How to Clear Your index.dat File History

If you regularly share your computer with other users or if you are simply concerned about your privacy, you might want to delete "index.dat" files from your machine. "Index.dat" files can store various elements such as lists of websites you have recently visited or programs you regularly use. While the Windows operating system generates several different "index.dat" files, other applications can also create their own "index.dat" files. You can delete "index.dat" files from your machine by using Windows Explorer.

Instructions

1. Click on "Start" and select "Computer."

2. Click on "Organize." Select "Folder and search options."

3. Select the "View" tab. Choose "Show hidden files, drives and folders" and deselect the checkbox next to "Hide protected operating system files." Click on "OK" to confirm the changes.

4. Type "index.dat" in the search box at the top-right of the window and press the Enter key on your keyboard. Wait for Windows to finish scanning your hard drives for files named "index.dat."

5. Delete "index.dat" files by right-clicking on the file in the search results and selecting "Delete."