I've made up a desktop folder to more readily access my subect file folder and when I try to delete those files (if I still have a remaining webpage open), sometimes a few won't delete, but this time I had nothing, absolutely nothing open and yet none of the files would delete. I usually open the folder and click on 'edit>select all>delete', but it repeatedly failed (with an error wav sounding). Not until I used my IE6 properties to "delete cookies" and "delete files" would the subject file folder clean itself out. Aside from just wondering if I might have had some malware slip past things (pretty unlikely), I'm just curious if anyone has a take on what would explain the experience. I had something like a hundred files in it after merely going to a few forums and also checking out the news on a few common websites (nothing risky as I recall) and yet nothing would delete from the subject file folder until I did as mentioned. Lastly, each time I open the subject folder, I'm prompted by a request ('do I really want to do this') about a security risk related to opening that folder. I assume the only risk is that any files accessed via that folder, be they opened from there or copied to HD and opened there, may allow something nasty to slip past the primary defenses of AV or AS progs? Thanks if affording any enlightening scuttlebutt on either topics. Regards and hap-e-trails, Steve Hopper

Steve Hopper, as I understand it, certain files are sorta on 'standby' awaiting access by Windows. Those files are 'in use' and can't be modified so long as Windows is running. There's a proggie called CCleaner designed to deal with such files. It's fully configurable to handle things like index .dat files as well. Get it free @: http://www.ccleaner.com/ It does it's thing (if needed)on bootup before Windows ever starts. Works good for me. HTH. Ed in Texas.

Another option is to go to IE, Tools, Internet Options, Advanced. Scroll to the bottom of the page and place a check mark next to "Empty temporary internet files folder when browser is closed", Click Ok. It does not clear out the index.dat file but if you have nothing to hide then don't even waste time thinking about it. If the feds need the info they can get it by other means anyway. HTH Bryan

Funny my reply didn't post. Here goes again... Thanks for the replies. As mentioned I was aware of in use files, but I did say that nothing was open and there were a lot of temp files and none of them would delete. Seemed to me then (and still) quite improbable or possible that all the files were still in use especially when I was no longer online, nor did I have any open program windows. As for CC, I wasn't aware that it could clean out index.dat files and I only found a few progs capable of that (e.g.; PrivacyMantra, etc.). As for the BigBro aspect, while a bit string mangling to go into that, users certainly do have options to regain their privacy rights. One is to first go with an open-source security software like ClamAV, Blink Personal, etc. (assures nobody's given backdoors to the OS), and then installing unbreakable encryption like PGP's (unless they torture you for your password, it's uncrackable). Maybe my initial attempt to post that last bit of info was seen hawking software and it was bumped? So I've avoided any links here. Regards and hap-e-trails, Steve Hopper

Funny my reply didn't post. Here goes again... Thanks for the replies. As mentioned I was aware of in use files, but I did say that nothing was open and there were a lot of temp files and none of them would delete. Seemed to me then (and still) quite improbable or possible that all the files were still in use especially when I was no longer online, nor did I have any open program windows. As for CC, I wasn't aware that it could clean out index.dat files and I only found a few progs capable of that (e.g.; PrivacyMantra, etc.). As for the BigBro aspect, while a bit string mangling to go into that, users certainly do have options to regain their privacy rights. One is to first go with an open-source security software like ClamAV, Blink Personal, etc. (assures nobody's given backdoors to the OS), and then installing unbreakable encryption like PGP's (unless they torture you for your password, it's uncrackable). Lastly, only boot off of a CD-ROM and inspect the hard drive for malicious tampering. Maybe my initial attempt to post that last bit of info was seen hawking software and it was bumped? So I've avoided any links here. Regards and hap-e-trails, Steve Hopper