# Where the #%&+ is this data stored? (computer question) **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [August 20, 2002, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-the-is-this-data-stored-computer-question/124764 "2002-08-20T17:50:42Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Sn-man](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8dc957/32.png) [@Sn-man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sn-man)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2002, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-the-is-this-data-stored-computer-question/124764/1 "2002-08-20T17:50:42Z")
I would like to find a way to clear out whatever repository stores the data you have entered on to a web page. For example, I start to enter data in a field and a dropdown box appears with entries that have matched what I have typed in on other pages. It is not a big deal, but I don’t like leaving my login ID data for banking and whatnot on work computers. Does anyone know where this data is stored? ---
**Author:** ![zev\_steinhardt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/97f17d/32.png) [@zev\_steinhardt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zev_steinhardt)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2002, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-the-is-this-data-stored-computer-question/124764/2 "2002-08-20T17:55:51Z")
No, but you’re using IE, you can clear this stuff by going to Tools -\> Internet Options -\> Content -\> AutoComplete. Zev Steinhardt ---
**Author:** ![unwashed\_brain](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/a9adbd/32.png) [@unwashed\_brain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/unwashed_brain)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2002, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-the-is-this-data-stored-computer-question/124764/3 "2002-08-20T21:38:38Z")
In IE, at least, you can delete it by selecting the it when it appears (e.g., when you either double-click in a field or when you start typing something and the little box pops up) and hitting the delete key. By “selecting it”, I mean hi-lighting it using the arrow keys or by simply mousing over it while the pop-up list is still up. ---
**Author:** ![Hail\_Ants](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/dc4da7/32.png) [@Hail\_Ants](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hail_Ants)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2002, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-the-is-this-data-stored-computer-question/124764/4 "2002-08-20T23:57:32Z")
After surfing at work I recommend doing all of the following: [ul] [li]Right click on the IE icon and choose **Properties** [/li][li]In Temporary Internet Files click **Delete Files…** then **OK** [/li][li]To be extra secure click **Delete Cookies…** and **OK** as well[/li][li]In History click **Clear History** then **Yes** [/li][li]At the top click the **Content** tab[/li][li]Click **AutoComplete…** [/li][li]Click **Clear Forms** then **Yes** [/li][li]Click **Clear Passwords** then **Yes** [/li][li]Click the main **OK** at the bottom to finish[/li][/ul] I also recommend emptying the Recycle Bin too. Also be aware that the computer which controls your work’s internet gateway will probably keep a log of **every single site visited** along with how long and who’s PC it was (i.e. your NIC’s address). ---
**Author:** ![Hail\_Ants](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/dc4da7/32.png) [@Hail\_Ants](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hail_Ants)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2002, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-the-is-this-data-stored-computer-question/124764/5 "2002-08-21T00:06:48Z")
After surfing at work I recommend doing all of the following: [ul] [li]Right click on the IE icon and choose **Properties** [/li][li]In Temporary Internet Files click **Delete Files…** then **OK** [/li][li]To be extra secure click **Delete Cookies…** and **OK** as well[/li][li]In History click **Clear History** then **Yes** [/li][li]At the top click the **Content** tab[/li][li]Click **AutoComplete…** [/li][li]Click **Clear Forms** then **Yes** [/li][li]Click **Clear Passwords** then **Yes** [/li][li]Click the main **OK** at the bottom to finish[/li][/ul] I also recommend emptying the Recycle Bin too. Also be aware that the computer which controls your work’s internet gateway will probably keep a log of **every single site visited** along with how long and who’s PC it was (i.e. your NIC’s address). ---
**Author:** ![teqjack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/96bed5/32.png) [@teqjack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teqjack)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2002, 4:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-the-is-this-data-stored-computer-question/124764/6 "2002-08-21T04:14:29Z")
Check out AutoWhat at ZDnet or Cnet. Not perfect, but waddahay. Just knowing where it is is no use, it is a special format. I usually keep stuff like my name, clear SocSec number. For once, crap like SS# in auto-complete is not really MS fault, it is stupid site design. For a field to be kept, it has to be requested/setup by a site. This also explains why you may find stuff in there 15 or 20 times yet have some forms not find it. Your city may be there as “City” (Duh) but also as “Field06”, “Z5ghR8” or whatever at the whim of various site designers. ---
**Author:** ![Sn-man](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8dc957/32.png) [@Sn-man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sn-man)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2002, 12:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-the-is-this-data-stored-computer-question/124764/7 "2002-08-21T12:24:21Z")
Thanks for the info. I am not worried about history or the sites I visit. I just did not want personal information popping back up. I cleared forms and passwords and that worked; or seemed to on the couple pages I checked. Thanks again.