How to Check Other People's History on the Computer

Checking other people's history on the computer is easier than you think.

Windows as an operating system stores a copy of data (or "cookies") of each and every web page visited for each user account on the local machine. Administrators or accounts with administrator permissions can access the web page data-store of all user accounts on the local machine. It does not matter if user accounts are password-protected, as there is no need to log into the account. Administrators can view account history through the file system directly.

Things You'll Need

• Windows XP operating system
• Administrator account

Instructions

1. Log in as an administrator or other user account with administrator credentials.

2. Enable hidden files and folders. Click "Start," then "Control Panel." Double-click the "Folder Options" icon, then click the "View" tab. Scroll down and select the radio button next to "Show hidden files and folders." Click "OK" and close each window; go back to the desktop.

3. View each user's history. Right-click on the "Start" button and then select "Explore." Maximize the "Start Menu" window. If necessary, expand the "Folders" pane by clicking and dragging the scroll bar to the right. Next, click the "+" sign next to "My Computer." Now click "Documents and Settings." Within the "Documents and Settings" folder, look for the name of the user account to view history for. Expand the account by clicking the "+" sign next to the account, then click "Local Settings." Finally, click on "Temporary Internet Files" to view a stored cache of websites visited within the user account.

References

• A History of Internet Explorer