Security Basics mailing list archives
RE: Erasing private files from Windows XP.
From: "Bill Stout" <bill.stout () greenborder com>
Date: Thu, 1 Feb 2007 14:01:06 -0800
I'm sure you know of these locations, but I'll mention these anyway. Index.dat - Contains cookie and file info and is a hidden file, always open (locked) when the OS is running and must be deleted in safe mode. Separate index.dat files exist for the Internet Explorer history, cache, and cookies. ADS - Alternate data streams contains file origination (zone) and other data which Internet Explorer attaches to a file. This is deleted when a file is deleted (I believe). Outlook Temp files (%USERPROFILE%\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLK22) - Attachments are temporarily saved when they're opened. However attachments are permanently saved in this location if you close the message before the attachment, or if you modify the file. Google Desktop cache (%USERPROFILE%\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Google Desktop Search) - Google desktop caches copies of local or deleted files, btw the spell checker sends local search queries to suggestqueries.google.com as you're typing. I second the other answers you've received; replace the disk. It's cheap and you keep your data. These days most laptop (and desktop) disks are made of glass, so the best way to destroy a disk drive is to throw it hard against pavement (slap the top or bottom surface). Shake the drive, and it sounds like it's filled with gravel. Bill Stout GreenBorder -----Original Message----- From: listbounce () securityfocus com [mailto:listbounce () securityfocus com] On Behalf Of Yousef Syed Sent: Sunday, January 28, 2007 7:01 AM To: Security Basics Subject: Erasing private files from Windows XP. Hi, Can someone please point me to a checklist of all the places that Windows XP might store personal information? I need to return my Laptop for a repair and would like to ensure that no personal or client information is hiding anywhere. I've erased "My Documents" and various other directories in the "C:\Documents and Settings" directory; plus all directories that I created myself. I've run CCleaner to clear out all the Temp files, Cookies etc... However, my experience of Windows is that it has a tendency to store data all over the place. Furthermore, does anyone have any policies in place for when corporate PCs are sent to a third-party to be repaired? Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks, ys -- Yousef Syed "To ask a question is to show ignorance; not to ask a question, means you remain ignorant" - Japanese Proverb
Current thread:
- RE: Erasing private files from Windows XP. Bill Stout (Feb 02)