Does Internet Explorer log everything you do? (WXP-Pro)

[Drwerw]

I've heard a lot of rumors that IE logs every site you go to and it doesn't have anything to do with your history folder. Is this just anti-Microsoft talk?

I know IE uses History, Temporary Internet Files, and Cookies. But what other folders does IE log your IE use in?

[jdharm]

There are a ton of scattered registry values and system files that keep track of sites and statistics or have the data mixed in with other data. Not necessarily for spying purposes, but as a part of functionality.

I was watching The Screen Savers on TechTV last night and Kevin Rose suggested Windows Washer (www.jdharm.net (http://www.webroot.com/wb/products/windowwasher/index.php>LINK</a>).)

[Drwerw]

But what about the index.dat files that IE uses? I just read about these on here and it seems very shady by Microsoft to log your IE use. Is there any way to edit/delete index.dat files with XP?

[jdharm]

Is there any way to edit/delete index.dat files with XP?


This has been the subject of some long discussions:

http://www.winguides.com/forums/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=genwin&Number=71192&page=&view=&sb=&vc=1 (http://www.winguides.com/forums/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=brdNewTweaks&Number=86103&page=&view=&sb=&vc=1>http://www.winguides.com/forums/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=brdNewTweaks&Number=86103&page=&view=&sb=&vc=1</a>

<a)

www.jdharm.net (http://www.winguides.com/forums/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=genwin&Number=72314&page=&view=&sb=&vc=1>http://www.winguides.com/forums/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=genwin&Number=72314&page=&view=&sb=&vc=1</a>



Josh
<a)

[Drwerw]

Does Window Washer clean out the index.dat files on your computer? Someone in another computer forum said Washer bleaches the index.dat files. Is that true?

[jdharm]

That's what the man said:

<a target="_blank" href=http://www.techtv.com/screensavers/answerstips/story/0,24330,3476715,00.html>by Kevin Rose

Every so often I run across a program that just works. Something you run and say, "Damn, that's good software." Window Washer is one of these programs. It serves its purpose and serves it well.

Windows Washer cleans your browser and PC to get rid of just about anything you want to clear out on a regular basis.

Browser cache
Cookies
Mail trash
Entries in your browser's address bar
AutoComplete forms
Download and program files
Recycle Bin
Registry streams
Windows Run history
ScanDisk files
Recently viewed pictures
Locked index.dat files
Recently opened documents
Temp files

If you want to cover your computing tracks, this is the program for you.

Window Washer is free for 30 days. Pay $29.95 if you decide to keep it.
</a>

Josh
<a target="_blank" href=http://www.jdharm.net>www.jdharm.net</a>

[Drwerw]

Thanks for the info. So this program pretty much covers everything, eh? There's no other files like the index.dat files that record every single thing you do while browsing is there?

[jdharm]

This only covers your system. Recording everything you do you still have:

Your ISP's proxy;
And/or your boss' proxy;
The 'Big Brother' box the {FBI, FSS, MI5, ASIO, et al} left at your ISP's office.

So behave. /images/forums/icons/wink.gif

Josh
<a target="_blank" href=http://www.jdharm.net>www.jdharm.net</a>

[Drwerw]

Well, I don't browse adult sites, lol. I do visit some file sharing sites for programs like Kazaa. That's why I'm worried.

[jdharm]

Ahh, then you need to get rid of KaZaA, run AdAware or SpyBot to get rid of the creepy-crawlies that come with it and download:

<font color=blue><a target="_blank" href=http://www.k-lite.tk>KAZAA LITE K++ EDITION!</a></font color=blue>

Chock full of extra features with none of the spyware/adware of the original.

From TechTv (Again. I love The Screen Savers. Informative and entertaining.):

<a target="_blank" href=http://www.techtv.com/screensavers/answerstips/story/0,24330,3464142,00.html>HERE IS THE PAGE</a> with the short article and a video from the show where they explain some of the features (like hiding from the RIAA).

DISCLAIMER: I in no way endorse piracy. Personally, I feel its a pretty sorry thing to do. Howerver, there are many legit uses of P2P. For example, I am converting my CD collection to mp3s for use on a portable player. Some of my discs are damaged and unreadable. I can then get my music from a p2p app. I bought the CD, I own a copy of the music, 'fair use' says I can rip it. I just can't read the data off the disc. See? Legit.


Josh
<a target="_blank" href=http://www.jdharm.net>www.jdharm.net</a>

[Elfy]

You could try a freeware program like Spider that cleans out the internet cache and also zaps the Index.dat file. You'll find the homepage at

http://www.fsm.nl/ward/

I use it regularly on WinXP and it works fine.