Large INDEX.DAT File

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Dave Morgan - 27 Dec 2003 14:08 GMT

Prior to 10/7/03 my INDEX.DAT file under
C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\Temporary Internet Files was 144 KB.
Since then, it's been 1,904 KB and under
C:\WINDOWS\Temporary Internet Files. Yes, the "Temporary
Internet Files" folder is found under both "WINDOWS"
and "WINDOWS/TEMP". I'm not sure, but the new, large file
may have loaded while I was on the Internet.

When I attempt to delete the large INDEX/DAT file, I'm
told that it can't be deleted because its in use by an
active program.

1) Is it normal to have such a large INDEX.DAT file?
2) What does this file do?
2) How would I "renew" the INDEX.DAT file to be correct?

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Steven Burn - 27 Dec 2003 14:19 GMT

Inline......

<snip>

> When I attempt to delete the large INDEX/DAT file, I'm
> told that it can't be deleted because its in use by an
> active program.

</snip>

Thats because it's in use by Windows itself

<snip>

> 1) Is it normal to have such a large INDEX.DAT file?

</snip>

Sometimes...

<snip>

> 2) What does this file do?

</snip>

The Index.dat file logs all internet and program activity.

<snip>

> 2) How would I "renew" the INDEX.DAT file to be correct?

</snip>

Either manually, via DOS, or you can use the utility I wrote to delete all
index.dat file's (windows will re-create them upon re-boot).

Index.dat Suite (freeware)
http://www.it-mate.co.uk/support/idsuite.asp

To do it manually, re-boot and press F8 when it says "starting windows",
then select "Command Prompt Only"

At the prompt, type the following (press enter after each line):

deltree c:\windows\temp\*.*
deltree c:\windows\tempor~1\*.*
deltree c:\windows\cookies\*.*
deltree c:\windows\history\*.*

Note: you can use the /y switch with the deltree command (deltree /y
<path>), doing so will prevent DOS from asking you if you want them deleted
(confirmation prompt), leaving the /y switch out is reccomended if you are
not familiar with DOS as using it with the incorrect path can have serious
re-percussions.

--
Regards

Steven Burn
Ur I.T. Mate Group
www.it-mate.co.uk

Keeping it FREE!

Disclaimer:
I know I'm probably wrong, I just like taking part ;o)

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