How to Delete Search History Protection

The search history of your Internet browser can become protected through the group policy settings on your computer, preventing you from deleting your history and keeping your browsing tracks clean. This is a security risk because leaving your browser history on a public computer can provide other malicious users with clues as to your personal data and habits. Prevent this by re-enabling the removal of your search history through the group policy options on your Windows XP Professional; Vista Ultimate, Business or Enterprise edition; or on Windows 7.

Instructions

1. Click "Start," type "gpedit.msc" and press "Enter."

2. Open "Administrative Components," "Windows Components" and "Internet Explorer." Then select "Delete Browsing History."

3. Double-click the following entries and set each to "Disabled" to allow the deletion of browsing history: "Disable 'Configuring History,' " "Prevent the deletion of temporary Internet files and cookies," "Turn off 'Delete Browsing History' functionality," "Turn off 'Delete Forms' functionality," "Turn off 'Delete Passwords' functionality," "Disable changing Temporary Internet files settings" and "Disable changing Advanced page settings."

4. Restart the computer to complete changes.

References

• Online Tech Tips: Search History Protection