IE 6, tif folder

[AL DOM]

I cleared my temporary internet files folder, including delete all offline content. All the previous files are now gone, including any 0 byte files. However, now there is a file called "index.dat" in my temporary internet files folder. This file is over 900 KB;I tried to delete it, but I cannot. I get an "Access is denied" error message.

I wanted to completely clear my tif folder, and now I have almost a 1 meg file that I can't delete. Note, I did not see this file in my tif folder until I deleted the contents of the tif using the above mentioned procedure. This "index.dat" file seems to disappear when my tif file fills up with temp. internet files, and reappears when I delete them. I also have a "desktop.ini" file in my tif folder. That's only 66 bytes, so I am not concerned with it.

What are these files? Should I try to delete them, or do I need them?

Thanks,
AL

[kern]

Al,
Index.dat are hidden "system" files that contain every URL and Web page that you've visited, as well as a log of all email that has been sent/received via Outlook/OE.
Unless you want to cover your tracks, leave them be. Otherwise, you can delete them using a thrid party utility.

on second thought, if I remember correctly, you may be able to open them using DOS EDIT

Windows 9x:
\WINDOWS\Cookies\index.dat
\WINDOWS\History\index.dat
\WINDOWS\Temporary Internet Files\index.dat
\WINDOWS\Cookies\index.dat
\WINDOWS\History\index.dat
\WINDOWS\Temporary Internet Files\index.dat

Windows 2000 and Windows XP:
\Documents and Settings\<Username>\Cookies\index.dat
\Documents and Settings\<Username>\Local Settings\History\History.IE5\index.dat
\Documents and Settings\<Username>\Local Settings\History\History.IE5\MSHist012001123120020 101\index.dat
\Documents and Settings\<Username>\Local Settings\History\History.IE5\MSHist012002010720020 114\index.dat
\Documents and Settings\<Username>\Local Internet Files\Content.IE5\index.dat

[PeteF]

Guys,
I don't believe you can easily view the contents of the INDEX.DAT files.

Read all about INDEX.DAT files here...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Index.dat

You need a special program to view INDEXT.DAT files..
This one is FREE. I tested it an it seems to be ok.
I checked for viruses using AVG, but that's all, so use it at
your own risk.
http://www.stevengould.org/software/indexdatspy/download.html

---pete---