[Richard Perko]

There is a lot of hype regarding information secretly stored on one's computer and of course for a substantial fee programs are available to erase this data. Of all the free downloads is there one that will do this for free? If so where may I obtain it? Is it user friendly for someone who does not understand all the technical jargon? Thanks, Mort

[Curlyben]

What sort of program are you looking for ?
One that is very good and deleting your computer's tracking information (cookies, history, temp giles, etc) is CCleaner.

You can find it HERE best of all its FREE

Hope this is what you are looking for.

Please respond with a little more information and we'll be able to help better.

[fredg]

Hi,
Most of these "secret" hidden files are Spyware/Advertising files, coming into the computer from the web while online.

The ccleaner suggested by another is very, very good. Here are some programs and suggested method of using them, if you don't already have them:

If you think you already have Spyware/Advertising Ware in your computer, run these as follows:

AdAware at:
http://www.lavasoftusa.com
Download: AdAware_SE V 1.06

SpyBot Search & Destroy V 1.4
http://www.spybot.info/en/download/index.html

CWShredder at:
http://www.trendmicro.com/cwshredder/
Click on the "Remove CoolWeb Search" button to download

All of the above programs run better and much faster when run in SafeMode.

To get into SafeMode:
Re-boot the computer, and immediately after starting up, Press and hold down, F8, at top of keypad.
When the options show on the screen, use the up and down arrow keys on the keyboard to select
"Safe Mode".
Press Enter

It's best to run the AdAware scan first; 3 times; then re-boot.
Then, run the AdAware scan again 3 times. Then, run SpyBot, and then CWShredder.
Re- Boot.
Reason for running so many times:
Some of these trojans' files can be deleted the first time; leaving some others; but on re-boot, they re-write the files that were deleted.
Running multiple times deletes most of it the first
Time.

If you wish to have a great program, after you clean out Spyware/Advertising Ware:
This program stops this stuff from getting into the computer in the first place, by placing URL's in the browser, stopping them instantly. One of the Very Best free programs anyone can download! Updates of AntiSpyware Definitions are available on almost a weekly basis.

SpyWare Blaster 3.4

http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/sbdownload.html

Free online scan at:
http://www.trendmicro.com/spyware-scan/

I do wish you the best, Mort, and none of the above programs contain any Spyware files themselves.