Internet Explorer

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How to clear cache of useless files!

Sometime ago I was asked how to clear cache which builds up in machines. IF using Internet Explorer the procedure is as follows:

1) go to Tools, and Internet Options
2) You should be in General Tab of the dialog box. In the middle you will find a button called 'Delete Files ''. Click on this and click on white box to create a tick indicating 'delete all offline files content'.
3) Press OK

Similarly do with the Clear History button on the form you are in. this is the last button on the form. Click OK. Also, change the number 20 to 0 (zero) indicating 0 days to keep pages in history.

Once you have done this you will find you have cleared complete history of your internet browsing habits! And the colour of the links will be blue again (or default of your settings). Also, because you have changed the number to zero, you will have 'refreshed' pages everytime you visit any site.

If anyone is using Netscape and you want the instructions then please say so.

Hope this helps.

Jay Tanna

Replies (9)

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By Accounting WEB
17th Jan 2002 13:59

The only fool proof way to delete cache2
This has always worked for me but. Please note, I accept no responsibility for what happens on individual systems as a result of following this advice!

Before trying any steps on a system, users should ensure a backup is taken.

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By Accounting WEB
17th Jan 2002 13:56

The only fool proof way to delete cache
The previous suggestions all go some way to sorting the problem but you can still get caught out.

Firstly, on the Internet Explorer properties, delete all files and delete offline content. Then select "Settings" then "view files". Select all cookies and delete.

Then clear the history and as mentioned, select days to "0".

Sometimes, websites remain in the Temporary internet folder under c:\windows. Go to this directory in Windows Explorer and delete any subfolders under the "c:\windows\temporary internet files\content.ie5.

This clears the files but one last hurdle remains: the index.dat file. This stores the websites you have visited and cannot be deleted in windows. it grows and grows in size. To delete it and start over, shutdown the pc into MSDOS mode and go to this directory: cd\windows\tempor~1\content.ie5 and delete the index.dat file then. It will then restart next time you start windows.

Also check the favorites folder occasionally as some websites try to add themselves into the folder without your knowledge.

Happy hunting.

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By Accounting WEB
17th Jan 2002 14:37

Helpful hints from Jay Tanna
Sometimes you get criticisms, sometimes outright disagreement between contributaries to this site. I would just like to pay tribute to the helpful tips and comments that I have read from time to time from Jay Tanna. His technical skills leave me 'green' with envy. Long may he continue to contribute!
Stuart Kerner

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By AnonymousUser
15th Jan 2002 12:55

Nicki - where have you been?

Nicki,

I use windowsNT 4 and so my temporary internet files resides here:

c:\winnt\Profiles\jtanna\Temporary Internet Files\

I guess in Win98 these should be in Windows Directory. Do a search using Windows Explorer for "temporary" and see what it comes out with.

I used Windows98 long time ago (upto July 1999) and so I can't remember it well!

I am glad you are back. How is your modem? Is it working now?

Regards,

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By Accounting WEB
12th Jan 2002 02:30

May I be so bold as to disagree?
Sorry to blow a raspberry here, but following the standard procedures outlined above (for IE5, at least - I know nothing of Netscape) does NOT clear your internet caches at all. It merely reclaims some unnecessary file slack taken up by the cache folders; all the names and URL addresses of every visited page, file, image, banner, link, etc remain intact.
I'm currently writing a document on how to properly delete these files manually (it's a rather detailed process, and varies according to what version of Windows you're using. For example, Win XP users need only reformat their hard drives and reload Windows from scratch after each internet use. -Sorry, but Microsoft has closed off the old loopholes by now!- But Win95 (OSR2) users like myself can tweak the system like a banjo). However, to merely jot down the basics here would be irresponsible of me, and could result in people damaging their Windows setup, or in the total nuclear annihilation of the cosmos, if I made a simple typing error. However, if you'd like to read my document when it's ready, email me at [email protected] and I'll send it to you in due course (free, I might add - I'm not representing anyone here, or trying to sell anything - I'm just the type of chap who gets cheesed off with Microsoft's "user friendly" nonsense, especially when you click an "OK" button and are duped into thinking your PC is performing a task which it clearly is not. I won't have that, and I'll gladly tell others how to prove their cache is still there, and how to delete it themselves).

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By Abacjm
12th Jan 2002 17:21

Clearing Cache
The most cost-effective and sure way over and above JT's suggestion is to select Windows Explorer(if you havent got a short cut to this, create one on your desktop, by selecting Start, Programs, Accessories/ Windows Explorer/Create short cut)
Once slected, click on C:\ or whatever your main drive is, select Windows folder, select Temporary Internet Folder and using Edit, select all, then File/delete. You will be asked if you want to dlete all cookies. Select yes or No, dependng on how fast youwant to access these sites again. I usually select No and everything but my cookies is deleted.

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By AnonymousUser
10th Jan 2002 15:55

Netscape instructions
Yes please- these would be useful too!

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By AnonymousUser
10th Jan 2002 22:41

Netscape - How to clear cache and history!

Here are the instructions to clear all cache in Netscape:

1) Got to Edit, preference, Advanced, Cache
2) Click on both boxes i.e. clear memory cache, Clear disk cache
3) done!!

To clear history then follow these instructions:

1) Edit, Preference, Navigator
2) Click on clear history, also click on clear location bar;
3) Change the number for pages in history expire after: I would put 0 (ZERO) here.
4) Click OK

Hope this helps.

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By AnonymousUser
11th Jan 2002 15:54

Automatic deletion of temporary files
the other point I should have mentioned about deleting temporary files in Internet Explorer is you could delete these files automatically by following this:

Go to:
Internet Options,
Advanced,

and then look for:
Security

then:

Empty temporary Internet Files Folder when browser is closed [ make sure there is a tick here ]


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