How to Erase All Internet Files on a Computer

There are many reasons why you would want to remove traces of your browsing history and Internet files. Depending on what Internet browser you are using, you might not be able to use the same process for removing such files. For example, Internet Explorer stores its browsing history in Windows' Temporary Internet Files directory, while Firefox has its own designated directory to store Internet files. Your Internet files include your browsing history, cache, sessions and other things that your browser calls back upon to make things faster for you.

Instructions

Internet Explorer

1. Open Internet Explorer by going to the Start menu, navigating to "All Programs" or "Program Files," scrolling down until you reach the "Internet Explorer" icon, and clicking on it.

2. When Internet Explorer pops up, go to "Tools" and click on "Delete Browsing History."

3. Delete everything you would like to remove from your browser's repository and click "Close" when you are finished. You can also click "Delete All" if you want to delete everything that is listed in that window.

Firefox

1. Open Firefox by going to the Start menu, navigating to "All Programs" or "Program Files," scrolling down to "Mozilla Firefox," and clicking on "Mozilla Firefox" (the program folder and program name are the same).

2. When Firefox opens, click "Tools" and click "Clear Recent History."

3. Select anything you would like deleted from your Internet files in Firefox and click "OK."

Google Chrome

1. Open Google Chrome by going to the Start menu, navigating to "All Programs" or "Program Files," scrolling down to "Google Chrome," and clicking on "Google Chrome" in the new submenu.

2. When Google Chrome opens, click the little wrench on the top right-hand corner of the window.

3. Click "Clear Browsing Data."

4. Select what you would like to erase and then click the button labeled "Clear Browsing Data."

Opera

1. Open Opera by going to the Start menu, navigating to "All Programs" or "Program Files," scrolling down to "Opera," and clicking on it.

2. When Opera is open, click on "Tools" and "Delete Private Data."

3. When the new window opens, click the small arrow pointing down next to "Detailed Options."

4. Select the things you would like to delete.

5. Click the button labeled "Delete."

Tips & Warnings

• You might consider deleting cookies, cache and browsing history if you want to maintain privacy on your own computer. These are the most crucial to delete because they contain all information about where you have been. Some browsers also keep a download history. Be sure to delete this as well.

References

• Opera: Opera Tutorials
• Mozilla Support: Clear Recent History
• Microsoft Support: How to Clear the History Entries in Internet Explorer