How do I delete the browsing History from my address bar?

stubbo · #1 (**permalink**) 24-10-2009, 07:46 PM

I go through the normal process of deleting the browsing history from my laptop (Tools - internet options - Delete history) but it still seems to leave some sites on it. I delete them from the address bar manually but when I open it up again they are still there, it is always the same sites that are on it. When I delete the history it deletes recent stuff but still leaves these sites. Any idea how I get rid of them?

Digerati · #2 (**permalink**) 25-10-2009, 01:16 AM

There are many places history is saved and many methods to get rid of them. Here's my canned text on cleaning out the clutter, including history:

I recommend purging the hard drives of clutter with Windows (XP or Vista) Disk Cleanup, ATF Cleaner or CCleaner. If using CCleaner, uncheck the option to install the Yahoo toolbar during installation. Before first use, go to Options > Settings > Advanced and ensure Only delete files in Windows Temp folders older than 48 hours is unchecked. Know your site credentials (user names and passwords) for sites you frequent before cleaning; you may have to login again at next visit.

stubbo · #3 (**permalink**) 25-10-2009, 08:37 PM

Thanks for the response, I've tried this but the sites still seem to be in the History section of the address bar.

Digerati · #4 (**permalink**) 25-10-2009, 11:02 PM

You tried what, exactly?

stubbo · #5 (**permalink**) 27-10-2009, 12:42 AM

I tried what you said but these sites still seem to appear in the history section of the address bar!

Digerati · #6 (**permalink**) 27-10-2009, 01:02 AM

Backup your registry.

Download, install, and run ERUNT,
When prompted to add ERUNT to the Start-up folder, click No,
Start ERUNT, select Ok to continue,
In the box that opens, select the save location for the backup (the default is recommended),
Ensure the "System registry" and "Current user registry" options are checked,
Click OK,
When prompted, click Yes to create a new folder,
When Registry backup is complete notice appears, note restore instructions, then click OK.

Then follow these instructions: Delete and Clear Internet Explorer Address Bar History

stubbo · #7 (**permalink**) 27-10-2009, 07:19 PM

Thanks for that. I tried it but the history still seems to be there. Its the same sites that keep re-appearing in the address bar.

Dan Penny · #8 (**permalink**) 27-10-2009, 08:29 PM

I take it that you are running (some version) of MS Internet Explorer.

Go to Internet Options, the General tab, and under Browsing History, clear out ALL. (NOTE: You will have to re-enter any site passwords etc.)

Then (I run) CCleaner. (Follow Digerati's instructions in his Post #2 (unless you ~want~ the Yahoo toolbar)).

I then run RegSeeker.
Open it, click on Clean The Registry, then OK.

Once it's finished, along the bottom of the screen, click on Select, choose "Select All". Then click on Action, then "Delete selected items".

All deleted items will be backed up, just click OK for the default backup filenames/locations.

Close the program and restart the machine.

These steps should sufficiently clear your machine of history/junk.

stubbo · #9 (**permalink**) 27-10-2009, 10:11 PM

I've tried all of that and these sites still stay in the History in the address bar. Is there anyway I can un-install internet explorer and re-install it?

Dan Penny · #10 (**permalink**) 27-10-2009, 10:19 PM

Have you rebooted since the "cleanup"?