Safe to delete Index.dat?

[Sharon Roffey]

(Apologies, this is not specifically a Word question and I'm not sure what a
better category would have been.)

A while ago I recall a newspaper article warning of the dangers to users of
free email services such as Yahoo and Hotmail; specifically how someone "in
the know" can read mails in a hidden C:\ file (even if they have been
deleted). The solution was (I believe in co-ordination with the local
Microsoft office) to delete index.dat.

As someone who uses a free email service, and one who works *exclusively* on
a portable (and who almost lost her PC recently!) this is very troubling.

Is it safe to delete index.dat? Are there any precautions I need to be aware
of? Can someone give me instructions how to do this?

Many thanks,

Sharon

 

[Shauna Kelly]

Hi Sharon

It's difficult to know how to make sense of newspaper or TV reports on IT
issues, since the story is inevitably short and can't cover all the
necessary details.

If you don't get an answer in this newsgroup, I suggest that you try
re-posting your message to the microsot.public.security or
microsoft.public.security.homeusers newsgroups.

Hope this helps.

Shauna Kelly. Microsoft MVP.
http://www.shaunakelly.com/word

 

[Sharon Roffey]

Thanks Shauna, I will repost as recommended.

Re. the article ... it gave step-by-step instructions on how to invade
someone's privacy. The deleting of index.dat was a mere mention at the bottom
with a number to call at Microsoft for assistance. I think the article
created havoc (and more than a few law suits!)

Thanks again. Your help appreciated.

Sharon