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I am still a dunce with PCs so need advice.

If I downloaded a movie file on the pc at work what would I then have to do to erase it and stop nosey bastards in the office finding out? Its very tame soft stuff but I work with a real prude.

What does the following mean....AVI-Format (Cinepak-Codec) 1.2-1.9MB

What do I need to view such a file? And how do I know if the right codec is installed?

You should be able to view it with Windows Media Player or possibly Realplayer. Best bet is to upgrade WMP to version 7, try the movie and if it doesn't work then do a search on Google for WMP codecs. Good luck!!

It is easy to delete the file and remove it from the recently opened documents list but you should make sure you remove it from Windows Media Player playlist as well (most people forget this). Best bet is to rename the file to something unobtrusive after downloading but before opening then it wont't matter if you don't fully erase you tracks. The codec mentioned is already installed in WMP.

What file are you looking at by the way?To go to all this effort for something thats quite tame-pull the other one!!.Its not Sabrina J blowing you a kiss by any chance?

I'll give it a trial run for you if you like?

As for deleting the evidence there are a plethora of programs on 30 day trials try window washer at

Have no idea wether its good or bad.

As for codecs if it doesn't work try

Player upgrades should be available through the player itself.

At the end of the day you've got to say
Magoo buy a PC

cheers
B...OZ

TweakUI is a decent little program from Microsoft. It's a small add on that allows you to customise Windows a bit further. Once installed it has a Privacy section that allows you to empty history lists, previous document lists, etc every time Windows is shutdown.

Two more thoughts.....

1 If you download progranmmes that play movies you may need tto explain why.

2 If tou have a stand alone PC maybe fine but if you have a terminal linked to a server you have no way of knowing what record of your activity is being saved remotely.

Depending on the OS you are using - eg Win 98 or ME - Media Player also makes a Registry entry. To delete these you need to hit Run on the Start Menu - type regedit then search HKEY CURRENT USER for Software, open - search for Microsoft, open - search for Media Player, open - search Recent URL List, open Recent Play List and then delete any entries. If the Recent URL list may be suspicious then also delete any entries there. Afaik Win XP does not create Registry entries or a recent play list, but I am still trying to come to terms with this OS. Hope this helps you to cover your tracks.

alternatively download xteq - a system tweak software - and you can clear all your recently opened files lists with a couple of clicks.

much better than tweakui, imo.

I rest my case Magoo far easier to buy that PC.

The Mpeg 1.2mb-1.9mb your talking about probably goes for a whole 30 seconds.

One of the previous posts is correct i believe if its a terminal connected to a server even those programs like evidence eliminator won't help or am I wrong.

cheers
B...OZ