Must read/do!!!

[Greebe]

http://****microsoft.com/content/ms-hidden-files.shtml

[xortam]

I purge this stuff all the time ... in fact, I just did this a couple hours ago. Never seen a writeup on it though.

[DentyCracker]

hehe
content.IE5 will display in Windows but you have to type it in. I always have windows display the full path on the title bar as well as in the address bar, because I always like to know exactly where on the drive I am.

[rubank]

I wrote about it in this forum a couple of years ago.
It has taken it´s time so sink in

Best way to check out and clear these folders is by means of the old DOSSHELL in DOS 5.

rubank

[xortam]

Originally posted by DentyCracker
content.IE5 will display in Windows but you have to type it in. I always have windows display the full path on the title bar as well as in the address bar, because I always like to know exactly where on the drive I am.

I don't recall doing anything special to see these files in Explorer though I do enable "Show hidden files and folders". I don't enable the full path display. I'm running W2K-AS.

BTW, I think there's a lot of paranoia about big brother conspiracies versus M$FT trying to save the novice computer user from themselves.

[rubank]

xortam,

you must realize that there are files that you are NOT able to see within Windows (short of using special third party s/w), and they cannot be deleted while running windows.

Paranoic or not, finding personal nonencrypted accountnumbers in these hidden files- which I did - does not bring a very comforting feeling.

You may find the files in DOS, not easily though, but you can´t check their content without s/w like DOSSHELL.


rubank

[xortam]

I realize that there are additional "really hidden" files. I was just clearing out huge disk clutter rather then wiping out confidential data. Windows has never been thought of as being even somewhat secure. Their Active Directory also has many security flaws.

[Gurm]

These "really hidden" files are apparently only "really hidden" under Win9x. I have been able to see them for years.

- Gurm

P.S. You can purge 'em pretty easily with half a dozen very good 3rd party utilities, many of which are free.

[[GDI]Raptor]

I use Norton CleanSweap to remove tose files for me!

[Indiana]

And what free utility is there for this? any links?

And please no Norton "I'll crash your system" software...

[Gurm]

I use "surf pal" by panicware, which does cost. There are dozens of alternatives.

- Gurm

[rubank]

Gurm,

I haven´t used that app, but I somehow doubt that it clears the very hidden "index.dat" files that keep a record of your surfing.
These files live at various locations, some visible some not, and as I already said - they can´t be deleted while windows is running.

The most interesting question though, is why have MS gone to these lengths to keep a hidden record of your actions, what is the purpose and why the hardship to get rid of it.

Yes, it´s a win9x thing, but there are other peculiarities in XP.
I booted into 98SE and deleted the temporary Internet files on my XP drive. After booting into XP, i noticed the files were still there. Go figure.

rubank

[KvHagedorn]

The most interesting question though, is why have MS gone to these lengths to keep a hidden record of your actions, what is the purpose and why the hardship to get rid of it.

Why indeed?

I have a feeling Bill Gates wants to somehow get dirt on everyone in the world so he can blackmail or threaten you if he needs to.

So What IS the deal with that "Windows Update" crap, and why does it pop up with the start menu? Just something to make the idiots of the world trust MS to take over their computers for a while as it downloads the key "really hidden" files to its database,

[Gurm]

Rubank,

No, I can see those files. I don't know why you and others persist in the idea that they are "really hidden", but many of us can see them just fine.

- Gurm

[rubank]

Well I guess you´re just a lucky guy, Gurm