For those of you using IE, and use CCleaner, WW, TRACKS Eraser Pro, etc to delete index.dat.. then I will say that they are useful in masking the content of the file when viewed (Notepad), but the file will grow, and use more space up in the process of using IE.

The only way to delete the system REGISTRY files is when explorer.exe is not running (in other words, when the COMPUTER starts up)…

If you run any version of NT-based Windows as the OS.. and it is important for you to delete (not mask) the "index.dat" files out of your 'IE-System-Environment'.. do the following:

Open Windows Notepad and copy the follwing NT-cammand code (below) into it.. and save it as Purge.cmd into you Personal User Profile, usually> C:/Documents and Settings/%USER NAME%

Code: [Select]ECHO OFF
CLS
RD /S /Q "C:\Documents and Settings\%USER NAME%\Local Settings\Temporary Internet files"
RD /S /Q "C:\Documents and Settings\%USER NAME%\Cookies"
RD /S /Q "C:\Documents and Settings\%USER NAME%\Local Settings\User Data\index.dat"
RD /S /Q "C:\Documents and Settings\Default User\Cookies\index.dat"
RD /S /Q "C:\Documents and Settings\Default User\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\index.dat"
RD /S /Q "C:\Documents and Settings\Local Service\Cookies\index.dat"
RD /S /Q "%APPDATA%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\UserData\index.dat"
RD /S /Q "%USERPROFILE%\Cookies"
Echo OFF
CLS
RD = deletes listing
/S = deletes all the sublists
/Q = disables the confirmation dialogue so its automatedLeft-click on Purge.cmd and create a shortcut, cut the shortcut to the following dictionary:
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs

Now the file will be executed upon start-up; it will take an extra 3 seconds for Windows to load after boot up.Nice info. You only need ECHO OFF once, though.