References

Q185713 - Errors Reported When Using Microsoft Backup

http:⁄⁄support.microsoft.com⁄kb⁄185713⁄en-us

How to Use the AutoComplete Feature in Internet Explorer 5 and 6

http:⁄⁄support.microsoft.com⁄kb⁄217148⁄en-us

Third party programs and instructions that might help for Windows® XP:

UNLOCKER 1.8.5 By Cedrick 'nitch' Collomb

This article describes different methods of cleaning system folders (index.dat files) for Windows ® 98, ME and XP for IE6 and IE7.

Quotation:

To delete the History folder and index.dat (XP)

Log on as Administrator and delete the desired <username> folder and reboot.
(or log on as another user that has Administrator privileges)

Example: "C:\Documents and Settings\username\Local Settings\HISTORY"

It must be kept in mind, this is possible only in Save Mode as described by MVPOrg on their page above.

CCleaner (freeware) will clear the browser cache and the "index.dat".

Instructions for Windows 2000⁄XP Professional

This article describes how to delete the index.dat file by using the Microsoft Management Console and a little shutdown script (functions very well).

Conclusion

I hope, this article can help you to understand some of the most strange and barely documented features of Internet Explorer® and the Windows® operating system.

Note

A new program is now available for cleaning (not deleting!!!) Windows® Address Book (WAB): WAB Cleaner.