Internet Explorer's AutoComplete Information


Additional information for the EditURLs FAQ - 

Why do I see a dropdown list of websites when I begin typing in the address field?



EditURLs only provides for editing/deleting the Typed URLs.  That is, the URL addresses that you have physically typed into the I.E. Address bar.  The most recent 25 Typed URLs are retained in your Windows Registry.  EditURLs works with these registry entries.


I think that you are seeing the Internet Explorer AutoComplete function in action.  I will insert some information on this subject for you.  Part of this info indicates that a function of my shareware program PurgeIE will delete this information.

If you have EditURLs installed, click on its banner to see the short PurgeIE demo.  On the demo window, click the 'List Visited URLs' button to see the "Visited URLs" that are currently retained on your system.  This will let you see them without having to install PurgeIE or PurgeIE Pro.


Internet Explorer's AutoComplete function saves previous entries you've entered for Web addresses.  These are generally referred to as "Typed URLs".  Then, when you type information into the URL address field, AutoComplete suggests possible matches based on the stored data. 

In addition to the above, a record of the URL address of each Web-site you visit is recorded by I.E.  These are generally referred to as "Visited URLs".  This makes up a large part of the information used for I.E.'s AutoComplete function. 

PurgeIE had a function for deleting all of the "Visited URLs" and a function for deleting all of the "Typed URLs".  You could use "PurgeIE's" 'Protect' window to show the "Visited URLs" and allow you to selectively delete entries. 

You may find the following webpage interesting - <http://www.purgeie.com/indexdat.htm>  It gives some info re. the structure of the I.E. primary folders. 


An article on the Microsoft Website states that 'Favorites' are now included in the data used by the AutoComplete function: 

"The Autocomplete feature is another improved element of browser automation in Internet Explorer 5.  Now, in addition to automatically completing Web site addresses previously entered, Autocomplete also attempts to match typed entries to Favorites or folders in your computer." 


Are you aware that you can turn off the 'AutoComplete' function? If not, check out the following from I.E. Help: 

To adjust AutoComplete settings:

You can tailor the AutoComplete feature to save and suggest only the information you want.  You can choose whether to use AutoComplete for Web addresses, forms, and passwords, or not use it all.  And you can clear the history for any of these. 

1. On the Tools menu in Internet Explorer, click Internet Options. 
2. Click the Content tab. 
3. In the Personal information area, click AutoComplete
4. Select the check boxes for the AutoComplete options you want to use. 


[Download PurgeIE or PurgeIE Pro]         [to PurgeIE's Home Page]


My Software

Information for my programs "PurgeIE" and "PurgeIE Pro" can be found via the following Link - http://www.purgeie.com  

Both are marketed as Shareware an provides a 15 (non-contiguous) days full-function trial.  This is the try-before-you-buy approach to marketing software.

"PurgeIE" now has registered users in all 50 US states and over 40 foreign countries.

If you would rather just download it now and read about it later, use -  http://www.purgeie.com/download.htm 


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Revised: April 02, 2015