Easy Removal of Windows Super Hidden Temp Files

[Kintaro]

I just discovered with Windows 98 it is also a myth that the really hidden files store information that isn't removed.

Even with a typical disk cleanup, the stuff from Index.Dat is removed.

I will upload screenshots to prove my point.

Coming next: Windows XP.

[WMD]

I just discovered with Windows 98 it is also a myth that the really hidden files store information that isn't removed.

Even with a typical disk cleanup, the stuff from Index.Dat is removed.

I will upload screenshots to prove my point.

I don't know about that...I've seen plenty of large index.dat files, even after cleaning.

[Kintaro]

Well I can assure you that it is the result of third party spyware, not Microsoft.

[Aloone_Jonez]

WMD,
The two index.dat files I've posted above are the same size,  I didn't do a disc cleanup I just deleted them using Internet Explorer. Even though the size of the file after the deletion is the same as it was before it's contents have been overwritten by a repeating sequence of bytes, the list of porn sites has gone, the MSN home page is all that remains.

[Kintaro]

Yeah, I noticed that myself. The size does not change on the files. They are filled with a not very white binary whitespace.

[WMD]

If this is all as you say...why would MS design such a complex/retarded system of storing something as simple as internet cache?

[Aloone_Jonez]

The Microsoft method may be complex/retarded but do you seriously think Mozilla Firefox does any better?

[Kintaro]

I have no idea how either work, I might look into how the Mozilla one works. I have seen its strange footprint on my filesystem for some time. I will have to get the firefox sources and poke around.

[Refalm]

At least the Firefox cache is in one directory and isn't hidden (like some files in "Temporary Internet Files" are).

[Kintaro]

Personally I feel the design is in place because the browsers need to keep track of what is in there, and also keep get rid of stuff that hasn't been used for a while, and not break things while doing that.

[Aloone_Jonez]

Alright I'll try to explain thing at bit more clearly and I'll give and example.

The files are only hidden because Explorer is shows them as the list of files as URLs, each file has two names and locations the Windows one which you don't see Content.IE5\QWESADE\09.jpg and the URL (...) which is normally displayed, the index.dat files store each URL up against where the file is actually stored on the hard drive. This is done because the Windows file system doesn't allow for names like the above. Microsoft just thought it'd be more user friendly for the user to see the URL rather than the real location of the on the hard disc.

Refalm: Content edit. Crazy motherfucker, no pornography on this forum!

[passive wind]

Dumbarse Fucking Retard!

[Aloone_Jonez]

:fu:

[WMD]

The Microsoft method may be complex/retarded but do you seriously think Mozilla Firefox does any better?

So, Firefox doesn't do better.  That's why I use Opera :p

Opera keeps everything in one directory, but it changes the filenames (not the extensions or anything).

[Refalm]

So, Firefox doesn't do better.  That's why I use Opera :p

Opera keeps everything in one directory, but it changes the filenames (not the extensions or anything).

Yes, I like this too. It's perfect for ripping Flash files