How to Remove IDX Files from a Computer
Index files (IDX) contain a listing of individual files accessed by database programs including Microsoft Access, Filemaker Pro, OpenOffice Base and other database applications. Index files are also used within your computer's search program to speed up search results. IDX files consume a large amount of space on your computer's hard drive and the files can cause conflicts within the Windows operating system's registry file. You can remove IDX files from your computer but whatever program is generating the IDX files will eventually recreate the files for its search function.
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Instructions
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1
Click "Start," "Run."
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Type "cmd /k" in the box next to the wording "Open:." Click "OK."
You will see "C:\Documents and Settings\Username>." With "Username" representing your unique Windows username.
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Type "cd.." and press "Enter" or the "Return" key on your computer's keyboard.
This is the "Change Directory" command---it is "cd" with ".." (two periods).
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Type "cd.." again. Press "Enter" or the "Return" key on your computer's keyboard.
You will see "C:\>" on your computer's screen.
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Type "Del /s *.idx" next to the "C:\>" prompt.
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Press the "Enter" or "Return" key on your computer's keyboard. The IDX removal function will run and remove any IDX files on your computer.
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Click on the "X" in the upper right-hand corner of the "C:\" dialog box to close the command prompt box once you see the "C:\>" prompt.
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Tips & Warnings
The IDX removal function will take some time to complete. If you need to stop it, press the "CTRL" and "C" keys together.
To remove IDX files on a Mac, use Finder's "Search Function." Enter "idx" in the application's search box to locate the index files. Highlight the list of index files. Drag the list to your computer's "Trash Bin."
