index.dat is a file used by the Internet Explorer web browser. The index.dat file functions as an active database, which runs as long as Windows is active. It functions as a repository of redundant information, such as web URLs, search queries, and recently opened files. Eventhought, you’ve deleted cookies, history and temporary internet files, these index.dat files still there. It only takes a few steps to disable index.dat.
Reboot your computer in Safe Mode by pressing F5 or F8 (depends on your machine)
Login as Administrator
Start -> Run -> type cmd -> click OK (MS-Dos window will display)
on your command prompt type CD\ -> hit Enter key
then type del index.dat /s (space between .dat and /s)
index.dat files should be permanently deleted and you don’t have to go thru these processes above again.
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5 Comment(s)
By D Bowers on Jun 16, 2007 | Reply
In re removing index.dat on startup:
http://www.windowstips.org/how-to-remove-indexdat/
Are the instructions on the referenced page both safe and effective for XP Pro today - June 16, 2007?
Thanks
D Bowers
By WindowsTips.org on Jun 18, 2007 | Reply
Yes it works on Windows XP Pro.
By joe on Jul 21, 2007 | Reply
Did that and the message appears, “Cannot find index.dat.” So now what?
By WindowsTips.org on Jul 23, 2007 | Reply
It shows that your index.dat has been deleted
“index.dat files should be permanently deleted and you don’t have to go thru these processes above again.”
By jennifer on May 23, 2008 | Reply
How do you enable it, if it has been disabled?