Q: My browsing history cache is slowing my computer down. No matter what I try, I can't get rid of it. I tried deleting it from IE and AOL. I've clicked on "clear history on sign off," but that doesn’t work either. I'm using IE8 and Windows XP.
A: What you’re experiencing is an indexing problem. Indexing allows your computer to keep an inventory of file names on your computer so that searches are faster and more efficient.
To fix or empty your browsing history cache, you’ll actually need to alter your settings for how your computer indexes its files. Try this:
Launch Internet Explorer.
1. Click the Tools menu, then click Internet Options.
2. Click the Content tab.
3. Click AutoComplete.
4. Click Settings.
5. Under Address Bar, uncheck “Use Windows Search”.
6. Exit IE.
7. Launch IE again.
You should now be able to delete your browsing history.
You can always go in and enable Windows Search again, then disable it the next time you want to delete the browsing history.
If that doesn’t work, try this:
1. Go to Control Panel.
2. Control Panel Home (NOT the Classic View).
3. System and Maintenance.
4. Indexing Options.
As you can see, Internet Explorer History is automatically indexed and cannot be removed from Windows Search Indexing (i.e. storing all entries). However, you can flush out the entries by clicking on Advanced and then choosing Rebuild.
Once you click on Rebuild and re-open IE8, all the previous History entries in the address bar are gone.
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