bump
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 11261416
United States
02/06/2013 07:43 PM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
bump
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 11261416
United States
02/06/2013 07:43 PM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
bump
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 12129390
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02/06/2013 07:44 PM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
CCleaner seems to be working fine. I used version 3.26 to clean everything. Then ran Index.dat Viewer, and it found 0 items. Opened Firefox and browsed a bit, opened the Index.dat Viewer, and it had the history there. Ran CCleaner again, and items are gone.
Anubis

User ID: 4949345
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02/06/2013 08:03 PM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
5 stars OP
this subject is near and dear to my heart.

I am a techie and forensic computer specialist. you are right on the money.
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 33836610
United States
02/06/2013 08:22 PM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
How do you know those "free software" companies aren't transferring files before deleting them?
 Quoting: pool


Watch your firewall connections or change them to block outgoing connections from that program, it doesn't need to connect to the internet to clean your PC.

Or do a netstat -a command in dos.

Click start, type CMD in the search, when the black box pops up type netstat -a and hit enter.

That is every port on your computer and also who is listening to those ports in live time. Take that IP to your firewall and block incoming and outgoing connections.
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 33836610
United States
02/07/2013 01:06 AM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
bump
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 33873648
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02/07/2013 11:11 AM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
bump
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 142629
New Zealand
02/07/2013 02:24 PM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
bump
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 33460327
United Kingdom
02/08/2013 01:30 PM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
thanks OP
but everything seems to be for windows. What are the links to all this for my
Mac OSX?
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 33946996
United States
02/08/2013 01:46 PM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
thanks OP
but everything seems to be for windows. What are the links to all this for my
Mac OSX?
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 33460327


[link to www.onyxmac.com]
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 33313757
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02/08/2013 02:45 PM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
Bump.
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 2884401
United States
02/15/2013 04:23 AM
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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.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 33457620


Tracks Eraser Pro by default erases your firefox passwords. Why is has this set on by default i have no idea but make sure you go into settings and disable this feature
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 17793726
United States
03/12/2013 06:50 PM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
this is why you need a dual-boot system


by accessing your files from a separate operating system you can delete files that satan-windows versions pretend do not exist or deny access to


after deletion you will need to overwrite, I recommend turning off your paging file and doing a major defrag, you can also record a blank video file and physically overwrite the deleted (only on the file tree) files
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 17793726
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03/12/2013 06:57 PM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
this is why you need a dual boot system

access your files by a separate OS and avoid administrator permissions and deceptive OS's


the files are still there, you need to overwrite them by creating a huge file, best done by recording a dummy video file till the drive is full, then erase that


otherwise the files are only deleted on the file tree (file index)


I also recommend turning off your paging file and defragging before and after, that's about as close as you can get to sledgehammering and burning your hard drive, just for those files


of course if you have a static IP all your info is hosted offline by some satanic fool with aspirations of world domination and strong feelings of sexual inadaquicy, there is nothing you can do about these twits
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 17793726
United States
03/12/2013 06:59 PM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
oh, I left out a step, firstly deleting the files


DO NOT use a "drive eraser" software, that's kinda like asking a cop to guard your donut
MsVen

User ID: 2861283
Australia
06/04/2013 03:08 AM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
Gday OP and thanks for the thread. 5*.

I use RevoUninstaller and after coming across your thread, fired it up to see if it had any similar functions. It does, in the Tools/Tracks Cleaner/Browsers Cleaner - it has deletion settings there for index.dat for IE and Opera, but nothing else significant (only the usual history, cookies and temp files). I always run this cleaner, even tho I use FF, and it still seems to take a couple of seconds deleting something from IE.

Anyway, Revo still didnt seem very thorough - even after running all the other track cleaners in the program, so I downloaded PrivacyMantra and this had a heap more options for places to scan, and files/registry entries to delete. It found 12.9 mg of entries .... I noticed Office Frontpage (which doesnt even come with my Starter edition of Office) had been thru and indexed all my .txt and .doc documents on my machine ... stuff I hadnt even opened once since moving them from my old netbook onto this new laptop.

VLC had every file I had ever played. That would be ok, 'cept well you know .... Game of Thrones is only available on cable in Australia, and I dont have cable but I watch the show. ;)

As for those wondering about formatting your drive - you can recover lost files from a format, and dare I say even the suggestions in this thread to clean your harddrive will not save you there, but it's a start. The more times you format, or rewrite over a deleted section of your drive, the old info gets more corrupted and erased over time. If you truly want to wipe your drive with formats, I would suggest doing it several times to be sure.

Chucking it in the fire may not be as effective as some think ... remember 9/11.

[link to 911blogger.com]

Here is a free program that will recover lost files from your drive (including those files corrupted or lost on a SD card or other type of external storage device). It is for advanced users tho, so be sure to read the instructions carefully.

[link to www.cgsecurity.org]
Chas

User ID: 32761527
United States
06/04/2013 03:18 AM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
Thanks OP...
Chas
Widespread Franklin

User ID: 25646874
United States
06/04/2013 03:22 AM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
bumpbumpbumpbump
TellThem"_____"

User ID: 8811543
United States
06/04/2013 03:23 AM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
no only I protect you...
rob robs
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 42803457
United States
07/04/2013 09:41 AM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
Okay folks. Here's your best solution.

1. Start Windows Vista or 7 in Safe Mode with Command Prompt

2. In Command Prompt type cd\ (brings to the C: directory)

3. Type del index.dat /s

It's just that easy. No need for third party software.
nerd is the word
User ID: 1927572
United States
07/04/2013 09:58 AM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
ok ....umm.. it seems every ones a bit confused here. so i would like to add some clarity to this.

first off.even using a "wipe" program. your deleted data is most likely still easily recoverable.

as someone that has done data recovery in the private sector and as a contractor.

the only thing your going to do to your data, that's going to slow one like me down at all is,overwrite the entire HDD with bus noise,hundreds of times.

anything less your data is still there and recoverable. the only 100% way to destroy the data is destruction of the drive.


forensic recovery of data is far more capable and entailed than you think. if you want to know more search for one of the forensic based *nix distributions and have a try.


yoda
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 42791891
United Kingdom
07/04/2013 10:01 AM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
yeah i used to clear mine regular, until one day after having a thread deleted on here for NO GOOD reason, i have been unable to use the program to clear it, no matter if i redownload and install it, it always crashes when it hits firefox, so i think there are other caches to worry about, ones we cannot see
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 37626888
United States
07/27/2013 11:11 AM
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Re: If you think that erasing your internet files with a program protects you...think again.
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