Viewing information stored in a PageFile 1

[rhm54]

Is there anyway to view the information saved to the Pagefile?

 

[wolluf]

for what purpose?

 

[rhm54]

I have been told that there is a way to view information stored in a pagefile and it can be used against you. For Example websites you have visited, passwords, Instant Messaging, etc. I would like to be able to see just what is stored in my pagefile so I can see just what is being tracked.

On a second note I would also like to be able to delete this information if possible.

Thanks

 

[wolluf]

I don't think you can access the pagefile while windows is running - but if you have access to the disk outside the operating system, its just a file - so obviously can be read. As its the memory in use when you are using the machine, yes it can contain information of the type you mention.

Quick Google gave this

http://www.tentug.org/tips-n-tricks.htm#CLEAR SYSTEM PAGEFILE AT SHUTDOWN

tip for NT (don't know if it works on XP). I'm sure you can find more tips/options if you look.

 

[bcastner]

Go to Start --> Run and type "regedit" (without quotes.)
Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management.
Modify or add the REG_DWORD entry "ClearPageFileAtShutdown" (without the quotes) and set its value equal to 1.
You must restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Note: this will noticably slow-down shutdown and reboots.

To manually clear the pagefile, right-click My Computer, Properties, Advanced, Performance, Advanced, Virtual Memory, Change, and disable the page file. Save your changes. Then do the steps again to re-enable the pagefile.