Can't open History index DAT file

I am operating windows xp. When I click on history, it shows a History .IE 5 folder with an index. When I try to open the index., which is a DAT file all I get is some type of subliminal message flashing repeatedly on my screen. Its so quick I cant se what it is. I am trying to open the Dat file with the recommended program of Windows Explorer, As it stands I cant see any history.

Any Input would be welcome.

 

Boogie, .dat files can't be opened with Windows Explorer. They are special files created by programs for their own use. You must open the program that created the .dat file and it will be able to utilize whatever the .dat file contains. You can think of them as cache files that store data for the program. They have the ability to expand or contract as the need arises.

The Windows OS does not assign an associated program for opening them directly since several different programs use the .dat extension and Windows wouldn't know which particular one that might be in any given instance.

If you have other problems using the History feature of Internet Explorer, post back with the details.

 

I think this is probably the reason Windows seem to randomly associate a programme with these .dat files. Like Windows Media Player in my case.

 

Thanks guys,
How do I find out which program created the dat file ?
Before I just used to see my history without opening anything up.

 

The answer is in your question:

 

Boogie, It's just a wild guess based on what little information I have, but I'm going to figure that you have Internet Explorer 5 and its files are flawed. If that be true, you have two obvious choices - either repair IE5 or upgrade to IE6.

All things being considered, I normally prefer to make an all out attempt to repair a program before upgrading. IE5 lends itself to repair via the Windows Add/Remove Programs tool. When you select to uninstall it, it will give you the option of repairing it first.

Of course there are exceptions and at times an upgrade can fix obscure problems that are challenging to diagnose.

It's your choice. In either case, the standard precautions apply - a good backup plan and the Windows full install CD.

BTW, I can't help but wonder how/why you have IE5 with XP. My guess may be incorrect and you may have IE6 but you'll have to come forth with more details to clarify that.

 

Hi surferdude2,
Curious...Do a file serch on your computer using advanced feaures and type in history. What do you get?

 

Hi Ann, Thanks for that. I get 30 hits with that criteria and 6 hits using history.ie5 Whatta ya think. That is rather odd since I don't think I have ever had IE5 but when I look insude some of those folders, I find current files. More smoke and mirrors from MS?

I suppose it could have been worse, they could have named the folders Windows 3.1 or dos 1. The logic escapes me.

 

Boogie, assuming you are trying to access History using the normal method, from the browser Taskbar, you shouldn't be seeing that folder listed.

It likely means that your IE6 files are corrupt. Ie6 can be repaired or reinstalled if that be the case. Although I have never had to do it, I have two links in my stacker about it:

http://www.theeldergeek.com/repair_reinstall_ie_and_oe_6.htm

also see:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q318378

 

Hi Boogie,
I think this post should explain the index.dat file and the complexities:
http://www.windowsbbs.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=14058&highlight=index.dat

Please don't assume anything since this was from the winme forum and xp is just a wee bit different. I just can't read anymore today as I have not gone to bed yet and I'm about to fall asleep at the keyboard. I provided a link that should give you a good idea of what the index.dat is. If you still have questions feel free to ask.

To suferdude2,
Bless your heart. I know your just trying to be helpful but I don't think anything is wrong. I believe Boogie was just looking through his files and folders and stumbled across this folder and the index.dat inside. He/she is just curious about what it is and what it does.

 

Hello Boogie,

For cleaning out the .dat files, use ccleaner or something like it http://www.ccleaner.com/ These cleaners do erase the .dat file and windows than re-creates it - empty.

Forget about windows doing the job - have to go to herioc efforts to so and as you can see, not worth the time.

Regards - Charles

 

Hello Boogie,

For cleaning out the .dat files, use ccleaner or something like it http://www.ccleaner.com/ These cleaners do erase the .dat file and windows than re-creates it - empty.

Another program that will do the job and more: System Secuity Suite http://www.igorshpak.net/

Forget about windows doing the job - have to go to herioc efforts to so and as you can see, not worth the time.

EDIT: Forgot - .dat file reader http://support.it-mate.co.uk/?mode=Products&act=DL&p=index.datqv

Regards - Charles

Double Posted

 

I advise against deleting the index.dat files in XP unless you have full control over the process and understand the ramifications. When XP first came out, I personally experienced system file damage as a result of running a program that "cleaned" these files for me. As a result, I lost the ability to use the MS System information tool. I was able to gain it back by editing the shortcut on the Program Files menu.

Frankly, for my system, I never saw any real advantage in "cleaning" them so I have quit doing that. I suppose you might make a case for having a corrupt index.dat file and would need to delete it but that seems rather remote.

As for covering your surfing tracks, I would think it's much easier to password protect your identity.

From Ann's link, I quote Zephyr (a close friend):

Your system - your choice - your peril.

 

Hi 'dude,

I agree with you up to a point. Most of the people that are so intent on "cleaning" usually are on multi-user systems and I can understand their concerns.

As for these cleaners creating problems, like everything else, make sure that you know how to undo what you did - I never had problem with cleaning stuff out. I do it periodically simply to rid myself of accumulalted garbage, some of which Windows will not do or takes too much time.

Anyway, Boogie can see for himself what's contained in the various dat files w/ index.datQV program and make decisions accordingly.

I quote Zephyr (a close friend):

Say hello for me If you can get a word in edgewise

Regards - Charles

 

Boogie, I have managed to replicate your problem and I think I have a solution. The problem is a corrupt or missing key in the Registry. When I intentionally corrupt the key in my Registry and then open the Browser and click the History icon, I get exactly what you describe, the "History.IE5" folder and nothing else. Opening that folder reveals several folders with long numerical names (presumably my History files) but none of them can be opened. There is also the index.dat file inside there with these folders. I was starting to wonder if Ann wasn't correct and I had misunderstood your position.

The fix that I have requires you to create a file by copy/paste the script below to your Clipboard. Then save it HIST.REG Then go to where you saved it and double click it. Affirm when asked to add the data to the Registry. If all goes well, your History function on the Browser will be back to normal.

There is a possibility that you may also have a dll missing or corrupt but let's go with this first if you're game.

Code:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{FF393560-C2A7-11CF-BFF4-444553540000}]
@= "History "

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{FF393560-C2A7-11CF-BFF4-444553540000}\DefaultIcon]
@=hex(2):25,00,53,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,52,00,6f,00,6f,00,74,00,25,\
  00,5c,00,53,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,33,00,32,00,5c,00,73,00,68,00,\
  64,00,6f,00,63,00,76,00,77,00,2e,00,64,00,6c,00,6c,00,2c,00,2d,00,32,00,30,\
  00,37,00,38,00,35,00,00,00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{FF393560-C2A7-11CF-BFF4-444553540000}\InProcServer32]
@=hex(2):25,00,53,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,52,00,6f,00,6f,00,74,00,25,\
  00,5c,00,53,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,33,00,32,00,5c,00,73,00,68,00,\
  64,00,6f,00,63,00,76,00,77,00,2e,00,64,00,6c,00,6c,00,00,00
 "ThreadingModel "= "Apartment "

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{FF393560-C2A7-11CF-BFF4-444553540000}\ShellFolder]
 "Attributes "=dword:a0000004

 

Wow, that will be a challenge since the word wrap of the BB inserted several spaces in the script. Feel free to pass if you want but I have nothing else to offer since Registry corruption is hard to edit manually at this magnitude without making a mistake. Removing the spaces from the script wouldn't be all that difficult but it might be more than you want to get into. As I see it, there's only one inappropriate double space in each line of script making a total of 10 double spaces to delete. Like I said, feel free to pass.

Edit: I have found a work around for eliminating the spaces that the BB line wrap inserts. All that is necessary is to click on the "Quote" button at the bottom of the post that has the script in it. You will notice that the script will then show in its proper form. Just highlight all of the script and leave out the

 

Thanks Ann (Goddez 1)Charles and Surferdude,

Sorry for the delay in replying, a mixture of confusion and losing my system for a couple of hours ! I have tried to understand all your posts. Basically I was trying to use history to find a website again that I had stumbled across a couple of days ago and couldnt recall exactly what it was called. I have IE 6 installed so I am not sure why this folder is showing up. I just re-installed IE6 but still have the same problem. All I wanted was to see my history, which I still cant. Everything else is working fine , so I dont understand. Having lost access to my system I am in the mind to leave it as it is, at least for the moment, at least I can still use my computer, unless you have any more ideas. I really didnt want to go the registry edit bit thanks Surferdude, I didnt want to get into a deeper hole ! As I said I can still use my computer as it is, so its no big deal.

Thanks a lot for your assistance.

Sorry Surferdude just noticed your edit. I tried that but when I tried to add to the registry files I got the following error message:

Cannot import C:\documents and settings\boogie\desktop\HIST.REG:The specific file is not a registry script.You can only import binary registry files from within the registry editor

This is how I saved it:-

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{FF393560-C2A7-11CF-BFF4-444553540000}]
@= "History "

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{FF393560-C2A7-11CF-BFF4-444553540000}\DefaultIcon]
@=hex(2):25,00,53,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,52,00,6f,00,6f,00,74,00,25,\
00,5c,00,53,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,33,00,32,00,5c,00,73,00,68,00,\
64,00,6f,00,63,00,76,00,77,00,2e,00,64,00,6c,00,6c,00,2c,00,2d,00,32,00,30,\
00,37,00,38,00,35,00,00,00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{FF393560-C2A7-11CF-BFF4-444553540000}\InProcServer32]
@=hex(2):25,00,53,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,52,00,6f,00,6f,00,74,00,25,\
00,5c,00,53,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,33,00,32,00,5c,00,73,00,68,00,\
64,00,6f,00,63,00,76,00,77,00,2e,00,64,00,6c,00,6c,00,00,00
"ThreadingModel "= "Apartment "

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{FF393560-C2A7-11CF-BFF4-444553540000}\ShellFolder]
"Attributes "=dword:a0000004

 

That error indicates that the script has been altered in such a way that the system won't recognize it. Registry files are very sensitive about format. It's very hard to post them here since the line wrap tends to distort them.

I don't have the permission to attach files to my posts which would make things easier for you. Perhaps some kind soul with the permission will edit the file and attach it to a post for you.

 

Thanks Surferdude,
I appreciate your assistance. I'll leave things as they are for the time being.

Regards

Boogie

 

SD2,
All it takes to get permission to insert attachments is to become a contributing member. As valuable as your help is, you would be doing all of us a favor if you could illustrate your points.

Boogie,
If History isn't working (You click on the icon and nothing is in the left pane) there are two things to check. First is your system clock, and making sure your BIOS time is correct. A CMOS or bad checksum error will wipe out History if not corrected in BIOS before booting into Windows. The other thing that comes to mind is the setting in IE > Tools > "Days to keep History"
make sure it is not set at zero.

(Worked on a comp a few months ago where the teenager kept setting it to "0" to keep her parents from seeing where she went on the 'net. Silly girl. The info was there, her parents just didn't know how to get to it, until I showed them...LOL )

Johanna