Question on index.dat file

Question

While cancelling a popular isp service I was told that my computer shows it has more than one index.dat file resident on it.  I was advised that this is used by spyware and drag them to the recycle bin and empty it, except for the one that will not let me tamper with.  Is this legit and something that I should do?  I would appreciate anyones input or suggestions.  Have yet to check it out myself, just looking for advice.  Dimension 8400-Windows XP     Thanks!

THE RAVEN · Answer

Thanks, I will check it out and post as soon as I can get to my desktop. (at work now)

Midnight Star · Answer

The Raven,

First, make sure you can view system and hidden files and folders, then do:

" Start | Search..."

for the following:

index.dat

And post back the results. Let's first see where they are before we delete them; just incase they relate to something other than IE. According to the references on GOOGLE, there should be only three of them.

-

Mike.

Message Edited by Midnight Star on 01-11-2005 12:16 PM

joe53 · Answer

Hi:

It is normal to have several index.dat files, with the number and
location varying, depending on your operating system.

I don't *think* you can eliminate them by the 'drag n drop'
method, but there is a very useful freeware utility called "Indexdat suite"
that will let you view and then delete those files. (They will be created as
empty folders at next bootup.)

You can get it at the download site :

http://support.it-mate.co.uk/?mode=Products&p=index.datsuite

THE RAVEN · Answer

Thanks for your help Joe and Mike, I will try running the freeware.  Mike-You mentioned an unprotected system, I am running McAfee Virus Scan, Firewall and Privacy Service.  Also I run Spybot Search and Destroy and Lavasofts Ad-Aware frequently.  Is there more I should be doing???

THE RAVEN · Answer

whoops, I'll try again!   Message Edited by THE RAVEN on 01-11-2005 04:05 PM

THE RAVEN · Answer

Mike, when I did the search for index.dat files I came up with 52 files??? Message Edited by THE RAVEN on 01-11-2005 04:25 PM

Midnight Star · Answer

The Raven,   If you have 3 or less on your system, then they're probably not associated with spyware, but in some instances, the information in those files can be accessed without your knowledge, thus allowing someone or some application to 'see' the web pages and cookies you might have visited/ downloaded.   I haven't seen alot of instances of this, but on an unprotected system, it could even be done by just visiting a malicious webpage.   What Joe recommended, if it will clean out those files, will in effect erase your internet 'tracks'.   If it's safe to delete those files, i'm wondering if it would be possible to delete it on reboot, much like we do with the malware files we come across.   Mike.

jamez kann · Answer

You got most of the programs needed for to protect a system running windows. There are a few other programs which you could install for additional protection but its optional.Use Firefox more often then Internet explorer so you dont need to clean the index.dat file that often.Update all your programs spybot,adaware,mcafee as a preventive measure spywareblaster,cwshredder and the other clean up tools listed on the link "Essential spyware removal steps and other hijackthis help forums" below would be a good idea also the M$ antispyware program (formerly Giantspyware) is a good program to try .

Microsof Antispyware direct download link
http://download.microsoft.com/download/8/1/5/815d2d60-49b5-44dc-ae35-fca2f2c6f0cc/MicrosoftAntiSpywareInstall.exe
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/default.mspx
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx
Watch the video
Top 3 things you can do to prevent spyware http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/video1.mspx

THE RAVEN · Answer

Thank You All for the great help and information.  Nice to have some members with more knowledge and willingness to help.  I will look into the suggested ideas, thanks again!

delta7000 · Answer

If you want to delete your index.dat files try this. It will totally remove all of them including corrupt ones. http://www.tweakxp.com/tweak2152.aspx

Virus & Spyware

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