How to Delete Microsoft System History
A record of all history conducted on Microsoft systems are stored in a hidden file called the index.dat file. The index.dat file contains records of all activity conducted on Microsoft systems, including the recently opened documents as well as deleted Internet history. Therefore, if you really want to make sure that no one can see what you've been doing on a Microsoft system, you have to delete the Microsoft system history via the index.dat file.
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Instructions
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1
Create a new user account and grant it administrative rights. Click "Start." Click "My Computer." Click "Control Panel." Click "User Accounts." Click "Create a new account." Give your new account a name and be sure to check the bubble that says "Administrative Rights."
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Log off of your current account and the log back into your Microsoft system with your new account. Click "Start." Click "Search." Click "Tools." Click "Folder Options." Click on the "View" tab. Select "Show hidden files and folders." Un-select "Hide extensions for known file types" and "Hide protected operating system files." Click "Apply." Click "OK."
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Input the search term "index.dat" into the search box. Select the options to search "All Files and Folders" in the "C Drive." Click "Search."
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Click on the index.dat file in the search results pane when it appears to select it. Press the delete (Del) key to delete it, which will delete your Microsoft system history.
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Tips & Warnings
Your computer might have more than one index.dat file on it, especially if your computer has multiple users. Locate the index.dat file that has your user name in its file name.
You must create an alternate user account with administrative rights because you cannot delete the index.dat file from the account upon which it is located. You will receive an error message stating that the file is in use.
