deleting AutoComplete list in the address box [win2000-ie6]

[Guest]

Help!!!
I've tried Clear History, Delete Files, and Clear Forms in Internet Options.
How do I clear that history -- I hate typing in something and AutoComplete comes in and fills it in for me -- even the incorrect addresses I typed in gets AutoComplete?

Thanx

 

[LuckyStrike]

Willchow -

How to use the AutoComplete feature in Internet Explorer 5 and 6
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=217148

Even when you clear the entries using "clear documents", subsequent entries
during a session are added anew.
If you don't want Autocomplete (autoappend, autosuggest) to have any entries
in the Address bar at any time, don't use it. Use Ctrl-o (letter "o")> enter
your search item>OK
--

LuckyStrike
(e-mail address removed)

How to make a good newsgroup post:
http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
------------------------------------------------------------

Help!!!
I've tried Clear History, Delete Files, and Clear Forms in Internet Options.
How do I clear that history -- I hate typing in something and AutoComplete

comes in and fills it in for me -- even the incorrect addresses I typed in
gets AutoComplete?

 

[LuckyStrike]

Willchow -

To clear them (a process which will have to be repeated during the course of
the day; course of time) R-Click the Taskbar>properties>Start menu
programs>clear documents>OK out. I know of no way to Defeat entries from
accumulating, except by a registry hack, which may leave the PC "crippled"
in one sense of the word.

Most persons have a "paranoia" about others seeing entries in the Address
bar, but most do not access the Ctrl-o function, so they haven't any problem
keeping these entries in there. As for *incorrect* entries that are
mis-typed: Type more carefully.

The only other options are to use a different Browser such as
Mozilla/Firefox (for example) which has a feature to disable it from
retaining these entries.
--

LuckyStrike
(e-mail address removed)

How to make a good newsgroup post:
http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
------------------------------------------------------------

 

[Jim Byrd]

Hi Will - To delete ALL Addresses in the Drop Down list, go here and
download and install Mike Burgess' DelTypedURL.inf at
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/delcache.htm See below for Selective Delete.

You can also get DelSearchMRU.inf at
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/DelSearchMRU.inf

Note: this does not remove entries entered via AutoComplete. To remove
hidden AutoComplete entries in History:
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/delcache.htm#AutoComplete


IMPORTANT NOTE: Be sure that ALL instances of IE6 are CLOSED before you do
the install of this (these) .inf files. Otherwise the "old" entries will
just be re-written back to the Registry when you close IE.


A nice alternative just for selective or all Address (not Search) history
maintenance is EditURLs, here: http://www.aandrc.com/editurls/ Here also,
you must close ALL instances of IE6 for the deletions to "take".
Recommended

--
Please respond in the same thread.
Regards, Jim Byrd, MS-MVP



In

 

[LuckyStrike]

Hi Jim -

A couple of questions. I'm using W98se. When I click clear documents in the
Start Menu Programs tab of the Taskbar properties, it clears all dropdown
items in the address bar. Why does that not seem to work for some people?

Next: The two .inf files from Mikes site; DelTypedURL and DelSearchMRU; are
they really necessary, if one can clear those by conventional means? Also,
if one were to install those files, are they "command-able" or reversible?

Lastly, any new developments on programs to kill the res:\\random. dll or
about:blank on the horizon? The most recent thing I've seen is still this:
http://www.pchell.com/support/onlythebest.shtml

Thanks,
LuckyStrike

 

[Jim Byrd]

HI Lucky - I don't currently have a copy of Win98 or SE installed, so I
can't check out the respective Registry entries (the Win98 and NT OS
portions of the Registry
differ significantly), so I can't really answer you first question. In
NT-based systems such as Win2k and XP, your approach normally clears stuff
in the Documents menu, to include URLs there, the dropdown list in Run, etc.
I ran a little experiment, and it doesn't clear the dropdown list in IE on
my Win2kPro system. The DelTypedURL.inf, on the other
hand, actually clears these addresses by deleting the following IE6 key:

HKCU,"Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\TypedURLs"

(which is the same for any IE6 system regardless of OS) and then restoring
the empty key. Thus, they aren't "reversible" in the sense that the old
addresses have now departed to the big Bit Bucket in the Sky (unless you
left a copy of IE running, of course, or you restore from a backup of the
Registry made beforehand using ERUNT/ERDNT, for example.)

Certainly one can clear this key manually (as long as ALL instances of IE
are closed!), but these files provide an easy way for a non-sophisticated
user to take care of it for addresses and/or searches without screwing
around in the Registry (which, from an MVP's POV, is highly to be desired).


I don't have any specific news on the res variant, but I have just had some
additional confirmation that one commercial program does fix the
"about:blank" variant(s). I don't have any feedback as to its efficacy in
the res case, but I sure would like to. Here's the part of my normal
"about:blank" post about it:

"I don't usually recommend anything but freeware that I've confidence in,
but AT YOUR OWN RISK, not free ($29.95), Adware Away, here:
http://www.adwareaway.com/ claims to fix it automatically, and a couple of
users have reported success using it. I would backup my system before using
it, however - always try to "keep what you've got". "

I'm going to have to change that to "several users".


--
Please respond in the same thread.
Regards, Jim Byrd, MS-MVP



In

 

[LuckyStrike]

Hi Jim -
<in-line>

HI Lucky - I don't currently have a copy of Win98 or SE installed, so I
can't check out the respective Registry entries (the Win98 and NT OS
portions of the Registry
differ significantly), so I can't really answer you first question.

Ok, it's getting hairier and hairier. Let's see if I'm any better at
explaining this than many posters that ask the same question. First, there
are Two dropdown boxes for IE addresses. One is accessed directly with the
dropdown arrow adjacent to the address bar field itself. That one will have
entries that are deliberately typed in, or are accessed by changing small
details of a pre-existing URL (appending or deleting portions of the
pre-existing URL). This dropdown box can be cleared in W98se by the
taskbar>properties>start menu programs>clear documents button. The clear
documents button also deletes entries in the Start>run command dropdown; the
Find>Files and folders dropdown, as well as clearing the Start>documents
(D'oh. ;-) entries.

Now, for the tricky part. If one enables autocomplete for web addresses in
the Content tab of IE Options, a Second dropdown box appears. It is the one
that if one were to type virtually any single letter, it would create a list
of all previous entries. Now, I normally don't use that feature, and have
un-checked it for the longest time. But this must be the one which is giving
people the "hard time". If one enables it, even after clear forms is used in
the content tab, those entries will re-appear; most entries date back to the
stone-age.

*How the heck does one get rid of those?* Only Firefox (and maybe some other
Browsers) have directly addressed this?

In
NT-based systems such as Win2k and XP, your approach normally clears stuff
in the Documents menu, to include URLs there, the dropdown list in Run, etc.
I ran a little experiment, and it doesn't clear the dropdown list in IE on
my Win2kPro system. The DelTypedURL.inf, on the other
hand, actually clears these addresses by deleting the following IE6 key:

HKCU,"Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\TypedURLs"

Now, I tried installing that .Inf file and it did nothing to eliminate
those. This was addressed in Mikes' webpage and in your post to the OP as
well, am I correct in that?

(which is the same for any IE6 system regardless of OS) and then restoring
the empty key. Thus, they aren't "reversible" in the sense that the old
addresses have now departed to the big Bit Bucket in the Sky (unless you
left a copy of IE running, of course, or you restore from a backup of the
Registry made beforehand using ERUNT/ERDNT, for example.)

I assume you are referring to this:
http://www.aumha.org/freeware/freeware.php#erunt
http://users.accesscomm.ca/gbraun/wxp/registry.htm
If I'm not mistaken (small miracle, but surely I'm right this time), it
doesn't apply to W9.x systems though. hehe.

Certainly one can clear this key manually (as long as ALL instances of IE
are closed!), but these files provide an easy way for a non-sophisticated
user to take care of it for addresses and/or searches without screwing
around in the Registry (which, from an MVP's POV, is highly to be

desired).

Sound point, and I also approach the Registry with reserve and a great deal
of trepidation.

I don't have any specific news on the res variant, but I have just had some
additional confirmation that one commercial program does fix the
"about:blank" variant(s). I don't have any feedback as to its efficacy in
the res case, but I sure would like to. Here's the part of my normal
"about:blank" post about it:

"I don't usually recommend anything but freeware that I've confidence in,
but AT YOUR OWN RISK, not free ($29.95), Adware Away, here:
http://www.adwareaway.com/ claims to fix it automatically, and a couple of
users have reported success using it. I would backup my system before using
it, however - always try to "keep what you've got". "

I'm going to have to change that to "several users".

I had noticed your referring to it on an occasion or three. Along with the
"disclaimer". What do you think of the instructions from the PCHell
site?

LuckyStrike
-----------------

 

[Jim Byrd]

Hi Lucky - This is from:
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/delcache.htm#AutoComplete Perhaps it will
explain it a little better than I did.

"Unable to delete AutoComplete entries

When you are unable to delete the AutoComplete entries after selecting:
Clear Forms
Internet Options | Content [tab] | AutoComplete [button] | Clear Forms
[button]

Use the above method to delete the History folder as the AutoComplete
entries are actually stored in the hidden History\index.dat file. [more info
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=157729 ] (also applies to IE 6)

DelTypedURL [right-click and select: Save Target As]


Removes the URL's from the Address Bar drop-down list without deleting the
Internet Explorer History. To use: right-click and select: Install
Note: this does not remove entries entered via AutoComplete."


The "above method" referred to is:

"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" "


This is why I normally post:

"Note: this does not remove entries entered via AutoComplete. To remove
hidden AutoComplete entries in History:
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/delcache.htm#AutoComplete"


That help any?

--
Please respond in the same thread.
Regards, Jim Byrd, MS-MVP



In

 

[LuckyStrike]

Nope (not any easier... for me).

Nothing gets rid of 'em. Tried everything. Clear forms. Clear documents.
DelTypedURL. Even did a pure DOS>Smartdrv>Deltree tempor~1> and a Deltree
History. Content.IE5 Index.dat is reset to 32 KB. The
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\TypedURLs has nothing
in it but the default (value not set) entry.

The only thing which "works" is to hide them by disabling the "use
autocomplete for web addresses" in the content tab of IE Options. What's
that old saying? "Out of sight..., out of mind". But they return like a bad
penny as soon as one re-enables autocomplete for web addresses. Hrmmmmph.
<g>
--
LuckyStrike
(e-mail address removed)

How to make a good newsgroup post:
http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
------------------------------------------------------------

Hi Lucky - This is from:
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/delcache.htm#AutoComplete Perhaps it will
explain it a little better than I did.

"Unable to delete AutoComplete entries

When you are unable to delete the AutoComplete entries after selecting:
Clear Forms
Internet Options | Content [tab] | AutoComplete [button] | Clear Forms
[button]

Use the above method to delete the History folder as the AutoComplete
entries are actually stored in the hidden History\index.dat file. [more info
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=157729 ] (also applies to IE 6)

DelTypedURL [right-click and select: Save Target As]


Removes the URL's from the Address Bar drop-down list without deleting the
Internet Explorer History. To use: right-click and select: Install
Note: this does not remove entries entered via AutoComplete."


The "above method" referred to is:

"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" "


This is why I normally post:

"Note: this does not remove entries entered via AutoComplete. To remove
hidden AutoComplete entries in History:
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/delcache.htm#AutoComplete"


That help any?

--
Please respond in the same thread.
Regards, Jim Byrd, MS-MVP

In

Hi Jim -
<in-line>

<snipped>

 

[Jim Byrd]

Hi Lucky - Did you try deleting the entire History folder? It'll be
re-created, and it just may be corrupted.

--
Please respond in the same thread.
Regards, Jim Byrd, MS-MVP



In

Nope (not any easier... for me).

Nothing gets rid of 'em. Tried everything. Clear forms. Clear
documents. DelTypedURL. Even did a pure DOS>Smartdrv>Deltree
tempor~1> and a Deltree History. Content.IE5 Index.dat is reset to 32
KB. The HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet
Explorer\TypedURLs has nothing in it but the default (value not set)
entry.

The only thing which "works" is to hide them by disabling the "use
autocomplete for web addresses" in the content tab of IE Options.
What's that old saying? "Out of sight..., out of mind". But they
return like a bad penny as soon as one re-enables autocomplete for
web addresses. Hrmmmmph. <g>

How to make a good newsgroup post:
http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
------------------------------------------------------------

Hi Lucky - This is from:
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/delcache.htm#AutoComplete Perhaps it
will explain it a little better than I did.

"Unable to delete AutoComplete entries

When you are unable to delete the AutoComplete entries after
selecting: Clear Forms
Internet Options | Content [tab] | AutoComplete [button] | Clear
Forms [button]

Use the above method to delete the History folder as the AutoComplete
entries are actually stored in the hidden History\index.dat file.
[more info http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=157729 ] (also
applies to IE 6)

DelTypedURL [right-click and select: Save Target As]


Removes the URL's from the Address Bar drop-down list without
deleting the Internet Explorer History. To use: right-click and
select: Install
Note: this does not remove entries entered via AutoComplete."


The "above method" referred to is:

"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"
"


This is why I normally post:

"Note: this does not remove entries entered via AutoComplete. To
remove hidden AutoComplete entries in History:
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/delcache.htm#AutoComplete"


That help any?

--
Please respond in the same thread.
Regards, Jim Byrd, MS-MVP

In

Hi Jim -
<in-line>

<snipped>

 

[Jan Il]

Hi Jim

Hi Lucky - Did you try deleting the entire History folder? It'll be
re-created, and it just may be corrupted.

This was also sort of long my thoughts on this. I've seen many situations
where nothing else seems to work.

Have a good one! ;-)

Jan
Smiles are meant to be shared,
that's why they're so contagious.

--
Please respond in the same thread.
Regards, Jim Byrd, MS-MVP



In

Nope (not any easier... for me).

Nothing gets rid of 'em. Tried everything. Clear forms. Clear
documents. DelTypedURL. Even did a pure DOS>Smartdrv>Deltree
tempor~1> and a Deltree History. Content.IE5 Index.dat is reset to 32
KB. The HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet
Explorer\TypedURLs has nothing in it but the default (value not set)
entry.

The only thing which "works" is to hide them by disabling the "use
autocomplete for web addresses" in the content tab of IE Options.
What's that old saying? "Out of sight..., out of mind". But they
return like a bad penny as soon as one re-enables autocomplete for
web addresses. Hrmmmmph. <g>

How to make a good newsgroup post:
http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
------------------------------------------------------------

Hi Lucky - This is from:
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/delcache.htm#AutoComplete Perhaps it
will explain it a little better than I did.

"Unable to delete AutoComplete entries

When you are unable to delete the AutoComplete entries after
selecting: Clear Forms
Internet Options | Content [tab] | AutoComplete [button] | Clear
Forms [button]

Use the above method to delete the History folder as the AutoComplete
entries are actually stored in the hidden History\index.dat file.
[more info http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=157729 ] (also
applies to IE 6)

DelTypedURL [right-click and select: Save Target As]


Removes the URL's from the Address Bar drop-down list without
deleting the Internet Explorer History. To use: right-click and
select: Install
Note: this does not remove entries entered via AutoComplete."


The "above method" referred to is:

"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"
"


This is why I normally post:

"Note: this does not remove entries entered via AutoComplete. To
remove hidden AutoComplete entries in History:
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/delcache.htm#AutoComplete"


That help any?

--
Please respond in the same thread.
Regards, Jim Byrd, MS-MVP

In LuckyStrike <[email protected]>
typed:
Hi Jim -
<in-line>

<snipped>

 

[Jim Byrd]

Hi Jan - Glad to see you back in the fight. Hope you had a good time.


--
Please respond in the same thread.
Regards, Jim Byrd, MS-MVP



In

Hi Jim

Hi Lucky - Did you try deleting the entire History folder? It'll be
re-created, and it just may be corrupted.

This was also sort of long my thoughts on this. I've seen many
situations where nothing else seems to work.

Have a good one! ;-)

Jan
Smiles are meant to be shared,
that's why they're so contagious.

--
Please respond in the same thread.
Regards, Jim Byrd, MS-MVP



In

Nope (not any easier... for me).

Nothing gets rid of 'em. Tried everything. Clear forms. Clear
documents. DelTypedURL. Even did a pure DOS>Smartdrv>Deltree
tempor~1> and a Deltree History. Content.IE5 Index.dat is reset to
32 KB. The HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet
Explorer\TypedURLs has nothing in it but the default (value not set)
entry.

The only thing which "works" is to hide them by disabling the "use
autocomplete for web addresses" in the content tab of IE Options.
What's that old saying? "Out of sight..., out of mind". But they
return like a bad penny as soon as one re-enables autocomplete for
web addresses. Hrmmmmph. <g>

How to make a good newsgroup post:
http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
------------------------------------------------------------
Hi Lucky - This is from:
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/delcache.htm#AutoComplete Perhaps it
will explain it a little better than I did.

"Unable to delete AutoComplete entries

When you are unable to delete the AutoComplete entries after
selecting: Clear Forms
Internet Options | Content [tab] | AutoComplete [button] | Clear
Forms [button]

Use the above method to delete the History folder as the
AutoComplete entries are actually stored in the hidden
History\index.dat file. [more info
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=157729 ] (also applies to IE
6)

DelTypedURL [right-click and select: Save Target As]


Removes the URL's from the Address Bar drop-down list without
deleting the Internet Explorer History. To use: right-click and
select: Install
Note: this does not remove entries entered via AutoComplete."


The "above method" referred to is:

"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" "


This is why I normally post:

"Note: this does not remove entries entered via AutoComplete. To
remove hidden AutoComplete entries in History:
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/delcache.htm#AutoComplete"


That help any?

--
Please respond in the same thread.
Regards, Jim Byrd, MS-MVP

In LuckyStrike <[email protected]>
typed:
Hi Jim -
<in-line>
<snipped>

 

[Jan Il]

Hi Jan - Glad to see you back in the fight. Hope you had a good time.


--
Please respond in the same thread.
Regards, Jim Byrd, MS-MVP



In

Hi Jim

Hi Lucky - Did you try deleting the entire History folder? It'll be
re-created, and it just may be corrupted.

This was also sort of long my thoughts on this. I've seen many
situations where nothing else seems to work.

Have a good one! ;-)

Jan
Smiles are meant to be shared,
that's why they're so contagious.

--
Please respond in the same thread.
Regards, Jim Byrd, MS-MVP



In LuckyStrike <[email protected]>
typed:
Nope (not any easier... for me).

Nothing gets rid of 'em. Tried everything. Clear forms. Clear
documents. DelTypedURL. Even did a pure DOS>Smartdrv>Deltree
tempor~1> and a Deltree History. Content.IE5 Index.dat is reset to
32 KB. The HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet
Explorer\TypedURLs has nothing in it but the default (value not set)
entry.

The only thing which "works" is to hide them by disabling the "use
autocomplete for web addresses" in the content tab of IE Options.
What's that old saying? "Out of sight..., out of mind". But they
return like a bad penny as soon as one re-enables autocomplete for
web addresses. Hrmmmmph. <g>

How to make a good newsgroup post:
http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
------------------------------------------------------------
Hi Lucky - This is from:
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/delcache.htm#AutoComplete Perhaps it
will explain it a little better than I did.

"Unable to delete AutoComplete entries

When you are unable to delete the AutoComplete entries after
selecting: Clear Forms
Internet Options | Content [tab] | AutoComplete [button] | Clear
Forms [button]

Use the above method to delete the History folder as the
AutoComplete entries are actually stored in the hidden
History\index.dat file. [more info
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=157729 ] (also applies to IE
6)

DelTypedURL [right-click and select: Save Target As]


Removes the URL's from the Address Bar drop-down list without
deleting the Internet Explorer History. To use: right-click and
select: Install
Note: this does not remove entries entered via AutoComplete."


The "above method" referred to is:

"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" "


This is why I normally post:

"Note: this does not remove entries entered via AutoComplete. To
remove hidden AutoComplete entries in History:
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/delcache.htm#AutoComplete"


That help any?

--
Please respond in the same thread.
Regards, Jim Byrd, MS-MVP

In LuckyStrike <[email protected]>
typed:
Hi Jim -
<in-line>
<snipped>

 

[Jan Il]

Hi Jan - Glad to see you back in the fight. Hope you had a good time.

Heh....I'll be back here hard at 'em in another couple of weeks, still
closing up some loose ends on my vacation. I just popped in to look for some
info to help out a friend with a bug. ;=))

Keep the lamp in the window, and save me a few will ya? <vbg>

Jan

In

Hi Jim

Hi Lucky - Did you try deleting the entire History folder? It'll be
re-created, and it just may be corrupted.

This was also sort of long my thoughts on this. I've seen many
situations where nothing else seems to work.

Have a good one! ;-)

Jan
Smiles are meant to be shared,
that's why they're so contagious.

--
Please respond in the same thread.
Regards, Jim Byrd, MS-MVP



In LuckyStrike <[email protected]>
typed:
Nope (not any easier... for me).

Nothing gets rid of 'em. Tried everything. Clear forms. Clear
documents. DelTypedURL. Even did a pure DOS>Smartdrv>Deltree
tempor~1> and a Deltree History. Content.IE5 Index.dat is reset to
32 KB. The HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet
Explorer\TypedURLs has nothing in it but the default (value not set)
entry.

The only thing which "works" is to hide them by disabling the "use
autocomplete for web addresses" in the content tab of IE Options.
What's that old saying? "Out of sight..., out of mind". But they
return like a bad penny as soon as one re-enables autocomplete for
web addresses. Hrmmmmph. <g>

How to make a good newsgroup post:
http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
------------------------------------------------------------
Hi Lucky - This is from:
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/delcache.htm#AutoComplete Perhaps it
will explain it a little better than I did.

"Unable to delete AutoComplete entries

When you are unable to delete the AutoComplete entries after
selecting: Clear Forms
Internet Options | Content [tab] | AutoComplete [button] | Clear
Forms [button]

Use the above method to delete the History folder as the
AutoComplete entries are actually stored in the hidden
History\index.dat file. [more info
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=157729 ] (also applies to IE
6)

DelTypedURL [right-click and select: Save Target As]


Removes the URL's from the Address Bar drop-down list without
deleting the Internet Explorer History. To use: right-click and
select: Install
Note: this does not remove entries entered via AutoComplete."


The "above method" referred to is:

"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" "


This is why I normally post:

"Note: this does not remove entries entered via AutoComplete. To
remove hidden AutoComplete entries in History:
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/delcache.htm#AutoComplete"


That help any?

--
Please respond in the same thread.
Regards, Jim Byrd, MS-MVP

In LuckyStrike <[email protected]>
typed:
Hi Jim -
<in-line>
<snipped>

 

[Robert Aldwinckle]

Nothing gets rid of 'em. Tried everything.

You didn't mention doing anything with Favorites
but that is a suspected source of them, especially if offline Favorites
has been used. Have you checked any of the URLs that are showing
to see if they are from that source? (E.g. to open an Explorer Find window
for Favorites from IE do: Alt-a,L,CursorLeft,Menu,O,Backspace,F3)
Use that to try to find files named *.URL which contain the target URLs.

If you are interested in trying to diagnose this behaviour please do some
tests for me after you have deleted History and all its subfolders in DOS
mode again (e.g. using deltree).

- Boot Windows without loading IE and verify that History is still empty.
(E.g. open a command window, navigate to the History subdirectory and
enter: attrib /s * See below.)

- Open IE and check the AutoSuggest dropdown.
(E.g. press Alt-d,Delete,CursorDown.)
Drag that dropdown menu bigger so you can assess what it is showing
you better.

- in your command window navigate to the History.IE5 subdirectory
and see what's there now. E.g.
dir/ad
attrib *.*
and assuming there is an index.dat enter this:
find /i "Visited:" index.dat

Whenever I do that I can explain all the Visited: I see as being either
password related, forms related, Favorites related and they are the only
ones which might look at first like discrepancies in a "cleared" AutoSuggest
list. Also this happens with just a normal Clear History, without all
the deltree-type intervention. I would have expected even fewer
Visited: entries after that, provided there was not another application
of Clear History.

Hmm... (serendipity) I just noticed that *somehow* I can show more
subdirectories of History.IE5 with
attrib /s *
than I can with
dir/ad
Further, the extra ones do not have any attributes which could possibly
cause them to be hidden. Make sure your deltree isn't leaving things
like that behind or that could really explain why your entries "date back
to the stone age." ;o

Looks like it has a "The jig is up" or "busted!" flag.

I did:
attrib /s index.dat | find /i "index.dat" /c
which found all the index.dat in *all* the subdirectories
(including the "ghost" ones) and after that
dir/ad
started showing everything as expected.

So if you find your deltree is leaving stuff behind
try that "count the index.dat files" idea first.


Good luck

Robert
---

Nope (not any easier... for me).

Nothing gets rid of 'em. Tried everything. Clear forms. Clear documents.
DelTypedURL. Even did a pure DOS>Smartdrv>Deltree tempor~1> and a Deltree
History. Content.IE5 Index.dat is reset to 32 KB. The
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\TypedURLs has nothing
in it but the default (value not set) entry.

The only thing which "works" is to hide them by disabling the "use
autocomplete for web addresses" in the content tab of IE Options. What's
that old saying? "Out of sight..., out of mind". But they return like a bad
penny as soon as one re-enables autocomplete for web addresses. Hrmmmmph.
<g>
--
LuckyStrike
(e-mail address removed)

How to make a good newsgroup post:
http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
------------------------------------------------------------

Hi Lucky - This is from:
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/delcache.htm#AutoComplete Perhaps it will
explain it a little better than I did.

"Unable to delete AutoComplete entries

When you are unable to delete the AutoComplete entries after selecting:
Clear Forms
Internet Options | Content [tab] | AutoComplete [button] | Clear Forms
[button]

Use the above method to delete the History folder as the AutoComplete
entries are actually stored in the hidden History\index.dat file. [more info
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=157729 ] (also applies to IE 6)

DelTypedURL [right-click and select: Save Target As]


Removes the URL's from the Address Bar drop-down list without deleting the
Internet Explorer History. To use: right-click and select: Install
Note: this does not remove entries entered via AutoComplete."


The "above method" referred to is:

"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" "


This is why I normally post:

"Note: this does not remove entries entered via AutoComplete. To remove
hidden AutoComplete entries in History:
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/delcache.htm#AutoComplete"


That help any?

--
Please respond in the same thread.
Regards, Jim Byrd, MS-MVP

In

Hi Jim -
<in-line>

<snipped>

 

[LuckyStrike]

Jim -

Wouldn't doing a pure DOS Deltree on the History folder (and the Tempor~1
for the TIF's) be the same as deleting it?
--
LuckyStrike
------------------------------------------------------------

Hi Lucky - Did you try deleting the entire History folder? It'll be
re-created, and it just may be corrupted.

--
Please respond in the same thread.
Regards, Jim Byrd, MS-MVP

In LuckyStrike typed:

<snipped>

 

[LuckyStrike]

Hi Jim


This was also sort of long my thoughts on this. I've seen many situations
where nothing else seems to work.

I just might try a "Delete to recycle-bin" on it and see what happens.
Thanks Jan. See you...... soon? LS

Have a good one! ;-)

Jan
Smiles are meant to be shared,
that's why they're so contagious.

<snipped>

 

[Jan Il]

I just might try a "Delete to recycle-bin" on it and see what happens.
Thanks Jan. See you...... soon? LS

Glad to help, hope it works. Yeah...put it in the R-B, or even just
renaming it might do the trick, just to see if recreating the file on reboot
will help. If not, nothing lost.<g>

Yep....I'll see ya soon... ;=)

Jan
Smiles are meant to be shared,
that's why they're so contagious.
-------------------------------------------------------------------

 

[LuckyStrike]

Greetings Robert -

<in-line>

You didn't mention doing anything with Favorites
but that is a suspected source of them, especially if offline Favorites
has been used. Have you checked any of the URLs that are showing
to see if they are from that source? (E.g. to open an Explorer Find window
for Favorites from IE do: Alt-a,L,CursorLeft,Menu,O,Backspace,F3)
Use that to try to find files named *.URL which contain the target URLs.

Before I begin, let me say that after 2 (??) DOS Deltrees of the History
folder, it seems to have shed the remaining URL's. Items still remain, but
they are less URL related than before (if that makes any sense). A few still
continue to persist, but perhaps they are related to this Favorites thing
you are referring to. More about that later, as your post is quite "heady",
and it will take me some time to sort everything out.

No I didn't mention anything about favorites as the thought hadn't entered
my mind. As far as off-line or on-line goes, the only thing I do "off-line"
is to compact folders in OE. <s>
However, I can now see that relation (see screenshot).
http://img34.exs.cx/img34/3739/dropdownbox1.jpg
For instance, the Pink Floyd, when selected brings me to
C:\WINDOWS\Favorites\Pink Floyd. Within that is a shortcut to a web site for
pink floyd.
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/PFArchives/websites.htm

As you can see from the screenshot, there are still some items such as
PCWorld.com, and PC Hell -how to remove blah-blah.html.which remain. What I
don't understand is why those persist, despite numerous DOS Deltree's.
Perhaps you've explained this to me, but I've yet to apply all of your
instructions to see what results. I will; and your efforts won't be wasted.
Thanks. I am going to cut to a close now, as there is much to do with the
various suggestions you've offered. Please bear with me while I try and sort
things out. As for your requests to provide the results from certain tests,
I'll be pleased to do so, even if it means doing a DOS Deltree again.

If you are interested in trying to diagnose this behaviour please do some
tests for me after you have deleted History and all its subfolders in DOS
mode again (e.g. using deltree).

- Boot Windows without loading IE and verify that History is still empty.
(E.g. open a command window, navigate to the History subdirectory and
enter: attrib /s * See below.)

- Open IE and check the AutoSuggest dropdown.
(E.g. press Alt-d,Delete,CursorDown.)
Drag that dropdown menu bigger so you can assess what it is showing
you better.

- in your command window navigate to the History.IE5 subdirectory
and see what's there now. E.g.
dir/ad
attrib *.*
and assuming there is an index.dat enter this:
find /i "Visited:" index.dat

Whenever I do that I can explain all the Visited: I see as being either
password related, forms related, Favorites related and they are the only
ones which might look at first like discrepancies in a "cleared" AutoSuggest
list. Also this happens with just a normal Clear History, without all
the deltree-type intervention. I would have expected even fewer
Visited: entries after that, provided there was not another application
of Clear History.

I see that perhaps the bulk of which remains leans in the direction you have
spoken of. I should add that customarily, I don't clear history, but in fact
keep it for appx. 3 months at a time. When one visits very large websites,
with many links, I like to see which of them I've visited previously so as
to avoid wasting time/clicks. However, I was surprised to see items
remaining - and again, I don't normally even use
autocomplete/suggest/append/populate (or whatever the #&%*! it is called.
=-D ) - so I was generally forgetful of the secondary dropdown box. :-\

Hmm... (serendipity) I just noticed that *somehow* I can show more
subdirectories of History.IE5 with
attrib /s *
than I can with
dir/ad
Further, the extra ones do not have any attributes which could possibly
cause them to be hidden. Make sure your deltree isn't leaving things
like that behind or that could really explain why your entries "date back
to the stone age." ;o

Looks like it has a "The jig is up" or "busted!" flag.

I did:
attrib /s index.dat | find /i "index.dat" /c
which found all the index.dat in *all* the subdirectories
(including the "ghost" ones) and after that
dir/ad
started showing everything as expected.

So if you find your deltree is leaving stuff behind
try that "count the index.dat files" idea first.

OK... lot's of helpful offerings from you. They will be slower for me to
accomplish as I am not a DOS master. I will try to apply these kind
suggestions and see what I can see. Thereafter, I shall return with my
findings. I may do a "Ping:Robert A." post. I thank you Robert.

LuckyStrike
---- ------

Good luck

Robert

<snipped>

 

[LuckyStrike]

message news:%[email protected]...

Glad to help, hope it works. Yeah...put it in the R-B, or even just
renaming it might do the trick, just to see if recreating the file on reboot
will help. If not, nothing lost.<g>

Well, it ain't that easy to do that (should have remembered) as a System
folder doesn't permit renaming or deletion in Windows. Did another DOS
Deltree, and it seems to have *almost* cured the thing, but not entirely.
Robert A. has offered a slew of suggestions which may serve in aiding my
investigations. And gee.... would you top-post on this kinda thing (for
me??? hehe) so I don't have to do all kinds of snipping and stuff? Sheesh!
This ain't usenet! )

Yep....I'll see ya soon... ;=)

Jan
Smiles are meant to be shared,
that's why they're so contagious.

Yeah... hope so. ;-)
--

LuckyStrike
(e-mail address removed)

How to make a good newsgroup post:
http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
------------------------------------------------------------