Save up to 25% on pro security plugins w/ our Security Bundle »
Web Dev + WordPress + Security

Delete index.dat on Windows 98SE

This brief tutorial on removing (and replacing) the index.dat file applies to any Windows OS running on MS-DOS. Although I haven’t researched this officially, it appears that all Windows versions released prior to Windows 2000 are running on the 16-bit MS-DOS kernel. Conversely, Win2000 and WinXP operate on a 32-bit kernel and thus do not utilize MS-DOS. Thus, this method focuses on removing the index.dat from machines running Windows 95, 98, and 98SE.

Delete index.dat

As you may be aware, Internet Explorer utilizes a file called index.dat. The index.dat file serves a log that documents every domain visited through Internet Explorer. Deleting or modifying this file through Windows is impossible because Windows is “using” the file whenever Windows is running. Thus, to delete (or edit) the index.dat file, it is necessary to operate outside of Windows via MS-DOS mode.

So, without further ado, follow these easy steps to replace your unwanted index.dat file with a new, “empty” index.dat file:

  1. Click: Start > Shut Down > Restart in MS-DOS mode > “OK”
  2. At the DOS prompt, enter: del c:\windows\tempor~1\content.ie5\index.dat
  3. Press “Enter” and reboot the system. Windows will create a new index.dat file automatically

Congratulations, you’ve just deleted index.dat on Windows 98SE.

Jeff Starr
About the Author
Jeff Starr = Creative thinker. Passionate about free and open Web.
The Tao of WordPress: Master the art of WordPress.

2 responses to “Delete index.dat on Windows 98SE”

  1. Thanks a billion,

    These tips are GREAT!

  2. Perishable 2007/09/19 8:16 am

    My pleasure!

Comments are closed for this post. Something to add? Let me know.
Welcome
Perishable Press is operated by Jeff Starr, a professional web developer and book author with two decades of experience. Here you will find posts about web development, WordPress, security, and more »
USP Pro: Unlimited front-end forms for user-submitted posts and more.
Thoughts
Fall season almost here :)
My greatest skill on social media is the ability to simply ignore 98% and keep scrolling without interacting.
Enjoying this summer, getting some great positive energy. Refreshing and inspiring.
☀️ Pro plugin giveaway! Enter to win 1 of 4 lifetime licenses for our WordPress security plugins, including 10-site Security Bundle!
There is no end to what humans can achieve when they work together.
Excellent (and free) tool to test your site's SSL configuration.
Plugin updates! All of our free and pro plugins ready for WordPress 6.2.
Newsletter
Get news, updates, deals & tips via email.
Email kept private. Easy unsubscribe anytime.