how do i clean up a computer so no one knows what i read/did?

[Lao Tzu]

I am on a friends computer, and i read some of his emails. If he asks, i will be honest & say that i did, but as long as he doesn't ask i won't say (half assed integrity is my middle name).

How do i clear up records so he can't look up what i've looked at? he is somewhat good with computers. Do i go into history on IE6 and delete the websites (i'm not worried about websites, just the emails). I assume i go into 'temporary internet files' and clean those out, but which ones and how do i get into them? anything else.

 

[Puc]

if he is using outlook... go to any messages that were marked unread before you got there and change them back.

otherwise, no worries. email files are not cached like web browsing files. That is if the files were INCLUDED in the email. if links were included in the email (perhaps image tags imbedded in am email) an the email was in HTML format, you are viewing the email through an IE window (even though you are still in outlook). If this is the case, i THINK going to ie OPTIONS and selecting delete files and clear history will do all you need.

if you don't mind installing something for a couple minutes go get "absoluteshield internet eraser" install it, run it, then uninstall it (it has a free trial.)
this will clear all common windows and ie tracks. you might want to uncheck the "clear favorites" checkbox. otherwise, he will get pissed. also, clearing the history makes it pretty evident you are covering something up. just say you always do it because of paranoia...

if you THINK the person in question is some kind of a guru, you need to clear your paging file, too. but, i think that is overkill.

 

[anthrax]

You'd better install a special software that will erase all that you want

In youir browser both clear "history" and the temporary pages
and above all, delete the cookies on your PC

 

[KnoXville]

These people are simply trying to confuse you and blatantly show-off with all their 'technical' terminology and hundred step program. Basic way:

DOS prompt

C:\ format C:\

Are you sure you would like to format C:\ ? Y or N

y

Problem solved.

 

[Canuck4]

Lol

These people are simply trying to confuse you and blatantly show-off with all their 'technical' terminology and hundred step program. Basic way:

DOS prompt

C:\ format C:\

Are you sure you would like to format C:\ ? Y or N

y

Problem solved.

 

[anthrax]

These people are simply trying to confuse you and blatantly show-off with all their 'technical' terminology and hundred step program. Basic way:

DOS prompt

C:\ format C:\

Are you sure you would like to format C:\ ? Y or N

y

Problem solved.

well I did it and it worked: no more personal info on my computer