Microsoft Hidden Files
Essay by review • November 8, 2010 • Study Guide • 2,105 Words (9 Pages) • 1,891 Views
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, "џлпÐÑš").
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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