2 replies to this topic

[paulhedderson]

Hello,


I always thought that it was imposable to "delete" index.dat files.

Does CCleaner actually do that or does it just overwrite the contents?

Regardless of what is done is the index.dat file info recoverable?

Thanks

[Andavari]

CCleaner will remove them, but only if you restart your computer since they're locked when Windows is running. After Windows restarts it will automatically recreate the index.dat files.

File(s) normally deleted on the system can be recovered with software such as Recuva, etc., if not securely deleted. The file(s) will stay on the system until another file replaces them, or if a defrag program such as Defraggler moves a file into the location where the deleted file resides.

Also see the Piriform Documentation website which answers many questions:
http://docs.piriform.com/

[Augeas]

If I may add that CC requests Windows to delete the index.dat files, so CC's secure deletion option does not apply. The files can subsequently be securely deleted using Recuva (except for those titchy ones in the MFT).