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Answerhistory folder

  • Tuesday, November 03, 2009 11:43 AMmalcp Users MedalsUsers MedalsUsers MedalsUsers MedalsUsers Medals
     
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    Hi can you tell me why when folder options are set to show hidden folders and files and hide system files is disabled does the history file at the location below remain hidden
    C:\Users\userid\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\History
    This would not be a problem but from the very early windows, files in these cache folders tend to build up and are not cleared when delete history is run from IE. One of the files that does not get cleared is the index.dat file and the only way to clear that is to delete it and allow a new one to be made.
    Unfortunately the properties of the history folder are set to hidden and even using an administrator id there is no option to change the security. I do not want any replies saying this is done for security reasons as I have bought the operating system and require access to all its files. I want to know what to do to gain access to the folder.
    malc
     

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  • Wednesday, November 04, 2009 6:20 AMRobinson Zhang - MSFTModeratorUsers MedalsUsers MedalsUsers MedalsUsers MedalsUsers Medals
     
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    Hi Malcp,

    I did tests on several computers and I can see the History folder after choosing "Show hidden files, folders and drives" and unchecking "Hide protected operationg system files". Could you please double check it?

    Hope it helps.

    Thanks.
     
  • Wednesday, November 04, 2009 12:15 PMmalcp Users MedalsUsers MedalsUsers MedalsUsers MedalsUsers Medals
     
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    Hi
    Yes thats true I can see the folder but not the files it contains. If you right click and look at the properties it shows more files exist withing the folder. One of these will be an index.dat file. I need to know how to view these files. The only way I have achieved this is by going into my vista installation on another drive and taking control of the folder and doing it from there. This is not an ideal way of doing it as it can confuse the security settings. I need a way to view the files from within 7. Even enabling the system administrator profile does not let me view the files.
    I have read elsewere that UAC may be preventing this as I have it at the highest setting but surely UAC should be overidden by the system administrator account.
    all the best
    malc 
     
  • Thursday, November 05, 2009 9:36 AMRobinson Zhang - MSFTModeratorUsers MedalsUsers MedalsUsers MedalsUsers MedalsUsers Medals
     
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    Hi Malcp,

    View this folder is not allowed in Windows Explorer. If you want to get these files, you can try to access this folder in CMD windows and copy them out.

    Hope it helps.

    Thanks.

     
  • Thursday, November 05, 2009 12:15 PMmalcp Users MedalsUsers MedalsUsers MedalsUsers MedalsUsers Medals
     
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    Hello
    Thanks for the info I will try command prompt.
    malc
     
  • Thursday, November 05, 2009 1:37 PMmalcp Users MedalsUsers MedalsUsers MedalsUsers MedalsUsers Medals
     
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    Hi
    I have tried command prompt run as administrator and thet will not show the files either.
    any other suggestions
    malc
     
  • Friday, November 06, 2009 7:19 AMRobinson Zhang - MSFTModeratorUsers MedalsUsers MedalsUsers MedalsUsers MedalsUsers Medals
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    Hi Malcp,

    This files are hidden, we need use dir /ah to view them.

    Thanks.
    • Marked As Answer bymalcp Friday, November 06, 2009 10:31 AM
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  • Friday, November 06, 2009 10:31 AMmalcp Users MedalsUsers MedalsUsers MedalsUsers MedalsUsers Medals
     
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    Hi
    Thats it thankyou for your help its amazing what ive forgot about dos
    all the best
    malc