Purge Internet Explorer's Cache and Cookies
PurgeIE - Purge Cache, Cookies and Tracks for Internet Explorer

Copyright (C) 1999-2003  Assistance and Resources for Computing, Inc.

Table of Contents

 Overview

 Background

 System Requirements

 License

 Suggested Operation

 Operation - Main Window

 Operation - Protect Window

 Operation - Configuration Window

 Controling Cookies

 TroubleShooting

 Glossary

 Trial Period and Limitations

 Registration Process

 UnInstall

 Vendor Contact


Overview

The Product

PurgeIE is the "Swiss Army Knife" of Cache and Cookie Utilities for Internet Explorer 4.x and 5.x.  It provides unequaled versatility in its operation.  PurgeIE addresses the two major concerns that consumers express about cookies, privacy and management & control.  This versatile program allows you either to manage your cookies and cache files in a logical manner or, for complete privacy, to eliminate them altogether, complete with all references, tracks, trails and strays.  If you desire, PurgeIE allows you to protect the cookies that control such functions as online-vendor accounting files and that enhance your browsing on the Internet.  You don't have to reboot your computer or shut down windows to use PurgeIE.  Once the easy initial set-up is accomplished, all you have to do is click the PurgeIE icon on your desktop at any time and your cookie worries are over.  A thorough, plain language Help File is included for your convenience.  E-Mail support is provided for problem reporting and resolution.  PurgeIE, also known as Purge Cache, Cookies and Tracks for Internet Explorer, is compatible with Windows 95, 98, 2000, ME, XP and NT 4.0.  A full explanation of why PurgeIE was developed and how the software works is provided in the following text.

Consumer Issues and Concerns

The issues that consumers have with cookies probably are as numerous and varied as the intents and purposes behind the use of cookies.  Cookies can be helpful but some consumers are concerned about privacy issues surrounding cookie use.  Other consumers are concerned with both the sheer volume of cookies and their storage requirements.  Consumers want solutions ranging from the complete elimination of cookies from their platform to logical management and control of cookie use and storage.

You can avoid the cookie controversy by simply choosing not to accept cookies, an option available in both Internet Explorer Versions 4.x and 5.x.  An unconditional fact of life is, however, that you cannot navigate some sites on the Internet (such as portions of www.microsoft.com) unless you accept cookies.  Many vendors use cookies to keep track of your purchases and your accounts.  If you want or need to navigate cookie-required sites or to place an order that requires cookies, you have to turn on cookie use via Windows Control Panel and then remember to turn it off again when you leave the site.  Enabling and disabling cookie use is obviously not the answer - it degrades the quality of your Internet experience and does not offer you a solution for the cookies already in your machine and those that are surely yet to come.

The Answer

PurgeIE addresses two major categories of cache and cookie concerns under which most consumer "issues" fall—privacy and management & control.  Now you can use PurgeIE to manage, maintain and update cache and cookie files properly or you can choose to eliminate all cookies and their reference trails.

If privacy if your objective, PurgeIE can be used to delete all cache, history and unprotected cookies at the press of a button.

You can protect the cookies that you require for normal activity and for managing vendor accounts by selecting them in PurgeIE's Protect window.  PurgeIE will save your choices and will, optionally, delete the rest.  That provides you total control over cookies.

If cache management is your goal, PurgeIE logically deletes the older cache files while keeping the more current ones.  This greatly improves the operation of Internet Explorer by preventing it from its random deletion of cache files.  This Internet Explorer phenomenon is covered in the Background section below.

The Caching system used by Internet Explorer utilizes indexing files to retain URL (Internet Address information) entries with pointers to cache and cookie data.  These files, named INDEX.DAT, also are used to contain the history URLs.

PurgeIE uses Microsoft caching routines to perform its cache/cookie purge functions.  This ensures that the INDEX.DAT files are kept in synchronization with the cache and cookie data.  It also ensures the elimination of the tracks that other cookie/cache utilities leave behind when they delete only the cookie and cache data files.

For those interested in covering tracks, the Web-page names are sometimes more incriminating that the actual site.  These names are retained in URLs within the INDEX.DAT files until removed by the Microsoft caching routines used by PurgeIE.  These tracks are easily viewed via Internet Explorer's cache viewer found under Internet Options.

Options and New Concepts in PurgeIE

•	Offline cache is distinguished from Online cache so that the two types can be purged individually by simply checking the appropriate selection box.

Offline Cache represents the files downloaded for "Offline Viewing".  This was referred to as Subscription Cache in IE-4.  This document uses the term Online Cache to refer to "other than Offline" Cache.

•	Different ages (minimum time since last use) can be specified for the processing of Offline and Online cache.

•	Internet Explorer's primary INDEX.DAT files are properly updated without deleting them using Microsoft caching routines.  This avoids the requirement for rebooting used by other cookie/cache utilities that simply delete the primary INDEX.DAT files.

•	Choosing the option for deleting stray cache and cookie files will allow PurgeIE to remove files for which the index pointers have been lost by Internet Explorer within the INDEX.DAT files.  This option also deletes URLs that no longer point to data files.

•	Cookies can be protected from purging easily and conveniently in the Protect window of the PurgeIE user interface.

•	PurgeIE functions as a track cleaning utility by deleting the user's tracks that Internet Explorer deposits in various cache files, the INDEX.DAT files, the history folders, the Windows temporary files and the registry.

•	A Preview capability is provided that allows the user to see what the effect of each of the selected cookie and cache purge options will be before purging and without the danger of losing desirable data.

•	PurgeIE provides an option for the emergency deletion of Internet Explorer's cache, history and cookies folders in the event that a system crash or power failure corrupts one, or more, of them.  It has been reported that corrupted Internet Explorer folders can prevent execution of Internet Explorer.

©Assistance and Resources for Computing, Inc.


Background

The Problem

Internet Explorer is notorious for the (mis)management of its cache system to the extent that it appears self-defeating.  The problem is manifest, in the least part, by delayed response times when working online or, in the worst part, by the inability to access current or recent data when working offline.  This problem persists even into the recently released Internet Explorer 5.0.  A common complaint is that when Internet Explorer determines that the cache has become too large, it randomly deletes cache entries as opposed to selectively deleting old files.  This defeats the purpose of the cache, which is to retain recently referenced pages for ready access within the browser without having to return to the Internet.

So What?

Internet Explorer's cache management system causes a very real problem for an airborne commuter who wants to use his laptop to view important or critical information that he had downloaded from the Internet the previous evening.  If the cache information can not be accessed because of random, rather than age-based, deletion by Internet Explorer's cache management, the hapless commuter may be required to reconnect to the Internet - an expensive proposition using in-plane phones.  However, if a commuter, or traveler, does not have telephone access in such a situation, which can easily be the case if working with a laptop in the field or other isolated area, he can accomplish nothing.  Online users experience this problem to a lesser degree each time they have to wait while a Web-page has to be downloaded again from the Internet when the "Back" function is used.  Whether an expense or a critical loss of time is involved or not, it is an unnecessary nuisance.

The Solution

PurgelE was programmed to utilize age (time since last use) in its cache cleanup functions.  By deleting only those files with the oldest dates during cache cleanup, PurgeIE returns the purpose and function of a true cache to Internet Explorer.  If PurgeIE had been used at timely intervals for cookie, cache and file management & control, the commuter in the example above could have avoided unnecessary expense, the traveler would not have lost critical time and online users would not have to tolerate the unnecessary frustration of incessant delays.

PurgelE can keep the cache down to a reasonable size.  If not properly maintained, the cache INDEX.DAT file can become ridiculously large and cause response time problems within Internet Explorer.

There are other cookie/cache utilities available.  Some seem to work on Windows 95 and 98 but refuse to work on NT 4.0 and Windows 2000.  Some process only cookies while others process only cache.  Some utilities blindly delete cache and/or cookie files without regard to usage information.  They ignore the corresponding INDEX.DAT files during the deletion process and that leaves the various, now-useless URL entries in place to lengthen wait times as Internet Explorer tries to process files deleted from the cache.  Some utilities will only delete the INDEX.DAT files under DOS during your next Windows restart.  Unless those utilities delete the complete Internet Explorer folder, the existing cookie and cache files become strays.

Summary

PurgeIE offers unequaled versatility in cookie, cache and file management & control.  You can opt for customized cookie management or for cookie elimination complete with all references, tracks, trails and strays.  PurgelE was designed for Windows 95/98/2000/ME/XP/NT 4.0 and Internet Explorer 4.x/5.x/6.x.  The design focuses on the processing of Internet Explorer's INDEX.DAT files to maintain true cache functionality.  That keeps the indexes and files in synchronization without the user having to reboot or shut down Windows.  The added benefit is that PurgeIE returns the function of a true cache to Internet Explorer by not only maintaining the cache within boundaries that allow optimum response times, but also by deleting only the older files when doing so.  Now online work need not be hindered by unnecessary delays and load times and offline work can become a more reliable and dependable alternative when there is no Internet access.

©Assistance and Resources for Computing, Inc.


System Requirements

This program requires about 590K of hard disk space for the Execution and Help modules.

Approximately 678K is required for the Distribution/Installation file.

This program requires a 32-bit Windows Platform - Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows ME, Windows XP or Windows NT 4.0.

This program will function fully for Internet Explorer 4.0 through 6.0.

Caution - This program does not function for Internet Explorer 3.0 or for any version of Netscape.  Steps are taken to assure the proper requirements are met prior to execution.


License

PurgeIE - Purge Cache, Cookies and Tracks for Internet Explorer

Copyright (C) 1999-2003  Assistance and Resources for Computing, Inc.

"Purge Cache, Cookies and Tracks for Internet Explorer" is abbreviated within this license document as "PurgeIE".

LICENSE AGREEMENT.  You should carefully read the following terms and conditions before using this software.  Unless you have a different License Agreement signed by Assistance and Resources for Computing, Inc., your use of this software you indicates your acceptance of this License Agreement and Warranty.  The terms of this License, as well as the PurgeIE features and interface design are subject to change in future Versions.

COPYRIGHT.  All copyrights to PurgeIE are exclusively owned by Assistance and Resources for Computing, Inc., or its suppliers.  All Rights are, hereby, Reserved.

DISTRIBUTION.  The original unmodified "Trial" version may be freely transferred to other parties except that this is not allowed to be done for profit.

GRANT OF LICENSE.  Upon receipt of the required Licensing fee by Assistance and Resources for Computing, Inc., the product is considered to be Licensed and Registered.  Once Registered, a single copy of PurgeIE may either be used by a single person who uses the software personally on one or more computers, or installed on a single workstation used non-simultaneously by multiple people, but not both.  Site Licenses are available.

You may access the Registered version of PurgeIE through a network, provided that you have obtained individual Licenses for the software covering all workstations that will access the software through the network regardless of whether they use PurgeIE at different times or concurrently.

GOVERNING LAW.  This License Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Tennessee.

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY.  This software and the accompanying files is distributed "as is" and without Warranties as to performance of merchantability or any other Warranties whether expressed or implied.  No Warranty of fitness for a particular purpose is offered.

NO LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.  Neither Assistance and Resources for Computing, Inc., nor any of it's owners, employees or suppliers will be liable for data loss, damages, loss of profits or any other kind of loss while using or misusing this software.  The user assumes the entire risk of using the program.  Any liability of the seller will be limited exclusively to product replacement or refund of purchase price.

TERMINATION.  If you do not agree with the terms of this License or fail to comply with the terms of this License, the License is automatically and immediately terminated.  You then must immediately cease use of the product and remove the PurgeIE file(s) from your system's storage devices.

QUESTIONS.  Should you have any questions concerning this License Agreement, or if you desire to contact the vendor, please write:

    Assistance and Resources for Computing, Inc.
    attn:  PurgeIE Sales and Support
    9508 In-A-Vale Drive
    Brentwood, TN   37027-8214.


Suggested Operation

To use PurgeIE as a Track (footprint) Cleaner:

First, protect the Cookies you wish to retain.  Select each of the Purge Options.  Set the time field for both Offline Cache and Online Cache to zeroes (or blanks).  Press the "Purge" button.

To use PurgeIE as a Cache Manager:

First, protect the Cookies you wish to retain.  Select the 'Strays' Options.  Set the time field for Offline Cache to the length of time you wish to retain it (ex. 3 days, 12 hours, 0 minutes).  Set the time field for Online Cache to the length of time you wish to retain it (ex. 1 days, 4 hours, 30 minutes).  The remaining options pertain more to Track cleaning.  Press the "Purge" button.

You should execute the Purge function often enough to prevent the cache from growing to the point that Internet Explorer's cache routines begin to reduce cache.  You should also set the 'Amount of disk space to use' for Temporary Internet files folder arbitrarily high to prevent Internet Explorer's cache reduction.  You can do this via Internet Explorer.  Select 'View' | 'Internet Options' | 'Settings'| 'Amount of Disk space to use'.

To use One-Step Execution:

For your convenience, a special Shortcut, "Purge with Current Options", is provided in the Distribution package for execution of PurgeIE using the currently saved options.

Use of the One-Step execution is not recommended until you feel comfortable with your choice of program options.

You may use the 'Configure' button to activate the Configuration Window which has a function for generating this Shortcut on the Desktop and, optionally, to automatically execute at each system startup.


Operation - Main Window

The Controls on the Main Window are described below:

"Statistics" button - this lists statistics concerning the number of files and the space occupied by Cache and Cookies.  Note that space allocated is greater than the space used due to the system allocating files in whole clusters.  These values may be high if you are using disk compression.  Space utilization is also listed for the drive, or drives, used for Cache and for Cookies.

"Protect" button - this displays the 'Protect Window' which allows the user to indicate selected Cookies and other Cache entries to be protected from deletion by PurgeIE.  This also provides a means for browsing the entries for Cookies, Cache and Visited URLs as well as a means for deletion of individual entries.

Although not a part of the original design, the protection mechanism can be used to protect Cache as well as Cookies.  One could theoretically do some fine tuning by protecting some of the static pages from favorite sites.

"Preview" button  - this executes the Purge function with one exception.  No Deletes are performed.  This is useful in studying the effect of varying the 'time since last access' for Purging Cache, etc..

"Purge" button - this executes the Purge function based on the selected 'Purge Options'.

"Configure" button - this passes control to the Configuration Window which you can use to generate Desktop Shortcuts, to select options for Startup execution and the 'Purge Now' shortcut, etc.

"Help" button - this displays a Popup menu to provide access to - "Help - Contents",  "Vendor Web Page",  "Registration", etc..

"Help - Contents" - this passes control to the PurgeIE Help File.

"Display Directories" - this lists the Directory information that PurgeIE has extracted from the Registry for Cache, Cookies, History, etc.

"Vendor Web Page" - this passes control to the Vendor Web Page which contains additional Registration information, Frequently asked questions and other product related information.

"Purchase License - Register" - this executes the Registration function.  This provides access to the Vendors Web-site to process the Registration.  The vendor will furnish the Registration Code via E-Mail for the user to enter via this function.

"Purge I.E. Folders at next Reboot" - this passes control to an emergency function to provide for deletion of one, or more, of the I.E. Folders.  The actual deletion requires processing during a reboot of the Computer.  This should only be done for corrupted I.E. Folders.

"Copy Display to Clipboard" - this copies the information displayed in the display area to the Windows Clipboard.

This function is provided to assist users in troubleshooting.  One could use this to Copy to Clipboard and use the Windows Paste function to insert the copied information into an E-Mail message to the Vendor.

"About PurgeIE" - this displays the About Box for PurgeIE.  The About Box contains information relating to the product's Version Number.

"Exit" button - this terminates this execution of PurgeIE.

 "Purge Options" - these options are used to indicate the functions to be performed by the 'Purge' and 'Preview' functions.  Clicking the following Checkboxes changes them from 'off' to 'on' or 'on' to 'off'.  When "on", the corresponding data is processed in the 'Purge' and 'Preview' functions.

Online Cache - selecting this option will include the Temporary Internet Files (TIF) other than those downloaded for "Offline Viewing" and have a computed 'Age' (since last access) greater that the specified 'Age'.  This includes the processing of the Cache INDEX.DAT data file.

Offline Cache - selecting this option will include the Temporary Internet Files (TIF) that were downloaded for "Offline Viewing" and have a computed 'Age' (since last access) greater that the specified 'Age'.  This includes the processing of the Cache INDEX.DAT data file.  This is referred to as Subscription cache in IE-4.

Unprotected Cookies - selecting this option will include deletion of the Cookies INDEX.DAT file and its indexed Cookies that have not been protected by PurgeIE's 'Protect' function.

Visited URLs - selecting this option will include deletion of the History INDEX.DAT file.  This file contains a record of each URL you have visited.  Although not truly cache, this information is used by the Auto Complete function.

Typed URLs - selecting this option will include deletion the Registry entries for the URLs that have been typed into I.E.'s URL Address field.  The system uses these for the drop-down Address list.

Beginning with version 5.01 of PurgeIE, this function also deletes the Typed URLs from the MSN window for those using MSN Explorer.

History Folders - selecting this option will include deletion of the History Folders.  There is a History Folder for each day that Internet Explorer retains for you.  You indicate the number of days to be retained in Internet Explorer Options.

Notes:  As is the case when you manually execute the 'Clear History' function, some other Historical data may be deleted.  This varies from system to system.  With regard to PurgeIE, the data in the Dropdown URL list [Typed URLs] and the data for the AutoComplete function [Visited URLs] may be deleted.

Recycle Bin - selecting this option will include emptying of the Windows Recycle Bin.  A standard Windows API function is used for this purpose.

Older Windows systems may not have this API function.  This option is disabled (dimmed) if the API is not available in your system.

Win-98 and Win-2000 systems should have the API function.  Older systems with 'Active Desktop' should have the API function.

Recent LNKs - selecting this option will include deletion the Links for Recent files. These are primarily documents and movie clips.

Strays - selecting this option will include deletion of the Cookies and Cache local files that are not indexed by the Cache INDEX.DAT data file or by the Cookie INDEX.DAT data file.  Also, index items within these INDEX.DAT files that refer to non-existing local files will be deleted.

Temp Files - selecting this option will include deletion of the Windows Temporary files.

Caution:  The Windows Temporary folder is used by some install programs to retain files across the 'Reboot' that they require to complete their installation.  This is typically used for replacing System modules that can not be replaced while Windows (or NT) is active.  Do not Purge with the 'Temp' option during a software installation.

Caution: The Windows Temporary folder is used by some Windows programs for temporary storage.  Executing Purge with the 'Temp' option could cause those programs to fail.  Only use the 'Temp' option if no other programs are executing.

Clear Previous Searches - selecting this option will delete the "Previous Searches" data from the Windows Registry.  These are entries retained when one uses the IE-5 Search function.

Note: - this function is only available for IE-5, or higher.

Clear AutoComplete Forms via I.E. - selecting this option will bring up the Internet Explorers Properties Panel and simulate selecting the Content tab, selecting the "AutoComplete" button and pressing its "Clear Forms" button.  After a successful execution, the I.E. Panel is closed.

Note: - this function is only available for IE-5, or higher.

UserData - selecting this option will clear the IE UserData folder.  This folder is documented on Microsoft.com as "UserData Persistence".  Some of the privacy experts refer to these files as "SuperCookies".

Note: - this function is only available for IE-5, or higher. "UserData Persistence" was implemented with IE-5 and expanded with IE-5.5.

"Reports" option - this provides for specifying the detail reporting level to be used for the 'Purge' and 'Preview' functions.  "Detail" requests full detail.  "Summary" requests only limited detail and error messages.

"Save Purge Options" button - this saves the state of the Checkboxes within "Purge Options" and the "Reports" options for the subsequent execution of the program.  This prevents the need to re-enter your selections for each execution.  These are only saved when the "Save Options" button is pressed.

Note - CDF files are granted special protection.  The "Channel Definition Files" files are not normally deleted from the Internet Explorer Cache if properly indexed in the Cache INDEX.DAT data file.  However, if not properly indexed, these files would be considered 'Strays' and would be deleted by use of the 'Strays' option.  This special protection is bypassed when purging Offline (or Subscription) Cache with a zero time since last use.


Operation - Protect Window

The Controls on the Protect Window are described below:

"Cookies" button - this displays all Cookies that are indexed by the Cookie INDEX.DAT data file.  When one selects a single Cookie by a left mouse click, this function automatically displays the contents of that Cookie and the applicable Security Zone and Cookie Settings (IE-6).

"Cache" button - this displays all URLs indexed by the Cache INDEX.DAT data file.

"Visited" button - this displays all URLs indexed by the History INDEX.DAT data file.

"Exit" button - this terminates this execution of PurgeIE without returning to the PurgeIE Main Window.

"Return to Main" button - this returns execution from the Protect Windows to the PurgeIE Main Window.

"Filter" data field - any character string entered into this field restricts the output of the "Cookies", "Cache" and "Visited" functions to only those records that contain the character string.

The filtering uses the Cookie contents for "Cookies" and uses the Internet Address for "Cache" and for "Visited".  The filtering is not case sensitive.

For Example, enter 'zdnet' to select only the records that contain the characters 'zdnet'.  This is to assist in listing related Cookies, etc..

Note:  You can use this feature to display all Cookies that contain your name by entering your name into the data field.

"Open" button - this opens an Internet Explorer window for the selected URL address.  This allows you to easily open an I.E. window to access the Website that gave you the selected Cookie.  This should be useful for determining whether to keep or delete a particular Cookie.

Note:  you must be connected to the Internet for this to work.

"View" button - this passes control to the Windows viewer assigned to the File's extension.

Note that this function may be accessed via the Right-Mouse button and "View" may be accessed via a Double-Click on the line in question.

"Protect" button - this adds the URL entry that is currently selected (highlighted) in the display area to the special protection file.  This only prevents deletion of this URL entry by the PurgeIE Purge function.

Note:  The URL entry can still be deleted by other programs and systems such as Internet Explorer.

Note that this function may be accessed via the Right-Mouse button.

"Unprotect" button - this removes the URL entry that is currently selected (highlighted) in the display area from the special protection file.

Note that this function may be accessed via the Right-Mouse button.

"Delete" button - this deletes the URL entry that is currently selected (highlighted) in the display area.

Caution - this can even delete a URL that is marked as 'Protect'.

Note that this function may be accessed via the Right-Mouse button and by the Keyboard 'Delete' key.

"Find" button - this passes control to a Windows Find Dialog which will search the displayed records for your entered character string.

The search uses the Cookie contents for "Cookies" and uses Internet Address for "Cache" and for "Visited".  The search is not case sensitive.

The direction of the search is down.  When you enter a different search string, the search begins at the first row.  If the search string is unchanged, Find Next continues downward.

Note:  You can use this feature to find Cookies that contain your name by entering your name into the find dialog field.

Note - CDF files that are properly indexed in the Cache INDEX.DAT data file are considered to be protected by PurgeIE.  The user can not normally delete these "Channel Definition Files" using PurgeIE functions.  Also, the user cannot add these to the special protection file.  The user can force deletion of the CDF files by purging Offline (or Subscription) Cache with a zero time since last use.

"Sort Column" option - this is used to specify the column used for sorting the items displayed in the main display area.  The default (Address) indicates that the sort is based on the 'Internet Address'.

"Cookie Setting" – for the selected Internet Address, this displays the new 'per-site' Cookie Setting for the Domain Name.  (This requires IE-6, or higher)

When you can 'click' this area, a dropdown menu is displayed to allow you to set, change or clear the Cookie Setting.
Please see the Note below.

"Domain Name" – for the selected Internet Address, this displays the Domain Name extracted from the URL (Internet Address).

"Security Zone" – for the selected Internet Address, this displays the Security Zone from the Domain Mask at the right.

When you can 'click' this area, a dropdown menu is displayed to allow you to change the Security Zone for the given Domain Mask or to remove the Domain Mask from the system.

"Domain Mask" – for the selected Internet Address, this displays the entry within your I.E. Security Zones that matches the above Domain name.

When you can 'click' this area, a dropdown menu is displayed to allow you to create a new Domain Mask and assign it to an available Security Zone.  You are then given a suggested name which you can edit before committing to the create function.

Note – The above fields Cookie Setting, Domain Name, Security Zone and Domain Mask are documented in greater detail in the Controling Cookies section of this Help file.


Operation - Configuration Window

The Controls on the Configuration Window are described below:

"Splash Screen" option - this provides for specifying whether the Splash Screen is to be displayed when executing at System Startup and when executing via the "Purge Now" shortcut.  The Splash screen is simply an indication to the user that the program is active.

Note: - the default is 'Enable' to show the Splash Screen.

"Main Window" option - this provides for specifying the criteria for display of the Main Window when executing at System Startup and when executing via the "Purge Now" shortcut.  The main window can be totally disabled, totally enabled and can be enabled based on error conditions.

Note: - the default is 'Enable when any Error Occurs'.

Note: - 'Severe Error' means any error that demands the user's attention such as running out of system resources or trying to execute "Purge with Current Options" without having selected and saved any options.

"Execute PurgeIE at System Startup" option - selecting this option will cause PurgeIE to execute each time the Windows System is started or each time the User logs in to Windows.  This execution uses the options last saved by use of the Main Window.

"Show dropdown Hints" option - selecting this option causes dropdown hints to be displayed for the Buttons, etc..  After becoming familiar with PurgeIE, you may wish to unselect this option to prevent the display of the dropdown hints.

"Generate Desktop Shortcuts":

"PurgeIE" - this generates a Desktop Shortcut that you can use to execute PurgeIE.

"Purge NOW" - this generates a Desktop Shortcut that you can use to execute PurgeIE with Current Options.  Essentially, this starts PurgeIE and automatically executes the 'Purge' function.

"Save Configuration Options" button - this saves the state of the Options for this Window for the subsequent execution of the program.  These are only saved when the "Save Configuration Options" button is pressed.

"Return to Main" button - this returns execution from the Configuration Windows to the Main Window.


Controlling Cookies

You can make use of Internet Explorer's Security Zones to control Cookies beginning with IE-5.0.

Briefly, you can assign a web-site to the Restricted Zone to always block its Cookies.

You can assign a web-site to the Trusted Zone to always allow its Cookies.

Unless you assign a given web-site to a Security Zone, it is automatically considered to be within the Internet Zone.

You can access the Internet Explorer Security options window by:

1.	Click the 'Tools' button on an Internet Explorer window

1.	Select "Internet Options" from the dropdown menu

1.	Select the 'Security' tab on the 'Internet Properties' window

1.	Click the Icon for a Security Zone to display its setting.

For IE-6, Cookies are always blocked for the Restricted Zone and Cookies are always allowed for the Trusted Zone.

For IE-6, processing of Cookies for the Internet Zone is controlled by new functions.  A comprehensive explanation of the new functions is well beyond the scope of this document.  Basically, you can indicate your level of tolerance for Cookies by means of a 'slider' that is displayed via the 'Privacy' tab on the 'Internet Properties' window.

If the 'slider' is not at the topmost or bottommost positions, you can use the 'Edit' function to add 'per-site' web-site (Domain Names) to your system to override the 'slider'.  You enter the Domain Name and select 'Always Block' or 'Always Allow'.

For IE-5, by default, Cookies are always blocked for the Restricted Zone and always allowed for the Trusted Zone.  However, you have the option for changing these settings.

Also, IE-5 provides choices for Cookie processing within the Internet Zone.  You can choose 'disable', 'enable' or 'prompt'.  The 'prompt' option indicates that you are to be asked for the disposition for each Cookie as it arrives.

Using PurgeIE to help with Cookie Management

Beginning with version 4.03, PurgeIE can assist you in working with Security Zones.  The 'Protect' window includes a new display area that displays the Domain Name for the URL you select within the main display area.

If a Domain Mask exists on your system that matches (or selects) the Domain Name, the Domain Mask is displayed and the Security Zone that the Domain Mask is assigned to is displayed.

For IE-6, the 'per-site' Cookie setting is displayed if one exists for the Domain Name.

In addition to displaying the above information, you can change these settings for a selected URL (Internet Address) as follows:

Click the 'Domain Mask' area – a dropdown menu is displayed which gives you the following options:

•	Create new Domain Mask in Restricted Zone

•	Create new Domain Mask in Trusted Zone

A dialog box is displayed with a suggested Domain Mask that you can modify before committing to the update.

Click the 'Security Zone' area – a dropdown menu is displayed which gives you the following options:

•	Set Domain Mask to Restricted Zone

•	Set Domain Mask to Trusted Zone

•	Remove Domain Mask– set to Internet Zone

Click the 'Cookie Setting' area – a dropdown menu is displayed which gives you the following options:

•	Set to Always Block

•	Set to Always Allow

•	Clear – set to Default Behavior

You can make use of the PurgeIE display and modification functions to restrict Cookies after the fact.  That is, you can display the contents of the Cookies that made it through your defenses and decide whether you wish to block them.

If you decide to do so, you simply create a suitable Domain Mask for that web-site in the Restricted Zone.  For IE-6, you could simply click the 'Cookie Setting' area and select 'Set to Always Block '.

You can make use of PurgeIE to determine which Cookies made it through your defenses and take corrective action.

Some individuals have created additional custom Security Zones.  The subject of custom Security Zones is also beyond the scope of this document.  For those that use additional Security Zones, the dropdown menus for 'Domain mask' and 'Security Zone' will include them.

Note – The fields Cookie Setting, Domain Name, Security Zone and Domain Mask are documented in greater detail on the PurgeIE web-site's page "Cookie Control".  The new IE-6 features for controlling Cookies are too extensive to be addressed within this Help file.  The "Cookie Control" web-page will be updated as more is learned about the new Internet Explorer features.

Caution – If you take steps to block Cookies from a web-site, you should also delete the existing Cookie from that web-site.  This is necessary as at least some of the settings for IE-6 will allow existing Cookies to be read by the owning web-site even though that web-site is prevented from creating new Cookies.


TroubleShooting

The purpose for this section is to provide information to assist you in resolving some of the more common issues encountered when using PurgeIE.

Additional and more current information can be found within the 'Frequently Asked Questions' page on the vendor's Web-site  -  http://www.purgeie.com/faq.htm

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What error indications are displayed in the 'Result' column of the display?

For 'Cache', and 'Cookies' and 'Visited URLs, PurgeIE presents a formatted display.  Errors will be indicated in the 'Result' column as follows:

"Error in URL" - means that there is an error in one of the Index.dat files.  This is considered to be 'Corrupted Cache'.  Please see notes below for 'Corrupted Cache'

"Delete Failed" - means that the delete function was unable to complete.  This message is currently only given for errors found when deleting the 'Typed URLs' from the Windows Registry.  This should cause no concern unless it recurs.

"Locked" - indicates that some other Windows program has the file or directory (folder) open.  Windows prevents one program from deleting a file, etc., which is in use by another program.

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What do the 'Type' codes in the formatted messages mean?

The 'Type' field code gives an indication as to the I.E. folder or Index.dat file involved.  The codes are:

"C" - Cookie
"N" - Non-Subscription (Online) Cache
"S" - Subscription (Offline) Cache
"V" - Visited URL (in the History Folder)

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What is meant by "Corrupted Cache"?

Basically, this means that there is an error in one of the primary Internet Explorer folders.  The error could be in one of the 'Index.dat' files or one of the data files.

"Corrupted Cache" is generally caused by power failures, system failures and improper shutdown procedures as any of these can prevent the complete updating of the cache on your harddrive.

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What are some of the Symptoms of Corrupted Cache?

•	I.E. fails when you begin to type into the URL Address field.  This is generally due to a Corruption of the 'Visited URLs' Index.dat file which is used for the AutoComplete function.  This Index.dat file is located in the upper level of the History folder.

•	I.E. fails when you try to access a Web page that you have accessed recently.  The failure is due to the Web page within the cache being in error or its URL entry in the Cache's Index.dat file being in error.  This could also be due to a bad Cookie file, etc..

•	I.E. fails when you press the 'back' button.  This is the same as the previous symptom.

•	There are some URL entries that can not be deleted manually.

•	When executing the standard Purge function within "PurgeIE", you get the 'Error in URL' error indication in a display line.

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How do I resolve the problem with "Corrupted Cache"?

PurgeIE contains an Emergency function for deleting "Corrupted Cache".  Recommendations for use of this function follow:

For the Cookie folder - If you wish to try retaining your Cookies, you could try deleting only the Index.dat file within the Cookies folder.  The newer versions of I.E. will then build a new Cookie Index.dat file from the Cookie text files.

For the Cache folder - You may as well delete the complete folder.  Deleting only the Index.dat file would simply orphan the Cache data files (create Strays) as they would not be accessed by I.E.

For the "Visited URLs" - You should try deleting only the Index.dat file within the History folder.  This retains the daily History information.

Please note that in some situations, errors can occur in a Cookie data file or in Cache data file and that deletion of that file or deletion of the complete folder becomes necessary.

The Emergency function is accessed by pressing the "Help" button and selecting "Purge I.E. Folders at next Reboot".  As indicated by its title, you will have to reboot to complete the process.  You can select to purge either, or all, of the three primary I.E. folders.

The following example assumes that only the Index.dat file in the 'History' folder (for "Visited URLs") is to be deleted.

Start "PurgeIE"
Press the "Help" button
Select "Purge I.E. Folders at next Reboot"
Select "Index.dat only" next to the "History Folder" checkbox
Press the "OK" button

The specified Index.dat (or folder) will be deleted at the next system boot (startup).

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Can I delete a single entry in the URL Address drop-down list?

PurgeIE does not support such a function.  However, A&RC has made available a FreeWare program for managing the "URL address dropdown list".  It is "EditURLs" and can be downloaded via - www.aandrc.com/editurls.  This provides for editing of the entries as well as deleting entries.  "EditURLs" also provides for saving a sacred set of URL entries for restoring on demand.

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Does the Internet Explorer have to be shut down while PurgeIE executes?

It is not absolutely necessary.  It is recommended that you shut Internet Explorer down if you are Purging the "History Folders".  Generally, the "History Folders" are allocated whenever the Internet Explorer is active.  However, you should not be actively surfing while PurgeIE is executing.  A file could possibly considered to be a 'Stray' just prior to its being entered into the associated INDEX.DAT file if data were being downloaded from the Internet while PurgeIE were executing.

For IE-5 and above, you should select the option "Close unused folders in History and Favorites" within the Advanced Internet Options and shutting down Internet Explorer before running PurgeIE.

The "Typed URLs" function is ineffective if an Internet Explorer window is open.  Even though PurgeIE deletes the Typed URLs from the Registry, Internet Explorer saves a new set from Ram memory when it closes.

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Glossary

AutoComplete - is the feature of Internet Explorer that attempts to save one some keystrokes during the keying into the URL Address field.  It presumes to complete the URL based on Visited URLs from the History INDEX.DAT file.

Cache - as used in this document, the collection of Temporary Internet Files.

Cache INDEX.DAT data file - the file located within the Temporary Internet Files Folder that is used to contain URL entries for the Temporary Internet Files.

CDF - acronym for Channel Definition File.  PurgeIE takes additional steps to preserve these files.

Channel - a Web site designed to deliver content from the Internet to your computer, similar to subscribing to a favorite Web site.  Please refer to "What is a Channel" in  the Help function within Internet Explorer for a proper understanding of Channels.

Cookies - are small Text files that are written to a user's hard disk by their Web Browser.  The cookies are generated by the Web-site being visited.  Some Web-sites use Cookies to retain user selection criteria such as stock ticker symbols you indicated to be automatically processed when you revisit the stock quote site.  Another valid example is the specification of a city to be processed when you revisit your favorite weather Web-site.

Some Web-sites utilize Cookies to simply indicate that you have visited the site previously and will present you with a different Web-page that was presented on your first visit.  Many people are concerned that the use of Cookies is or can easily become an invasion of privacy.  Unfortunately, some Web-sites refuse access unless the visitor accepts Cookies.

Cookies INDEX.DAT data file - the file located within the Cookies Folder that is used to contain URL entries for the Cookies Files.

History Folders - are folders that contain History information for Web-Sites you have visited.  Typically, there is a History Folder for each day that Internet Explorer retains for you.  You indicate the number of days of History to retain via Internet Explorer Options.

History INDEX.DAT data file - the file located within the primary History Folder that is used to contain URL entries for each Web-page accessed.  This data is used by Internet Explorer's AutoComplete function.  Within this document, these entries are referred to as Visited URLs.

INDEX.DAT data files - a specially formatted type of data file used by Internet Explorer to contain URLs and other reference data like 'Hits', last access date and pointers to associated files such as Cookies and Temporary Internet Files.  There are several of these files named INDEX.DAT on a typical system.  They should not arbitrarily be deleted as some contain critical Offline (or Subscription) Cache information.

Non-Subscription Cache - the collection of Temporary Internet Files (TIF) that are not from a Subscription Web-site.

Offline Cache - the collection of Temporary Internet Files (TIF) that were downloaded for "Offline Viewing".  Note that IE-4 referred to this as Subscription Cache.

Online Cache - the collection of Temporary Internet Files (TIF) other than those downloaded for "Offline Viewing".  Other portions of this document refer to this as Non- Subscription Cache.

Protected Cookies - Cookies that have been protected by PurgeIE's 'Protect' function.  Note that this protection only prevents deletion of this Cookie by the PurgeIE Purge function.  Protected Cookies can still be deleted by other programs and systems such as Internet Explorer.

Recent LNKs - are Links to documents, images, etc., which were accessed by your system.  These are displayed as Icons when you press the Windows Start button and select Documents.  Note that this can include LNKs other than those generated from Internet Explorer.

Subscription Cache - the collection of Temporary Internet Files (TIF) that are from a Subscription Web-site.  IE-5 refers to this as "Offline Viewing".

Strays - as used in this document, the Cookies and Cache files that are not indexed by the their respective INDEX.DAT data files.  Temporary Internet Files can exist in the Cache directory without being indexed by multiple causes.  The primary cause is termination of the loading of a Web-page prior to its complete processing.  The file goes into the cache but the index is not updated to reflect its location.

Also, index items within these INDEX.DAT data files that refer to non-existing local files are considered to be Strays and will be deleted .by the 'Strays' function.

Computer failures that require a reboot (without a proper Shutdown of Windows/NT have been observed to cause a large number of Strays.  Another way that this can occur is by deletion of the Temporary Internet Files by DOS functions.  DOS has no means for updating the INDEX.DAT data files.

Note that some utility programs delete the Temporary Internet Files by DOS functions and do not modify the INDEX.DAT data file.  This can result in the INDEX.DAT file becoming enormous.  Some have been reported to exceed a megabyte.  If this is your situation, you will experience the deletion of a tremendous number of URL Strays the first time you purge Strays with PurgeIE.

Temporary Internet Files - the files such as Web pages and graphics files that are stored on your hard disk as they are retrieved from the Internet as you view them.

TIF - acronym for Temporary Internet Files.

Typed URLs - are entries placed into the Registry for the URLs that have been typed into the URL Address field.

UnProtected Cookies - Cookies that have not been protected by PurgeIE's 'Protect' function.

URL - Uniform Resource Locator - An Internet Address.

UserData – the IE UserData folder is documented on Microsoft.com as "UserData Persistence".  Some of the privacy experts refer to this as "SuperCookies".  Microsoft implemented this functionality with IE-5 and expanded it with IE-5.5.

Visited URLs - are URL entries that are maintained in an INDEX.DAT file in the primary History folder.  This file contains a record of each URL you have visited.  This data is used by Internet Explorer for its AutoComplete function.

Windows Temporary files - files stored in the Windows Temporary File folder.  Typically these files are created by Windows programs and deleted upon termination.  Microsoft Word is an example of such a program.  System failures and Program failures prevent the proper deletion of these files and the folder can waste a great deal of disk space.  Periodic cleanup is advised.  Internet Explorer also makes use of this folder and could leave 'tracks' there.


Trial Period and Limitations

You are free to try this software prior to registration.  You are allowed to test this software for fifteen (15) days in its Fully-functional mode.  These days need not be contiguous.

Once the Trial Period expires, the program can still execute in Preview mode for evaluation purposes.  In Preview mode no actual deletes are performed.  The program must then be registered to regain its Fully-functional mode.


Registration Process

PurgeIE makes use of an Online Registration Service.  The License fee may be paid by major Credit Card or by a personal Check.  Registration can be done online via a Credit Card using a Secure Server or by U.S. Mail if you choose to use a Check.  The Registration Service also provides for Phone and FAX ordering.

You may register directly with the vendor by sending a Check or Money Order via U.S. Mail.

You register online or register directly with the vendor by accessing the vendor's Web-site.  See the instructions below for Registration.

Your Registration Code will be sent to you via E-Mail after payment of the License fee is verified.  You then enter the Registration Code using the same "PurgeIE - Registration" window

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Detailed Instructions follow for Registration:

Note - If PurgeIE is not executing, you need to start it by:  Click Start, Click Programs, Select the PurgeIE folder, then click the Icon titled "PurgeIE".

  1.  Press the "Help" button on the PurgeIE Main Window

  2.  Select "Purchase License - Register"

  3.  Press the "Purchase License" button  (this requires Internet access)

  4.  Follow the instructions provided via the online screens.

When you receive the Registration Code from the Vendor:

  1.  Press the "Help" button on the PurgeIE Main Window

  2.  Select "Purchase License - Register"

  3.  Enter the Registration Code into the Data Entry field toward the bottom of the "PurgeIE - Registration" window

  4.  Press the "Process Registration Code" button

  5.  If the code has been correctly entered, the message to the right should indicate "Registration was Successful".  Press the "OK" button

  6.  If the "Registration was Successful" message does not appear, correct the data entered and repeat from step # 5

  7. If you have trouble getting this to work, send an E-mail to the Vendor via regprobs@purgeie.com describing the problem.  Do not try to register again as the automated system would charge another registration fee.  You will be contacted by return E-Mail to resolve the problem.

Please report any registration problems or difficulties to the vendor via E-Mail to regprobs@purgeie.com


UnInstall

To uninstall PurgeIE, use the "Add/Remove" function found on your Window's "Control Panel".


Vendor Contact

Assistance and Resources for Computing, Inc.

9508 In-A-Vale Drive

Brentwood, TN  37027-8214

Email - support@purgeie.com

Please use the Web-site  http://www.purgeie.com to contact the vendor.

Please use the Web to Register this software.

The Web-site will contain "Frequently Asked Questions" regarding the product as they develop.

The Web-site will, of course, provide information on new versions as well as additional software as it becomes available.

We welcome suggestions and accept complaints graciously.  Our intent is to provide you with real value for your purchase.

The Web-site provides several E-Mail addresses for your feedback.