How to Erase URL History in Firefox

What is URL history?

When you surf through the internet, Firefox records all the details about the websites you visit. Firefox stores all the web addresses you type in the address bar and make a list of websites you visited throughout your surfing. If you are a person who likes to keep your surfing habits secret, it is not good to keep web addresses stored in the browser. You must clean the URL History before leaving the computer, if you really want to keep your browsing history secret. Otherwise, each and every visitors can access the websites you visited by simply clicking the down arrow on the top right position of the address bar. If you use a public computer in an internet café or any other institution, others who have access to your computer can easily access the websites you visited in the previous session. The websites you visit will appear in a dropdown list when others users type URL in the address bar. It is recommended to erase the url history before leaving the computer to keep your browsing history private. You can erase url history either manually or using any other URL History erasing software available in the market.

How to erase Firefox url history manually?

How to remove URL History in Firefox 2.0 Manually:

• Choose “tools” menu which is on the top of Firefox browser.
• Select “options” tab from the bottom of the dropdown list appear.
• Select “privacy” tab on the newly appeared “options” window.
• Click “clear now” button on the private area.
• A new window named “clear private data” appears, put check mark on the check box corresponding to “browsing history”.
• Click “clear private data now” button.
• Click “ok” to proceed.

How to remove URL History in Firefox 1.5 Manually:

• Choose “tools” menu which is on the top of Firefox browser.
• Select “options” tab from the bottom of the dropdown list appear.
• Select “privacy” tab on the newly appeared “options” window.
• Open the “history” tab on the same window.
• Click “clear browsing history now” button.
• Click “ok” to go forward.

Erasing URL History is not fully effective to keep your data private. Others can easily access your surfing history by accessing the index.dat file. All the information regarding the websites you visit during the browsing session is stored in this file.

How to remove index.dat file in Firefox?

Index.dat file records all your activities during your browsing session. Others who have access to your computer can easily retrieve your browsing habits from the index.dat file. It is not possible to manually remove this file because this file is always used by the operating system. Erasing the browser history, cache and cookies is not effective to keep your surfing habit private because all the contents are stored in the index.dat file. Several special software products are now available to erase the contents in index.dat file. It is recommended to seek the help of one of those software products to keep your surfing history always private.

How to Erase Passwords in Firefox

Do Firefox save passwords?

Firefox records all the information you type in a web page form including your name, password, e-mail address, credit card information and keywords you search in search engines. If you are a person who likes to keep your private data secret, then this would be a problem for you because others who access the computer can retrieve your private data easily. So, it is recommended to clear the password history in Firefox before you leave the computer you use. You should take extra care when you use public computers in browsing centers, offices or any other institutions. Firefox saves all your keystrokes in web page forms as autocomplete data. This feature has several positive points and at the same time there are some negative points too when we take security and privacy into consideration. You can’t keep your private data such as your name, password, e-mail address, credit card information and keywords you enter in search engines secret, if the autocomplete feature is enable on your computer. Several malicious software products are now available which can even retrieve your password stored in the autocomplete date. So, it is recommended to erase saved password history before leaving the computer. You can erase passwords either manually or using some other third party software.

Why you have to remove stored password?

All the web browsers including Firefox records all the keystrokes you make on each web page, if the autocomplete feature is enabled. As all of us know, autocomplete is a very helpful feature that Firefox have. When we type in web pages the autocomplete option gives us some best possible options in a dropdown list. So, we can select the accurate word from the list and save our valuable time. The autocomplete feature is helpful for us, but it may sometimes unfavorably affect security and privacy. If your password and usernames are stored in the computer, others who have access to the computer can easily login to the corresponding websites. They can even retrieve the password using some special malicious software which is available in the internet for free. So, always remember to erase the password history before you leave the computer, especially when you use public computers in browsing centers or any other offices.

How do I stop storing passwords in Firefox?

• Choose “tools” menu and click “options”.
• Select the “privacy” tab on the new window.
• Then open “saved passwords” category.
• Remove the mark on the check box named “remember passwords”.
• Click “OK” to continue.

How to manually erase stored passwords in Firefox?

How to erase passwords in Firefox 2.0:

• Choose “tools” menu and click “options”.
• Select the “privacy” tab on the new window.
• Click “clear now’ button in the private area.
• Then put a check mark on check box corresponding to the “Saved Passwords” and click “clear private data now” button.
• Click “OK” to proceed.

How to erase passwords in Firefox 1.5:

• Choose “tools” menu and click “options”.
• Select the “privacy” tab on the new window.
• Select “passwords” tab and then click “view saved passwords” button.
• Click “password saved” tab.
• Click “remove all” button for erasing all passwords. Otherwise, select the specific password you want to erase and click “remove” button.
• Click “OK” to proceed.

How to Erase Autocomplete Data in Firefox

What is Autocomplete Data?

Firefox stores all the information you type in a webpage using a special feature named AutoComplete. Every keystroke you make on a webpage or form during your surfing session will be stored in the computer including your name, e-mail address, password, user names, credit card information and all the things you tried to search in any of the search engines. AutoComplete is feature that can help you, but at the same time it can make harm to you. When you enter information in any of the web page form, autocomplete can help you by suggesting best possible matches of the word you are typing in a drop down list. The only thing you have to do at this time is simply select the appropriate word and press enter key. The correct word will appear in the box and this feature can save you time and effort.

When considering the case of security and privacy, autocomplete is not a good option for those who want to keep their information private. Most of the experts suggest disabling the autocomplete option in your computer or erasing the autocomplete history before leaving the computer, especially after using a public computer in an internet café or office. The main issue with autocomplete option is that others who have access to the computer can easily see and take the information that you need to keep private including your name, e-mail address, password, user names, credit card information and all the things you tried to search in any of the search engines.

Several malicious software products are now available in the internet for free. Using this type of software, one can retrieve your autocomplete data and even your passwords. So always keep in mind that it is better to erase the autocomplete data form before leaving the computer. You can erase it manually or using some special software available in the market. Manually erasing autocomplete data is not a good idea because all the information you enter will be stored in index.dat files. Software only can erase index.dat file, as this file is used by the operating system all the time.

How to remove Autocomplete data manually in Firefox?

How to erase autocomplete data data in Firefox 2.0?

• Select the “Tools” menu on the top of the Firefox window.
• Choose “Options” from the dropdown list appear after clicking.
• Click the second tab named “Privacy” on the new pop-up window
• Click “Clear Now” button on the private area.
• A new window “Clear Private Data” appears.
• Put check mark on the check box labeled “Saved form and Search History”
• Click “Clear Private Data Now” button on the same window.
• Click “OK” to proceed.

How to erase autocomplete data in Firefox 1.5?

• Select the “Tools” menu on the top of the Firefox window.
• Choose “Options” from the dropdown list appear after clicking.
• Click the second tab named “Privacy” on the new pop-up window
• Select on the “Saved Forms” tab.
• Click on “Clear Saved Form Data Now” button.
• Click “OK” to complete the process.

How To Erase Firefox Search History…

What is Search History?

As all of us know, the computer tracks all our activities while browsing the internet. Using the stored files such as cookies, history file, graphics, cache and the back button of your browser, anybody can trace your surfing activities. If you do not like to disclose your activities during your surfing session, it is recommended to clear the search history before leaving the computer. You have to perform this task especially when you use a public computer in an internet café or office. If you didn’t clear the search history, your surfing data will stay stored in the computer and other people who have access to the computer can retrieve your surfing details including the images and videos that you have seen, files and documents that you accessed and lot more. It is better to take necessary steps to safeguard your privacy by erasing the search history before you leave the computer. You can clear the search history either manually or using special software which are available in the market.

How to erase Firefox search history?

You can easily erase Firefox search history manually. Make sure that you performed this task before leaving the computer.

You can follow the below mentioned instructions to clear the search history, if you are a Firefox 2.0 user.

* Choose the “Tools” menu from the top of the Firefox window.

* Choose “Options” on the bottom line of the dropdown list.

* Now, you have to select the second tab from right hand side named “Privacy”

* Click “Clear Now” button in the private area.

* A new window named “Clear Private Data” appears. Tick the check box with the caption “Saved form and Search History”.

* Click on “Clear Private Data Now” button.

* Click “ok” to end the process.

You can follow the below mentioned instructions to clear the search history, if you are a Firefox 1.x user.

* Select the “Tools” menu from the top of the Firefox window.

* Select “Options” on the bottom line of the dropdown list.

* Now, you have to select the second tab from right hand side named “Privacy”

* Click the “Saved Forms” tab.

* Click “Clear Saved Form Data Now” button.

* Click “ok” and proceed.

How Firefox Search History can be erased permanently?

Same as other browsers, Firefox stores the browsing history on your hard disk drive. Your private data will not be deleted permanently after clearing search history manually. The data which are erased manually can be retrieved easily by other people. So, it is one of the major concerns for people who are giving significant importance to their data security and privacy. It’s high time to find a reliable option that can erase Firefox search history completely. According to experts in this filed, it is better to use some special software to erase the search history from your computer. Several search history erasing software are now available on the market. Search history erasing software can help you in deleting all the personal data that are stored in your computer. Using a history erasing software, you can simply erase your personal data permanently. The software helps you to permanently remove search history, remove the cache and each and every track of the web pages that you have taken during your internet surfing.

How to Erase Temporary Internet Files In Internet Explorer

What are Temporary Internet Files?

Temporary internet files are image, text and formatting files which are stored on your hard disk drive by the websites that you visit to speed up surfing. There is nothing to be done from your part to store the files. These temporary files are stored on your hard disk drive when you visit a website for the first time. When you visit the same website in the future, the files which are already stored on the computer will be loaded from the temporary internet files folder quickly and only things that have to be loaded over internet are new information or files that have changed since the last time you visited. So, it is clear that the main purpose of these temporary internet files is to speed up the loading process of websites which you visit often.

How to Erase Internet Explorer Temporary Internet Files
?

Internet Explorer saves the contents of all web pages you visited including pictures, animation, movies and other downloads. Explorer automatically stores the web pages and images in the website you visited, there is no action required from your side. This enables to speed up the process of displaying a website which you visit frequently by opening it from the temp files stored on your hard disk drive instead of downloading over the internet. But, it may affect your privacy because others can easily access your surfing history. To avoid this, you have to erase the internet explorer temporary internet files either manually or using some other third party temporary internet files erasing software.

Where you can find Temporary Internet Files in Internet Explorer?

To see temporary internet files in Internet Explorer 5.x/6.x:

* Click ‘tools’ menu at the top of the explorer window and select ‘internet option’ from the dropdown list.

* A new window named internet options will appear.

* Click the general tab.

* You can see a ‘Settings’ button on the temporary internet files area. Click on that.

* Now a new window appears and click on the view files button and a new window will appear. There you can find the temp files stored on the computer hard disk drive. You can also find the URL from which each temp file came from.

To see temporary internet files in Internet Explorer 7.0:

* Click ‘tools’ menu at the top of the explorer window and select ‘internet option’ from the dropdown list.

* A new window named internet options will appear.

* Click the general tab.

* You can see a ‘Settings’ button on the browsing history area. Click on that.

* Now “Temporary Internet Files and History Settings” appears.

* Click on the view files button on that window.

* You can see temp files stored on the computer and its location on hard drive in the new window. URL from which each temporary file came from is also displayed on the window.

How to manually erase Temporary Internet Files in Internet Explorer?

Erasing Temporary Internet Files in Internet Explorer 5.x/6.x:

* Open the “Tools” Menu at the top of the explorer window.

* Click “Internet Options” on the dropdown list.

* Then Open the “General tab”

* Click “Delete Files” under the temporary Internet files area.

* Click “OK” on the new window which appears to remove cache.

Erasing Temporary Internet Files in Internet Explorer 7.0:

* Open the “Tools” Menu at the top of the explorer window.

* Click “Internet Options” on the dropdown list.

* Then Open the “General tab”

* Click the “Delete” on the browsing history area.

* Then click “Delete files” in the delete browsing history window.

* Click “Yes” to complete the process.

How to Erase Search History In Internet Explorer

What is Search History?

Your computer records each and every activity that you perform while surfing the internet. One can trace your surfing activities easily with the help of cookies, history file, graphics, cache and the back button of your browser. It is necessary to clear the search history before leaving the computer, especially when you are using a public computer in an office or educational institution. If the search history is not cleared, your activities will remain stored in the computer and any person who accesses your computer can easily retrieve your browsing habits. The second person also can access the images and videos that you have seen, files and documents that you accessed and lot of other things. If you really like to keep your surfing habit personal, you need to take needed steps to safeguard your privacy. You must clear your search history either manually or using a software which can clear your search history.

How to erase internet explorer search history?

You can easily erase search history manually. Always perform this task at the end of your browsing session manually.

If you are using Internet Explorer 5.x/6.x, you have to follow the below instructions to clear your search history.

* Select “Tools” from the top of the explorer window.
* Select “Internet Options” from the dropdown list obtained.
* Click the “Content” tab on the internet option window.
* Open the “AutoComplete” button.
* Click the “Clear forms” button and this will erase the search history.
* Click “OK” after completing the process.

If you are using Internet Explorer 7.0, you have to follow the below instructions to clear your erase search history manually.

* Select “Tools” Menu at the top of the explorer window.
* Select “Internet Options” from the dropdown list.
* Click the “General” tab.
* You can see a “Delete” button in the “Browsing history” area. Click the delete button.
* You can see a “Delete browsing history” window, just click “Delete forms” button and then click “Yes” after the process.
* Once completed click “OK”

How Search History can be erased permanently?

As all of us know, most of the operating systems store the history of our browsing in the hard disk drive. The “Clear history” option will not erase the history fully and permanently. The data erased using the clear history option can be retrieved very easily. People now considered this as one of the most serious matter that affects their privacy.

Now, the number of cyber crimes is increasing day by day. At this point of time, it is very important to have an option that can erase the browsing history completely. Most of the experts in this field recommend the use of software to remove the search history from your computer. A number of internet history erasing software is available on the market. Using a history erasing software, you can simply erase your personal data permanently. The software helps you to permanently remove search history, remove the cache and each and every track of the web pages that you have taken while browsing.

How to Erase Cookies In Internet Explorer

What are cookies?

Cookies are small pieces of information in the form of text that web servers pass to your web browser while you visit a website. Usually, the browser you use stores each message in a small file named cookie.txt. Your browser sends the cookie file back to the web server when you visit the same website again. Cookies helps the websites to track the number of visit to a specific website, how long you take to visit throughout web site, you login information and some important information regarding your computer.

Where the cookies are stored?

Cookies are stored in the hard disk drive of the user. The file name in which cookie is stored in each platform is different. For Windows Operating System, cookie is stored in text files.

Are there different kinds of cookies?

Yes, there are two known types of cookies named temporary and permanent. Also known as session cookies, temporary cookies are those which are stored in a browser’s memory and automatically deleted once you close the browser window. Permanent cookies, otherwise known as persistent cookies, are those which are stored on your hard disk drive permanently. If you delete the permanent cookies, it appears again when you revisit the website that placed the cookie there.

Where you can see the cookies?

You can see cookies in a specific folder on your hard disk drive. Location of the cookies may vary depends on the version of operating system used.

If you are using either of these operating systems Windows Me, Windows 98, Windows NT or Windows 95, you can find cookies folder in one of the below mentioned locations.

1. C:\Windows\Cookies
2. C:\Windows\Profiles\Cookies

Windows XP and Windows 2000 users can find cookies folder in C:\Documents and Settings\Cookies

How to erase cookies in Internet Explorer ?

To delete cookies in internet explorer you have to perform below mentioned things

Erasing Cookies Internet Explorer 7.0:

* Select the “Tools” menu from the top of the explorer window.
* Click on “Internet Option” on the dropdown list.
* Click on “General” tab.
* You can see a “delete” button on the browsing history area. Click on that button.
* A new window named delete browsing history appears and there you can see the “delete cookies” button.
* Click “delete cookies” and then proceed by selecting ‘yes’ option.
* Click to close and then click ok.

Erasing Cookies Internet Explorer 6.x/5.x:

* Select the “Tools” menu from the top of the explorer window.
* Click on “Internet Option” on the dropdown list.
* Click on “General” tab.
* Click “Delete cookies” button on the temporary internet files area.
* Click ok to proceed.

What is index.dat file?

This file includes the URLs with date/time stamps and pointers to each and every cookie file on the hard disk. Whenever you visit a website on your PC, a cookie will be stored on your hard disk drive. At the same time, Internet Explorer updates the information of the cookie in the index.dat files and this connects a web page with a cookie file.

You can erase cookies manually, but the index.dat file which stores internet surfing information could not be deleted. It can’t be deleted manually because this file is used by windows every time.

How to Erase Passwords In Internet Explorer

Where computers save passwords?

Computers save all your passwords and other entries in web pages as autocomplete data. AutoComplete stores all the information you type in web pages including your name, password, e-mail address, credit card information and keywords you enter in search engines. It also helps the users to find the possible matches while you enter some data in the web pages. You can select the right thing by simply pressing the down arrow key. If you are using a public machine in an office or internet café, you should always clear the autocomplete before leaving the machine. Otherwise, others can use your private information like your name, e-mail address and credit card information. Somebody else can also retrieve your passwords and user names, which are stored as autocomplete data, using some special software.

Why you have to remove stored password?

Most of the web browsers including internet explorer store the password that you enter in any of the website forms. The computer stores the password when the autocomplete feature is enabled on your system. Autocomplete feature is helpful for many other things, but it adversely affect your security and privacy. If the autocomplete option is enabled on your computer, it stores the usernames and passwords that you type in and anyone who has access to your computer can use the stored password to login to the corresponding websites. They can also retrieve your password using special software which can read the password stored in the autocomplete data.

How to erase stored passwords in Internet explorer manually?

Erasing stored passwords in Internet Explorer 5.x/6.x:

* Select the ‘Tools’ menu which is on the top of the explorer window.
* You will get a dropdown list. Select ‘internet options’ from the list.
* Open the fist tab on the window named ‘content’.
* Click the autocomplete button.
* A new window named autocomplete settings will appear. Click on “clear password” button.
* Click “OK” to proceed.

How toerase stored passwords in Internet Explorer 7.0:

* Select the ‘Tools’ menu which is on the top of the explorer window.
* You will get a dropdown list. Select ‘internet options’ from the list.
* Open the first tab named “general”
* Click the “delete button” on the “browsing history” area.
* A new “Delete browsing history” window appears. Click “Delete forms” button on that window to erase information from web forms.
* Click “Yes” to proceed.

How to stop Internet Explorer from automatically storing passwords?

If you are not interested in storing each and every username and password, you should follow the below mentioned steps to manually avoid this.

* Choose the ‘Tools’ menu which is on the top of the explorer window.
* A dropdown list appears. Select ‘internet options’ from the list.
* Open the fist tab on the window named ‘content’.
* Click the autocomplete button.
* A new window named autocomplete settings appears. Remove check marks on the “User names and passwords on forms” boxes in the “Use AutoComplet for” area.
* Click ‘Ok’ to proceed.

How to Erase Autocomplete Data In Internet Explorer

What is Autocomplete?

Autocomplete is a feature which is available in the internet explorer. It has the capability to store each and every key stroke you make in web pages including your e-mail address, password, user names, your name, credit card information and the keywords you used to search in search engines. AutoComplete has some good features and also has some bad features. It can help you by suggesting best possible matches when you enter some thing in a web page. You can easily select the correct option by simply pressing the down arrow key. It is very helpful while entering data in web pages, but when we take the case of privacy and security it is quite annoying.

If you are using a public computer in an office or internet café, it is recommended to disable the autocomplete option or erase autocomplete data before you leave. As the autocomplete feature stores all the information you enter on web pages, others who have access to the computer can easily see what all you did while browsing and the information you entered on the web pages. Nowadays, several software are available to retrieve the autocomplete date which stores your e-mail address, password, user names, your name, credit card information and the keywords you used to search in search engines

So always take care of your personal data by erasing autocomplete data data every time you leave the computer you use. You can erase the autocomplete data both manually and using some special autocomplete erasing software.

How to erase autocomplete data manually?

How to erase autocomplete history in Internet Explorer 7.0?

* Choose the “Tools” menu from the top of the explorer window.
* Click on the “internet options” in the dropdown list.
* Select Open the “General” tab
* You can see a “Delete” button on the browsing history area, click on that button.
* A new “Delete browsing history” window comes into view and you have to click “Delete forms” button on that window to rub out information from web forms.
* You can now click “yes” to proceed.

How to erase autocomplete history in Internet Explorer 5.x/6.x?

* Select the “Tools” menu from the top of the explorer window.
* Click on the “internet options” in the dropdown list.
* Select “Content” tab.
* You have to click “AutoComplete” button.
* A new window appears named “AutoComplete Settings”. You can see a “Clear forms” button on that window.
* Click the “Clear forms” button to erase all autocomplete data.
* Click “ok” to continue.

How to stop Internet Explorer from storing AutoComplete data?

If you are using a public computer on regular basis, it is recommended to prevent the autocomplete feature from storing your private data including your user names, e-mail address, password, credit card information and the keywords that you used in search engines. You can use the positive factors of AutoComplete feature when you use you personal computer. You can follow the below steps to disable the autocomplete option:

* Choose the “Tools” menu.
* Select “Internet Options”.
* Open “Content Tab”.
* Click the “autocomplete” button.
* Remove the check marks on web addresses, form, and user names and passwords on forms.
* Click “ok” and continue.

How to Erase URL History In Internet Explorer

What is URL history?

Internet explorer stores all the information about the websites you visit while you surf the internet. Otherwise known as Location bar, Address bar is the space used to enter the URL of websites. Internet explorer always tracks the websites you visit and keep a list of websites you visit during the surfing session. When others use the same computer and start browsing by entering web address in the address bar, a dropdown list appears including the websites that you visited in your previous session. Each and every user can view the URL history by clicking the down arrow which is located on the top right side of the address bar. If you want to keep the information regarding the websites you visit during the surfing private, you have to erase websites visited. You can erase URL history either manually or using some special software available in the market.

How to erase URL history manually:

How to remove URL history manually in Internet Explorer 7.0 Manually:

* Choose the “Tools” menu from the top of the explorer window.
* When you click the “Tools” menu a dropdown list appears. From the dropdown list choose “Internet Options”
* A new window appears with several tabs. Click on “general” tab.
* You can see a “delete” button on the browsing history area, click that button.
* Click “Delete history” on the new window to erase the list of websites which you have visited and click “yes”
* Click “close” and then “ok” to proceed.

How to erase URL history in Internet Explorer 5.x/6.x:

* Select the “Tools” menu from the top of the explorer window.
* When you click the “Tools” menu a dropdown list become visible. From the dropdown list opt “Internet Options”
* A fresh window appears with quite a few tabs. Click on “general” tab.
* Click “clear history” button on the history area.
* Click “ok” and proceed.

In the case of Internet Explorer, deleting URL history manually is not effective. One can easily retrieve the URLs you visited from the index.dat file. This file stores all the details about the web pages you visited.

Different kinds of index.dat files:

Internet explorer uses three index.dat files including history index.dat file, cookies index.dat file and cache index.dat file. The location of these files depends on the operating system used.

How to erase index.dat file in Internet Explorer?

It can’t be deleted manually because this is a system file which is used by the operating system all the time. When you erase the browser history, cache and cookies, the contents in the index.dat file remains the unchanged. Certain special software products are available nowadays to remove index.dat file.

In which index.dat file the URL history is available?

You can find URL History and AutoComplete data in the history index.dat. Every time you visit a website, Internet explorer adds the details of the website you visited in to the history index.dat file.

Where you can see Internet Explorer history index.dat file?

If you are using Windows 95/98/Me, you can see history index.dat file in either of the below locations:

C:\Windows\Profiles\[username]\History\index.dat

C:\Windows\Profiles\[username]\History\MSHist[digits]\index.dat

C:\Windows\Profiles\[username]\History\History.IE5\index.dat

C:\Windows\Profiles\[username]\History\History.IE5\MSHist[digits]\index.dat

If you are using Windows 2000/XP, you can see history index.dat file in either of the below locations:

C\Documents and Settings\[username]\Local Settings\History\History.IE5\index.dat

C\Documents and Settings\[username]\Local Settings\History\History.IE5\MSHist[digits]\index.dat