Microsoft Hidden Files

By Josh Vinney

Introduction:

There are folders on your computer that Microsoft has tried hard to keep

secret. Within these folders you will find two major things: Microsoft

Internet Explorer has been logging all of the sites you have ever visited --

even after you've cleared your history, and Microsoft's Outlook Express has

been logging all of your e-mail correspondence -- even after you've erased

them from your Deleted Items bin. (This also includes all incoming and

outgoing file attachments.) And believe me, that's not even the half of it.

When I say these files are hidden well, I really mean it. If you don't have

any knowledge of DOS then don't plan on finding these files on your own. I

say this because these files/folders won't be displayed in Windows Explorer at

all -- only DOS. (Even after you have enabled Windows Explorer to "view all

files.") And to top it off, the only way to find them in DOS is if you knew

the exact location of them. Basically, what I'm saying is if you didn't know

the files existed then the chances of you running across them is slim to

slimmer.

It's interesting to note that Microsoft does not explain this behavior

adequately at all. Just try searching on microsoft.com.I know there are some

people out there that are already aware of some of the

things I mention. I also know that most people are not. The purpose of this

tutorial is teach people what is really going on with Microsoft's products and

how to take control of their privacy again. This tutorial was written by me,

so if you see a mistake somewhere then it is my mistake, and I apologize.

Thanks for reading.

INDEX:

1) DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS

2) WHY YOU SHOULD ERASE THESE FILES

3) HOW TO ERASE THE FILES ASAP

3.1) If You Own Microsoft Internet Explorer

3.2) Clearing Your Registry

3.3) If You Own Outlook Express

3.4) Slack files

3.5) Keeping Microsoft's Products

4) STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE THROUGH YOUR HIDDEN FILES (For the savvy.)

1. DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS

Well, the best definition I have been able to come up with is the following:

I) A "really hidden" file/folder is one that cannot be seen in Windows

Explorer after enabling it to "view all files," and cannot be seen in MS-DOS

after receiving a proper directory listing from root.

a) There is at least one loophole to enabling Windows Explorer to see them.

b) There is at least one loophole to enabling MS-DOS to see them.

(Interesting to note that the "Find: Files or Folders" utility cannot even

search through one of these folders. It doesn't even exist on the [Browse]

menu.)

II) Distinguishes "really hidden" file/folders from just plain +h[idden] ones,

such as your "MSDOS.SYS" or "Sysbckup" folder.

III) Distinguishes from certain "other" intended hidden files, such as a file

with a name with high ascii characters (eg, "џлпЁњ").

DOS = Disk Operating System

MSIE = Microsoft Internet Explorer

TIF = Temporary Internet Files (folder)

HD = Hard Drive

OS = Operating System

2. WHY SHOULD I ERASE THESE FILES?

Just from one of these files I would be able to tell you which web sites you

previously visited, what types of things you search for in search engines, and

probably gather your ethnicity, religion, and sexual preference. Needless to

say, one can build quite a profile on you from these files. It has the

potential to expose and humiliate -- putting your marriage, friendship, and

corporation at risk. Here's one good example of the forensic capabilities...

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"I've been reading your article as I have a problem with an employee of mine.

He has been using the works pc for the internet and using it to chat and look

at porn sites. He was then deleting the cookies and history in order to cover

his tracks. A friend of mine pointed me in the direction of this site and

your article. I have found it to be incredibly useful,..."

--Concerned Boss, 8/24/01

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