Problems due to Index.dat Suite???

  • Thread starter Thread starter John Corliss
  • Start date Start date
J

John Corliss

I noticed this morning that deleting my index.dat files does no good
because upon Windows restarting, they are immediately replaced with
copies that are identical to what they were before I deleted them.
This NEVER used to happen before I installed Index.dat suite:

http://www.it-mate.co.uk/support/idsuite.asp

I've never used the batch file generated by the program to delete the
index.dat files, because I have a batch file of my own set up
permanently to delete those FU**ING SPYING PIECES OF SH** every time I
reboot.
I don't know if having this new problem appear just after I
installed Index.dat Suite is a coincidence, but I've spent the last
two hours trying to figure out what's going on. Here's what I've come
up with:

If I reboot and use my private, *permanent* batch file to delete the
index.dat files:

1. System Restore now replaces all the index.dat files with backed up
copies (it NEVER used to do this.) I discovered this by disabling
System Restore and monitoring the size of the recreated index.dat
files. This led to the next observation:

2. If System Restore is disabled, new, clean versions of the index.dat
files are immediately recreated by Windows (it NEVER used to do this
until I ran Windows Explorer or IE.)

The only program that I've installed recently is Index.dat Suite and
it tried to replace the following file with an older version:

c:\windows\system\wininet.dll

I'm wondering if, and if so, which OTHER files installing this program
might have replaced and without notification.

I have tried EVERYTHING to stop the immediate reformation of my
index.dat files to no avail.

***************************************
Next step is a total reformat and reinstall. I am FURIOUS.
***************************************

By the way, here's another program that deletes the index.dat files
supposedly:

3S System Security Suite:

http://www.igorshpak.net/

Has anybody used this?
 
John,
I've never come accross this problem when running tests on the
program (nobody's mentioned it to me either) so unfortunately, I cannot say
whether it is directly connected to the installation of Index.dat Suite.

However, regarding the wininet.dll file, if you are using a version of
Windows that is newer than 98SE, then you should NOT allow it to replace
that file, at all.

Regarding other file's required by Index.dat Suite, I have listed them below
for you (along with the installation instructions/flags).

*C:\windows\system\MSCOMCTL.OCX; DestDir: {sys}; Flags: promptifolder
regserver sharedfile
**C:\windows\system\STDOLE2.TLB; DestDir: {sys}; Flags: restartreplace
uninsneveruninstall sharedfile regtypelib
**C:\windows\system\ASYCFILT.DLL; DestDir: {sys}; Flags: restartreplace
uninsneveruninstall sharedfile
**C:\windows\system\olepro32.dll; DestDir: {sys}; Flags: restartreplace
uninsneveruninstall sharedfile regserver
**C:\windows\system\OLEAUT32.DLL; DestDir: {sys}; Flags: restartreplace
uninsneveruninstall sharedfile regserver
**C:\windows\system\Msvbvm60.dll; DestDir: {sys}; Flags: restartreplace
uninsneveruninstall sharedfile regserver
***C:\windows\system\scrrun.dll; DestDir: {sys}; Flags: promptifolder
regserver sharedfile onlyifdoesntexist
****C:\windows\system\RICHED32.DLL; DestDir: {sys}; Flags: restartreplace
uninsneveruninstall sharedfile
*****C:\windows\system\richtx32.ocx; DestDir: {sys}; Flags: promptifolder
regserver sharedfile
******C:\windows\system\WININET.DLL; DestDir: {sys}; Flags: promptifolder
sharedfile
*******C:\windows\system\MSVCRT.DLL; DestDir: {sys}; Flags: restartreplace
uninsneveruninstall sharedfile

* Microsoft Common Control
** Visual Basic 6 Runtime files
*** Microsoft Scripting Runtime File (if running NT based system,
Installation should NOT be allowed to replace this file)
**** Rich Edit control
***** Rich Text control
****** Windows Internet Transfer Control (used when checking for updates)
******* Microsoft (R) C Runtime Library
--

Regards

Steven Burn
Ur I.T. Mate Group
www.it-mate.co.uk

Keeping it FREE!

Disclaimer:
I know I'm probably wrong, I just like taking part ;o)
 
John Corliss said:
I noticed this morning that deleting my index.dat files does no good
because upon Windows restarting, they are immediately replaced with
copies that are identical to what they were before I deleted them.
This NEVER used to happen before I installed Index.dat suite:
Click to expand...

What OS are you using John? My sister reports the same problem with
XP, but I have no problems at all with ME (e.g. last time of use, cut
my Temp Internet Files\Content\index.dat from 336KB to 32KB, and
rebooting 3 times has *not* been restored to 336KB)

KeithS
 
What OS are you using John? My sister reports the same problem with
XP, but I have no problems at all with ME (e.g. last time of use, cut
my Temp Internet Files\Content\index.dat from 336KB to 32KB, and
rebooting 3 times has *not* been restored to 336KB)
Click to expand...


Same here ( W98SE)... reboot into DOS, delete the index.dat files,
when I reboot they reappear as smaller files ( 32KB ).
You can even set them to read only, though I understand this may slow
down your browser.

Regards,
 
Steve said:
Same here ( W98SE)... reboot into DOS, delete the index.dat files,
when I reboot they reappear as smaller files ( 32KB ).
You can even set them to read only, though I understand this may slow
down your browser.
Click to expand...

Steve,
As I said in the OP, System Restore was what was replacing the
index.dat files with earlier versions. Disabling it forced Windows to
replace the missing index.dat files with fresh versions. However, it
never used to do this until I ran either IE or Explorer. And this was
a totally new behavior on my system's part. I have no idea why this is
happening.
 
John Corliss said:
I noticed this morning that deleting my index.dat files does no good
because upon Windows restarting, they are immediately replaced with
copies that are identical to what they were before I deleted them.
This NEVER used to happen before I installed Index.dat suite:
Click to expand...
***************************************
Next step is a total reformat and reinstall. I am FURIOUS.
***************************************
Click to expand...
<snip>
It's time to talk about the emperor's new clothes, i.e. Index.dat
Suite does not work properly with WIN XP. I tried unsuccessfully
three times to get it to work, so before everyone lynches Steven Burn,
remember that the young man doesn't even have a copy of XP and has
tried to develop a freeware product of great value to everyone here.
Fact is, the batch language, viz. del/tree etc. is not even recognized
by XP as valid. I'm no programmer, so many one of the
batch-file-programmer-wizards in the group can help the guy get it
right. He seems to be polite and responsive, so please give him a
hand. By the way, I had to reformat & re-install, too. Took 12 hrs
(several dozen apps & office); The risks of trying new freeware; Have
you done a backup yet today?
 
Thanks Clymer.

I'm actually working on converting the NT based generator over to an NT only
API (MoveFileEx) after being advised that it is much better for NT based
systems. For those that haven't heard of it, the API allows file's that are
currently being used by Windows (in this case, index.dat file's) to be
deleted upon the next re-boot.

I've not had the chance to test these changes as I don't own a copy of XP or
any other NT based system, however, I am planning on purchasing a copy
specifically to test the changes (saves anyone else having to
format/re-install if things go pear shaped).

--

Regards

Steven Burn
Ur I.T. Mate Group
www.it-mate.co.uk

Keeping it FREE!

Disclaimer:
I know I'm probably wrong, I just like taking part ;o)
 
John said:
Steve,
As I said in the OP, System Restore was what was replacing the
index.dat files with earlier versions. Disabling it forced Windows to
replace the missing index.dat files with fresh versions. However, it
never used to do this until I ran either IE or Explorer. And this was a
totally new behavior on my system's part. I have no idea why this is
happening.
Click to expand...

Hard to put this in words without it being confusing. What I mean to
say is that the system never used to replace the index.dat files until
the first time I would open Explorer or IE. Other programs may have
caused this as well, but I never observed it. Now, however, the
index.dat files are *immediately* replaced upon Windows startup, and
it never used to do that.
 
I've since had another cup of coffee and mellowed out. And I never
said I was furious at Steven, just at the activity I was observing on
my system and that I might have to do a total reformat and reinstall. 80)>
<snip>
It's time to talk about the emperor's new clothes, i.e. Index.dat
Suite does not work properly with WIN XP.
Click to expand...

I'm using ME.
I tried unsuccessfully
three times to get it to work, so before everyone lynches Steven Burn,
remember that the young man doesn't even have a copy of XP and has
tried to develop a freeware product of great value to everyone here.
Click to expand...

Of course, I never accused Steven of anything. Just mentioned that it
seemed coincidental that the problem started just after installing his
program.
Fact is, the batch language, viz. del/tree etc. is not even recognized
by XP as valid. I'm no programmer, so many one of the
batch-file-programmer-wizards in the group can help the guy get it
right. He seems to be polite and responsive, so please give him a
hand. By the way, I had to reformat & re-install, too. Took 12 hrs
(several dozen apps & office); The risks of trying new freeware; Have
you done a backup yet today?
Click to expand...

Always. Unfortunately, that's one of the problems. Had I not backed up
so religiously, I would have had a better chance of determining what
was causing the problem. Still, I do have a Catfish catalog created
before installing the program and Steven provides a list of his
program's modules elsewhere in this thread.
 
Steven, I'm not accusing your program of anything. Just saying that it
might be a possibility that it caused the problem. I certainly hope
that this is not the case.
John,
I've never come accross this problem when running tests on the
program (nobody's mentioned it to me either) so unfortunately, I cannot say
whether it is directly connected to the installation of Index.dat Suite.
Click to expand...

I doubt that many people use a permanent index.dat deletion batch file
like I do. However, that batch file is not much different from any
that is created by programs like yours. I even keep it in the root
folder. Here it is:
______________________________
ATTRIB -R -A -S -H c:\WINDOWS\COOKIES\INDEX.DAT
DEL c:\WINDOWS\COOKIES\INDEX.DAT
ATTRIB -R -A -S -H c:\WINDOWS\HISTORY\HISTORY.IE5\INDEX.DAT
DEL c:\WINDOWS\HISTORY\HISTORY.IE5\INDEX.DAT
ATTRIB -R -A -S -H c:\WINDOWS\TEMPOR~1\CONTENT.IE5\INDEX.DAT
DEL c:\WINDOWS\TEMPOR~1\CONTENT.IE5\INDEX.DAT
ATTRIB -R -A -S -H
C:\WINDOWS\APPLIC~1\MICROS~1\INTERN~1\USERDATA\INDEX.DAT
DEL C:\WINDOWS\APPLIC~1\MICROS~1\INTERN~1\USERDATA\INDEX.DAT
EXIT
______________________________

You'll notice that it doesn't use the deltree command like yours does.
This is to preserve any desktop.ini files that are present.
However, regarding the wininet.dll file, if you are using a version of
Windows that is newer than 98SE, then you should NOT allow it to replace
that file, at all.
Click to expand...

Truth be known, the system wouldn't allow replacement of that .dll
file anyway, and I tried.
Regarding other file's required by Index.dat Suite, I have listed them below
for you (along with the installation instructions/flags).
Click to expand...

Thanks. However, does your program install these files if they're not
present? I'll look at a Catfish system catalog that I made shortly
before (hopefully) I installed your program and see what's different.
I may be able to isolate it down to one of the files you list.
*C:\windows\system\MSCOMCTL.OCX; DestDir: {sys}; Flags: promptifolder
regserver sharedfile
**C:\windows\system\STDOLE2.TLB; DestDir: {sys}; Flags: restartreplace
uninsneveruninstall sharedfile regtypelib
**C:\windows\system\ASYCFILT.DLL; DestDir: {sys}; Flags: restartreplace
uninsneveruninstall sharedfile
**C:\windows\system\olepro32.dll; DestDir: {sys}; Flags: restartreplace
uninsneveruninstall sharedfile regserver
**C:\windows\system\OLEAUT32.DLL; DestDir: {sys}; Flags: restartreplace
uninsneveruninstall sharedfile regserver
**C:\windows\system\Msvbvm60.dll; DestDir: {sys}; Flags: restartreplace
uninsneveruninstall sharedfile regserver
***C:\windows\system\scrrun.dll; DestDir: {sys}; Flags: promptifolder
regserver sharedfile onlyifdoesntexist
****C:\windows\system\RICHED32.DLL; DestDir: {sys}; Flags: restartreplace
uninsneveruninstall sharedfile
*****C:\windows\system\richtx32.ocx; DestDir: {sys}; Flags: promptifolder
regserver sharedfile
******C:\windows\system\WININET.DLL; DestDir: {sys}; Flags: promptifolder
sharedfile
*******C:\windows\system\MSVCRT.DLL; DestDir: {sys}; Flags: restartreplace
uninsneveruninstall sharedfile
Click to expand...

I don't entirely know which files these next ones are Steven, since
I'm not a programmer.
* Microsoft Common Control
** Visual Basic 6 Runtime files
*** Microsoft Scripting Runtime File (if running NT based system,
Installation should NOT be allowed to replace this file)
**** Rich Edit control
***** Rich Text control
****** Windows Internet Transfer Control (used when checking for updates)
******* Microsoft (R) C Runtime Library
Click to expand...

Thanks for helping out with all the information, Steven. By the way, I
haven't reformatted and reinstalled yet. Still holding out hope that I
won't have to. Also, I never thought that it was something that you
did intentionally if your program is responsible for the problem in
the first place (which I have strong doubts that it is.)

I still love your program's ability to view the contents of index.dat
files, and as I said, it found one that I was unaware of. Since
deleting that particular one
(C:\WINDOWS\APPLIC~1\MICROS~1\INTERN~1\USERDATA\INDEX.DAT), it hasn't
come back.
 
(lotta snippage in this one)

John said:
Thanks. However, does your program install these files if they're not
present? I'll look at a Catfish system catalog that I made shortly
before (hopefully) I installed your program and see what's different. I
may be able to isolate it down to one of the files you list.



I don't entirely know which files these next ones are Steven, since I'm
not a programmer.
Click to expand...

Dooh! These next are simply descriptions of the files listed above. I
get it now. Should have caught that.
 
Dooh! These next are simply descriptions of the files listed above. I
get it now. Should have caught that.
Click to expand...
</snip>

hehe, no problem ;o)

--

Regards

Steven Burn
Ur I.T. Mate Group
www.it-mate.co.uk

Keeping it FREE!

Disclaimer:
I know I'm probably wrong, I just like taking part ;o)
 
Inline

Steven, I'm not accusing your program of anything. Just saying that it
might be a possibility that it caused the problem. I certainly hope
that this is not the case.
Click to expand...
</snip>

No problem at all. I am just very grateful that you've mentioned it.
I doubt that many people use a permanent index.dat deletion batch file
like I do. However, that batch file is not much different from any
that is created by programs like yours. I even keep it in the root
folder. Here it is:
______________________________
ATTRIB -R -A -S -H c:\WINDOWS\COOKIES\INDEX.DAT
DEL c:\WINDOWS\COOKIES\INDEX.DAT
ATTRIB -R -A -S -H c:\WINDOWS\HISTORY\HISTORY.IE5\INDEX.DAT
DEL c:\WINDOWS\HISTORY\HISTORY.IE5\INDEX.DAT
ATTRIB -R -A -S -H c:\WINDOWS\TEMPOR~1\CONTENT.IE5\INDEX.DAT
DEL c:\WINDOWS\TEMPOR~1\CONTENT.IE5\INDEX.DAT
ATTRIB -R -A -S -H
C:\WINDOWS\APPLIC~1\MICROS~1\INTERN~1\USERDATA\INDEX.DAT
DEL C:\WINDOWS\APPLIC~1\MICROS~1\INTERN~1\USERDATA\INDEX.DAT
EXIT
______________________________

You'll notice that it doesn't use the deltree command like yours does.
This is to preserve any desktop.ini files that are present.
Click to expand...
</snip>

I actually originally used the DEL command (thought never used the ATTRIB
command as it isn't necessary), however, I found it rather tiresome as it
asked for confirmation on each file, which, if your running on startup, can
be extremely tiresome.
Truth be known, the system wouldn't allow replacement of that .dll
file anyway, and I tried.


Thanks. However, does your program install these files if they're not
present? I'll look at a Catfish system catalog that I made shortly
before (hopefully) I installed your program and see what's different.
I may be able to isolate it down to one of the files you list.
Click to expand...
</snip>

Thats correct. The installation routine I use will only install files if;

1. They are newer versions (almost unheard of when installing on newer
systems)
2. Do not exist already
I don't entirely know which files these next ones are Steven, since
I'm not a programmer.


Thanks for helping out with all the information, Steven. By the way, I
haven't reformatted and reinstalled yet. Still holding out hope that I
won't have to. Also, I never thought that it was something that you
did intentionally if your program is responsible for the problem in
the first place (which I have strong doubts that it is.)

I still love your program's ability to view the contents of index.dat
files, and as I said, it found one that I was unaware of. Since
deleting that particular one
(C:\WINDOWS\APPLIC~1\MICROS~1\INTERN~1\USERDATA\INDEX.DAT), it hasn't
come back.
Click to expand...

No problem at all. I am looking forward to the results ;o)

--

Regards

Steven Burn
Ur I.T. Mate Group
www.it-mate.co.uk

Keeping it FREE!

Disclaimer:
I know I'm probably wrong, I just like taking part ;o)
 
Hard to put this in words without it being confusing. What I mean to
say is that the system never used to replace the index.dat files until
the first time I would open Explorer or IE. Other programs may have
caused this as well, but I never observed it. Now, however, the
index.dat files are *immediately* replaced upon Windows startup, and
it never used to do that.
Click to expand...
</snip>

This could only happen if there was a file or other program that was doing
such (such as a .bat, .com or executable).

--

Regards

Steven Burn
Ur I.T. Mate Group
www.it-mate.co.uk

Keeping it FREE!

Disclaimer:
I know I'm probably wrong, I just like taking part ;o)
 
Steven said:
John Corliss wrote:


</snip>

This could only happen if there was a file or other program that was doing
such (such as a .bat, .com or executable).
Click to expand...

I believe that it could very easily be from a Windows update. Possibly
when I upgraded from IE 5.5 to 6.0 (very likely in fact.) And I'm
right in that a reformat and reinstall (and no IE upgrade) will
correct the idiocy. In any event, I've also noticed that when I shut
down my computer, occasionally there is a long lag between when I tell
it to shut down and when it actually does so. This seems to be
dependent on how long I've surfed or accessed usenet.

I'm going to take to unplugging my "big brother" always on and doesn't
have an off switch cable modem before I shut the system down.
Eventually I'm going to get an off switch from Radio Shack and install
it in the cable modem (a Cisco 920 series cable modem box.)
 
Contrary to popular belief, you can actually downgrade from IE6 via a hiden
Run command (actual command is located in the registry).

Unfortunately, mine will be no use to you as I use IE5.x and refuse to
upgrade to IE6.

Will look something like;


--

Regards

Steven Burn
Ur I.T. Mate Group
www.it-mate.co.uk

Keeping it FREE!

Disclaimer:
I know I'm probably wrong, I just like taking part ;o)
 
......Don't know what happened there, but, will look like;

rundll32 setupwbv.dll,IE5Maintenance "C:\Program Files\Internet
Explorer\Setup\SETUP.EXE" /g "C:\WINDOWS\IE Uninstall Log.Txt"

Located in the following registry key;

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\IExx
(where xx is the current installation)

--

Regards

Steven Burn
Ur I.T. Mate Group
www.it-mate.co.uk

Keeping it FREE!

Disclaimer:
I know I'm probably wrong, I just like taking part ;o)
 
John Corliss said:
In any event, I've also noticed that when I shut
down my computer, occasionally there is a long lag between when I
tell it to shut down and when it actually does so. This seems to be
dependent on how long I've surfed or accessed usenet.
Click to expand...

Me too!
I'm going to take to unplugging my "big brother" always on
Click to expand...

Post back the results please John

KeithS
 
Steven said:
Contrary to popular belief, you can actually downgrade from IE6 via a hiden
Run command (actual command is located in the registry).
Click to expand...

Oh, I know all about that one. However, rest assured that any changes
made which Microsoft wants to stay on your system, will indeed stay on
your system in spite of your telling *their operating system* to
uninstall the upgrade.
 
I believe that it could very easily be from a Windows update. Possibly
when I upgraded from IE 5.5 to 6.0 (very likely in fact.) And I'm
right in that a reformat and reinstall (and no IE upgrade) will
correct the idiocy. In any event, I've also noticed that when I shut
down my computer, occasionally there is a long lag between when I tell
it to shut down and when it actually does so. This seems to be
dependent on how long I've surfed or accessed usenet.
Click to expand...

I don't think it's due to an IE6 upgrade - I've just done that myself,
plus an update of the OS, and still my Index.dat file remains at 32KB
when I delete it and reboot.

Regards,
 
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