How to Delete Cookies From Your Hard Drive

Unwanted tracking cookies can slow down and clutter up a hard drive, as well as compromise the security of your computer. The ways to get rid of cookies are as varied as the numerous browsers in existence. But if you use Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Google Chrome, Opera or Internet Explorer to browse the 'net, there is a simple, free and easy way to get rid of cookies and boost your system's performance.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• CCleaner software

1. Download the latest version of CCleaner by following the link in Resources. CCleaner is freeware, so there is no cost to download or run it on your computer. The company makes money through donations and the advertising on its site.

2. Install the program. Many systems will automatically begin the installation process. If your system does not do this, click on "Run Program" in the download history box that pops up after the download is complete. This will install CCleaner and leave an icon on your desktop.

3. Double-click on the CCleaner icon. This will bring up a window that reads "Piriform CCleaner" and contains a control panel. Piriform is the name of the company that owns CCleaner. The control panel is where you can control what the software cleans from your hard drive and what it doesn't.

4. Select "Cookies" in the "Applications" section of the control panel. There are many other applications as well, such as "History" and "Empty Recycle Bin." Many applications might automatically have a check mark in their box. If there is already a check mark in the box that reads "Cookies," you are ready to go.

5. Click the "Run Cleaner" button at the bottom of the control panel. This will permanently delete cookies from you hard drive. Keep in mind that this function will also delete any other files that are checked in the control panel. A warning box will come up after you click "Run Cleaner" informing you that you are about to delete files. Click "OK" to run the program and delete the cookies.

Tips & Warnings

• CCleaner only works on PCs that use Windows operating systems.
• Before you click the "Run Cleaner" button, double-check that all of the boxes in the control panel that have check marks are for things you want to permanently delete from your computer.

Resources

• CCleaner home page

[sunya]

on 11/17/2009 History Killer Pro erases everythig you do on the computer that may put your privacy at risk