You can remove the INDEX.DAT by starting your system in safe mode by pressing F8 while the system boots. Begin safe mode with the command window option (no networking) and log as administrator.
Once the command window is presented, enter this command:
C:
cd\
erase index.dat/sI would recommend a safe mode disk defrag, afer removing the INDEX.DATs, before returning to XP.
Should "delete" report that it was unable to remove some INDEX.DAT files, you should treat it as a "hijack" exploit. Something other than administrator is controlling your system - like a CoolBar or MySpace exploit or BMG.
>thanks for the ideas. I just packed the .scx file. I'll start there (with the easiest).
>
>I see around 10 index.dat files on my machine. I don't know what these are. Can i safely delete these?
>
>I'm a one-woman shop so it's only happening to me.
>
>thanks
>
>bonnie
Imagination is more important than knowledge
