Window Washer User Guide

Window Washer™ User Guide

webroot@webroot.com

http://www.webroot.com

Contents

Note to IE users: Pressing alt-T will return you to the table of contents

1 û Overview of Window Washer
     1a û Quick Start
2 - Washer Settings
     2a û Windows Wash Items
     2b û Custom Wash Items
     2c û Wash Options
     2d û Additional Wash Options
3 - Verifying & Changing Default Directories
4 - Netscape Options
     4a - Netscape Cookies to Keep
5 - Internet Explorer/AOL Options
     5a - Cache
     5b - Internet Explorer Cookies to Keep
     5c - Downloaded Program Files Directory
     5d - Clean LOCKED (index.dat) files/History/Address Bar
     5e - Use IE Control Panel to Clear Database Files
     5f - America Online Cache/Drop Down Menu
     5g - IE5 Autocomplete Form Data
6 - Updating Window Washer
7 - License Agreement and Disclaimer

1 - Overview

Window Washer is a very useful program for cleaning up the history of your activities on a computer. Many people do not realize that Windows and other software programs store information about what they have done, what documents they have used, what web sites they have visited, and various other activities they have performed. Therefore, anyone else can see what you have been doing on your computer, which raises several privacy concerns. Furthermore, much of your activity information takes up valuable disk space, and recovering this space can be very beneficial.

Cleaning up the history of your activities can be a tedious chore of manually removing each history file or entry. If privacy and disk space are to be maintained, this process must be performed every time you use your computer. Window Washer can automate this process for you! Window Washer will automatically run in the background and clean up whatever tracks you want removed, whenever you want. You can have Window Washer automatically clean your files when Windows is started or shutdown, in addition to regular timed cleanings. Window Washer integrates with the standard places where Microsoft Windows stores your tracks, such as the document menu and the Recycle Bin. It also integrates with popular programs like Netscape and Internet Explorer. What's more, with the flexible "Custom Items" feature, you can specify other files, folders, or registry entries that you would like to be automatically cleaned!

1a - Quick Start

After installing Window Washer, whenever Window Washer is running there will be a small squeegee icon next to your clock on the Windows Taskbar. When Window Washer is minimized, you can access it by right-clicking this small squeegee icon. When you right-click once on the squeegee icon, a pop-up menu will appear with 4 options.

Wash Now - Once you have configured Window Washer to clean only the items you want, selecting Wash Now will wash all your wash items.

Settings - This will open Window Washer's main window so you can configure your wash items and other features of Window Washer.

Download Plugins - This will open your browser to our Free Plugins page (you must be connected to the internet to open the page).

Close - This will close the Window Washer program.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Because Window Washer automatically removes certain information from your computer, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with Window Washer's features and options, and check the Standard Wash Item paths (see 3 - Verifying and changingà) before "running a wash".

In order to change any of the settings listed in the following sections, open Window Washer's main settings window by clicking the small squeegee icon in the Taskbar and selecting Settings. Or, if you do not see the small squeegee icon in the Taskbar, you can open Window Washer by double-clicking the Window Washer icon on the desktop or by clicking Start | Programs | Window Washer | Window Washer.

2- Washer Settings

To change these options, open Window Washer's main window. This group of options is located along the left side of the main window. There are four tabs - Windows Wash Items, Custom Wash Items, Wash Options, and Additional Wash Options.

2a - Windows Wash Items

Document History - This cleans the history of recent documents that you have opened. The document history is stored under the Microsoft Windows Start Button under the Documents menu item (Start | Documents).

Windows Find History - This cleans the history of files you have searched for using the Find program. The Find history is stored under the Microsoft Windows Start Button under Find, then File/Folders menu item (Start | Find | Files/Folders).

Windows Run History - This cleans the history of files you have run using the Run command. The Run history is stored under the Microsoft Windows Start Button under the Run menu item (Start | Run).

Temporary Files Directory - This cleans the Windows temporary directory (usually located at C:\windows\temp). This directory should not be confused with the Internet Explorer "Temporary Internet Files Directory". The Windows temporary directory stores temporary files that are used during installation of programs and at other various times. Cleaning this directory regularly is generally a good idea. (Note: All contents of this directory are purged during a wash, so be sure that there are no files contained in this directory that you wish to keep or that are needed by other programs).

Scan Disk Temporary Files - The Windows utility Scan Disk creates .CHK files at the root directory of drives. These files usually contain junk data and can be erased to help keep drives clean. This option will have Window Washer erase the .CHK files (if they exist) for you.

Recycle Bin - This cleans out all of the files that are contained in the Recycle Bin.

Special Note: This cleans all the Recycle Bins on all drives on your computer (including any network drives you have mapped).

MS-Office Tracks (MRU) - If you have MS-Office 97 or 2000 installed on your system, this option will clean up the "Most Recently Used" (MRU) lists that are stored. The MRU lists contain links to the last 5 or 10 items that have been used and are found in MS-Office applications under the OPEN, SAVE AS, Insert Picture, and other options. This will clean the MRU lists under Word, Excel, Access, Photo Editor and PowerPoint. The actual documents or files themselves are not removed, only the references to these items in the MRU are removed.

Windows Media Player - If you have Windows Media Player installed on your system, this option will clean up the "Most Recently Used" (MRU) lists that are stored. The MRU lists contain links to the last 5 or 10 items that have been used and are found in Windows Media Player application under the OPEN, SAVE AS, and other options. The actual documents or files themselves are not removed, only the references to these items in the MRU are removed.

Netscape/Internet Explorer - By clicking the Set button next to each one, you can tell Window Washer specifically which browser items to wash. The Netscape Wash options are explained in 4 - Netscape Options. The wash options for Internet Explorer and AOL are explained in 5 - Internet Explorer/AOL Options

2b - Custom Wash Items

Custom Wash Items gives you the flexibility of adding files, folders, and registry entries to be automatically cleaned for you. The Custom Wash Items and Plugins are displayed in a list on the right side of the Window Washer main window. Use the Add, Edit, Delete and Refresh buttons below the list to tailor your Custom Wash Items. Click the Add button if you wish to add a new custom item. If you wish to edit or delete a current item, highlight the item on the Custom Wash Items list and then click the Edit or Delete button. Click the Refresh button to have Window Washer detect any new plugins you may have downloaded.

Adding an Item - Clicking the Add button will open the Add Item dialog. In the Item Name field, type in a Name that easily reminds you of what the new item will wash. Checking the box next to "Clean Files" or "Clean Reg Entries" will allow you to select which Files/Entries to clean. Once you have defined the Custom Wash Item, click the Save button to save the Custom Wash Item and return to the Window Washer main window.

Choosing Files - There are two options for adding files to be washed listed below, and you may add several individual items to each Custom Wash Item. To remove files or directories from your cleaning list, highlight the files and/or directories in your Cleaning List (bottom middle) and then click on the Remove From List button.

Option 1 - Select a Path to be Washed: You may either type in the path to wash, or click the Browse button to select the path using the "TreeView" explorer. All of the files in the designated path that match the "WildCard" value in Option 1 will be removed (you may also set the Wildcard value). Click Add Selected Item to add the path/wildcard to the Custom Wash Item. Check the "Include Subdirectories" box to include cleaning of all folders below your selected folders.

Option 2 - Select a File or Group of Files to be Washed: Select the drive/path in the left windows in Option 2 to display the contents of the selected folder in the window to the right. Select the file(s) you wish to have Window Washer remove, then click Add Selected File(s) to add the files to the Custom Wash Item.

Once you are satisfied with the files/folders in the Wash Item, click Done to return to the Add Item window.

Choosing Registry Rntries - WARNING: THIS IS INTENDED FOR ADVANCED WINDOWS USERS ONLY. IF YOU ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH EDITING AND CHANGING REGISTRY KEYS, DO NOT USE THIS FEATURE. YOU COULD RISK DAMAGING YOUR WINDOWS INSTALLATION.

ADD û Adds an entry to your list of registry entries to be cleaned and brings up the Add Registry Entry Window (see below).

REMOVE û Removes an entry from your registry entries list. Highlight the entry you wish to remove and click on Remove.

DONE - Click on Done when finished.

Example: Let's say we want to remove the value "THISONE" from the registry entry Hkey_Current_User\Software\Washer\Example1

Select the TOP LEVEL KEY OF REGISTRY ENTRY TO BE ERASED at the top of the window. For our example we would click on Hkey_Current_User.
Type the sub-key path in the edit box at the middle of the window. For our example we would type Software\Washer\Example1.
Select whether Window Washer should delete the entire sub-key (EXAMPLE1) or erase a specific value contained within that sub-key. For our example we want to remove a specific value, not the entire key, so check Erase Value Within Sub-Key.

(If you are erasing an entire sub-key and not a specific value, just click on Done to save your entry).

Type the value that you would like to erase within the Sub-Key. For our example, the value is "THISONE".
Click on Done to save your entry.

2c - Wash Options

Run Auto Wash when Windows is started or shut down. - Checking either of these boxes will instruct Window Washer to automatically wash when Windows is started or shut down. The Set button to the right of this option enables you to determine what Window Washer will do after a "shut-down wash". Window Washer can be set to do one of three things after a shut-down wash:

Prompt for Shutdown/Restart Method - Once the shut-down wash is complete, Windows will prompt you again whether you want to shut down or restart.

Wash, Shutdown and Restart - Once the shut-down wash is complete, Windows will shut dowd, then re-start.

Wash, then Shutdown - Once the shut-down wash is complete, your computer will shut down.

Load at Windows Startup - If the Load at Windows Startup option is checked, then Window Washer will load and run in the background whenever Windows loads. It is important to have this option checked if you have Window Washer set to wash at Windows shutdown or wash automatically at specified intervals. If Window Washer is not running, it will not perform any automatic washes.

Close Washer after a Wash - Checking the Close Washer after a Wash option will close Window Washer completely once it has finished washing. If this option is checked, and Window Washer closes, it will not perform any automatic washes unless it is restarted.

Add Bleach to Wash - The Add Bleach to Wash option instructs Washer to "shred" the files it washes by overwriting each file a set number of times with random characters. This will render the files unrecoverable by utilities such as undelete and unerase. The default setting for bleach will overwrite a file 2 times, which is usually enough. The higher the number of overwrites the longer the wash cycle will take. Overwriting a file 3 times respects the DOD 5220.22-M directive for sanitizing a file on a Non-Removable Rigid Disk or a Removable Rigid Disk and overwriting a file 7 times respects the NSA approved seven-pass file erasure method. You can set the number of times to overwrite a file by clicking on the Info button next to the Add Bleach to Wash checkbox.

Skip All Custom Wash Items - Checking this option will instruct Window Washer to skip all the Custom Wash Items when running a wash.

Skip Error Messages During a Wash - If this option is checked, Window Washer will skip over any wash items that cause errors, and continue with the next wash item.

Run Auto Wash Every... - After checking the Run Auto Wash Every box, the pull down menu under the box will become active. Using the pull down menu, you can select the time interval in which you would like Window Washer to clean your items. Time intervals range from every 15 minutes to once a month. Once you have selected a time, Window Washer will clean your items automatically when the time is reached.

Change Directories - Clicking this button will allow you to change the wash paths (see the next section: 3 - Verifying & Changing Default Directories).

2d - Additional Options

Use Custom Font Color - When this option is checked, you can select the color for all the text in Window Washer. For example, if your monitor settings are dark, then you may have a hard time reading the labels and messages in Window Washer. You might try setting the font color to white or yellow, or some other light color to increase the contrast to make the screen easier to read,

Use Custom Title Color - When this option is checked, you can select the base color for all the title bars in Window Washer's main window.

Hide Washed Time and Date - Underneath the Window Washer logo in the main window, Window Washer displays the time and date of the last wash. If you would prefer that this information not be displayed, just check the Hide Washed Time and Date option.

Show Progress During AutoWash - Normally, when Window Washer Autowash runs a wash, it displays the progress window. Checking this item will cause Window Washer Autowash to run without displaying the progress indicator window.

Enable AutoWash Countdown Timer - The handy little counter on Window Washer's main window will display the time remaining, in minutes, until the next automatic wash is run. If you would prefer not to have Window Washer visibly count down to the next automatic wash, just un-check the Enable AutoWash Countdown Timer option.

Supplementary Note - Command Line Washing (support for System Agent: Task Scheduler) - You can use the Windows System Agent: Task Scheduler to automate cleanings for Window Washer. Simply add the full path of the "autowash.exe" file to the Task Scheduler. For example: "c:\program files\washer\autowash.exe" would be a valid path for an automated wash from within the Task Scheduler. Also, entering "c:\program files\washer\autowash.exe" at the DOS prompt or from within a batch file would also be valid. The "autowash.exe" file instructs Window Washer to wash all selected items and then close itself after washing is completed.

3 - Verifying & Changing Default Directories

When Window Washer is installed it attempts to detect all the Standard Wash Items directory locations, such as the Netscape or IE cache directory. Clicking on the Change Default Directories button on Window Washer's main window will display a listing of all the detected paths to each standard wash item that is to be cleaned. Below is a list of the standard directories as detected on most (but not all) system configurations:

Windows Document History: C:\Windows\Recent (for single user system)
          C:\Windows\Profiles\<username>\Recent (for multiple user system)

Temporary Files Directory: C:\Windows\Temp (Note: All contents of this directory are purged during a wash, so be sure that no files contained in this directory are needed).

Netscape User Profile^†: C:\Program Files\Netscape\Users\<user name> (for Netscape 4.x)
          C:\Program Files\Netscape\Navigator (for Netscape 3.x)

Netscape Cache: C:\Program Files\Netscape\Users\<user name>\cache (for Netscape 4.x)
          C:\Program Files\Netscape\Navigator\cache (for Netscape 3.x)

Internet Explorer Cache: C:\Windows\Temporary Internet Files (for single user system)
          C:\Windows\Profiles\<user name>\Temporary Internet Files (for multiple user system)

Internet Explorer Cookies: C:\Windows\Cookies (for single user system)

          C:\Windows\Profiles\<user name>\Cookies (for multiple user system)

Internet Explorer History: C:\Windows\History (for single user system)
          C:\Windows\Profiles\<user name>\History (for multiple user system)

AOL Program Directory: C:\America Online 4.0 (Note: You will not need to set this unless you have America Online installed on your system.)
          *For AOL5 users, the path is C:\America Online 5.0
          *For AOL6 users, the path is C:\America Online 6.0

† For Netscape 6 users, Window Washer will automatically detect the Netscape 6 user profiles. Click the View button next the Netscape User Profile to select which profiles you want Window Washer to clean.

To change any of the above detected directories, simply click on the New button located next to the directory and then browse to the new directory and click on OK.

If you want to reset all the directories back to the original detected directories, click on Re-Detect All.

When you are through verifying or changing your default directories, click on Done. This will return you to Window Washer's main window.

4 - Netscape Options

If you have Netscape installed on your system, you can use this Browser Wash Option to clean up Netscape cookies, cache, history, and trash mailbox. Checking this box will activate the Set button next to the Netscape entry. Clicking the Set button allows you to select which Netscape items you would like cleaned: cookies, cache, history, and/or trash mailbox. NOTE: You must close Netscape before Window Washer will be able to clean the Netscape History items.

4a - Netscape Cookies to Keep

Once Netscape has been correctly detected (see 3 - Verifying & Changing...), you may choose to have Window Washer save certain cookies on your system. Clicking the Set button next to Netscape on Window Washer's main window will bring up a list of Netscape options. Click the Keep button to display all the cookies currently in your profile. Click on a cookie to add it to the list of "keepers" in the right-hand window. To remove a cookie from the keepers list, select it in the right-hand window and click Remove From Keepers. If you have a lot of cookies on your system, it may be confusing which cookies you have selected to keep, especially if the cookies are similarly named. To help avoid such confusion, there is a large red button in the middle of the Cookies to Keep window. Click it once to display only the new cookies (cookies that aren't in the keepers list), or click it again to display all the cookies. When you have finished selecting the Cookies to Keep, click the Done button to return to the Netscape Options (clicking OK on the Options screen will return you to Window Washer's main window).

5 - Internet Explorer/AOL Options

If you have Internet Explorer installed on your system, you can use this Standard Wash Item to clean up Internet Explorer cookies, cache, and history. Checking this box will activate the Set button next to the Internet Explorer entry. Clicking the Set button allows you to select which Internet Explorer items you would like cleaned: cookies, cache, and/or history. There is also an option to exclude cookies from being washed. This option is helpful if you visit sites that store useful cookies that you wish to keep.

5a - Cache

Actual cache files in Internet Explorer are cleaned during a wash with this option. After running a wash, the Temporary Internet Files directory may not appear empty. This is because, even though the actual cache files are cleaned, IE stores references to these files in LOCKED index.dat database files. Windows Explorer will look in the database for these file names and display them even though the files themselves are removed.

To clean these LOCKED files, you must check the "History/Address Bar/Index.dat Files" checkbox and/or the "Clear database files with IE Control Panel" checkbox on this screen.

5b - Internet Explorer Cookies to Keep

Once IE has been correctly detected (see 3 - Verifying & Changing...), you may choose to have Window Washer save certain cookies on your system. Clicking the Set button next to Internet Explorer on Window Washer's main window will bring up a list of IE/AOL options. Click the Keep button to display all the cookies currently in your profile. To view the contents of a cookie, select it in the left window and click View. To add cookies to the "keepers" list, selct it in the left window and click Add to Keepers (you can select multiple cookies to add). To remove a cookie from the keepers list, select it in the right window and click Remove from keepers. When you have finished selecting the Cookies to Keep, click the Done button to return to the IE Options (clicking OK on the Options screen will return you to Window Washer's main window).

5c - Downloaded Program Files Directory

This directory is where Internet Explorer stores ActiveX and Java applets that have been downloaded from the web. Checking this item will instruct Window Washer to clean out this directory.

5d - Clean LOCKED (index.dat) files/History/Address Bar

This option will thoroughly clean the Temporary Internet Files, the History, and the Address Bar for Internet Explorer. In order for this option to be effective, you will need to restart Windows after running a wash.

The index.dat and mmxxx.dat files will only be cleaned after a wash is run and Windows is rebooted. This is because these files are LOCKED during a Windows session. Washer cleans these files during a reboot before they become locked. After Windows has restarted, new files are automatically created with the same name but they contain no data.

5e - Use IE Control Panel to Clear Database Files

Normally the TIF directory does not appear empty after a wash. This is because the IE cache database file still stores pointers to the files that were there. After washing, when you view the TIF directory you will still see the pointers from this database while the actual files are gone.

This option clears the database by opening the IE Internet Control Panel and automatically clicking the Clear History and Delete Files buttons. This will make the TIF directory appear empty immediately after a wash on most systems .

5f - America Online/Compuserve Cache & Drop Down Menu

If you have America Online or Compuserve installed on your system, once Window Washer has correctly detected AOL (see 3 - Verifying & Changing...), this option will clean out the Drop Down List and Cache that is displayed at the top of the main AOL/Compuserve window.

5g - IE5 Autocomplete Form Data

Internet Explorer 5.x can store a record of almost everything that you type into any web site form. Form data can be things such as all the keywords you have ever typed into a search engine and personal information such as your name and address. Selecting this option will wash all IE 5 auto complete form data.

6 - Updating Window Washer

When you purchase Window Washer, you are entitled to FREE updates and replacement downloads for one year from the date of purchase. Email your request to: update@webroot.com.

Be sure to include the following information:

Full CORRECT software title you would like to update.

Your full name used when purchasing

Email address used when purchasing

Order/Invoice Number (if available)

Approx. date of purchase

Without this information we cannot supply updates.

7 - License Agreement and Disclaimer

PLEASE READ ALL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE LICENSE AGREEMENT BEFORE CONTINUING. PRESSING THE æAGREEÆ BUTTON INDICATES YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THIS AGREEMENT. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS, PRESS THE æCANCELÆ BUTTON TO EXIT INSTALLATION.

TRIAL LICENSE AGREEMENT

Webroot Software, Inc. licenses the Window Washer software to you only upon the condition that you accept all of the terms contained in this license agreement.

YOU MAY:

(i) use Window Washer on one computer for each license purchased;

YOU MAY NOT:

(i) sublicense, rent, sell, or lease any portion of Window Washer;

(ii) reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble, modify, translate, make any attempt to discover the source code of Window Washer, or create derivative works from Window Washer; or

(iii) use Window Washer on a greater number of computers than the number of licenses of Window Washer you have purchased.

WARRANTY

Webroot Software, Inc. warrants that the Window Washer will substantially perform its functions to remove certain information that is automatically stored on the hard drive of a computer, when Window Washer is used correctly and in accordance with specifications and instructions.

WEBROOT SOFTWARE, INC. MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

Your sole and exclusive remedy for breach of this warranty is the replacement of the Window Washer or a refund of the purchase price, at WebrootÆs option.

Some states do not allow the limitation or exclusion of implied warranties and you may be entitled to additional rights in those states.

DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES

Webroot Software, Inc. has made every effort possible to ensure that Window Washer is free of any bugs or errors, however in no way is Window Washer to be considered error or bug free. You assume all responsibility for any damages or lost data that may result from any errors or bugs in Window Washer.

IN NO EVENT WILL WEBROOT SOFTWARE, INC. BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR ANY GENERAL, SPECIAL, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THIS LICENSE.

In no case shall Webroot Software, Inc.Æs liability exceed the purchase price for the Window Washer.

GENERAL:

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between you and Webroot. You acknowledge and agree that there are no other writings, oral representations or other communications or representations upon which you are relying in entering into this Agreement. Any and all writings, oral representations or other communications or representations that you may have recieved concerning Window Washer have no effect--it is the terms of this Agreement that will control all issues involving your use of Window Washer.

All rights to Window Washer are owned by Webroot Software, Inc. and are protected by United States copyright laws, international treaty provisions and other applicable laws. Webroot Software, Inc. retains all rights not expressly granted by this Agreement.

This license shall terminate automatically upon the violation by you of any of the terms stated herin.

This Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of Colorado.

Should you have any questions concerning this Agreement, or if you desire to contact Webroot Software, Inc. for any reason, please write: Webroot Software Inc, P.O. Box 3531, Boulder CO 80307-3531.