Every once in a while I check my dd's computer history just to see what's going on. Lately she has been deleting her history and I was wondering if any of you know how I could go in and see what she has been looking at. We have the Nanny so I know she can't be looking at p--n but I am more concerned about myspace and xanga and meebo. Thanks for any help.

By Tonya on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 11:36 am:

I believe once the history is gone that is it. I would say just tell her she is not allowed to erase it. Privacy or not she needs to leave it alone.

By Dawnk777 on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 11:38 am:

Is she just deleting the history, or the temporary internet files, too?

This is the path for mine, but it would be whatever username you are using.

C:\Documents and Settings\Dawn\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files

If she hasn't deleted those, as well, you would still be able to see where she's been.

You might have to tell the user folder to show you hidden files, to get to the Local Settings folder. Even though it looks like it's not an active folder, you can still click on it.

By Ginny~moderator on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 11:58 am:

Dawn's instructions should help. Or, just use the Search function (click the Start button in the lower left), search for folders, History, and open the folder when it comes up.

In Tools \ Internet Options \ General window, near the bottom, you can set how many days you want the history saved - check to see if that number has been changed.

And yes, instruct your DD that she is not to delete the history and if you find the history deleted or not showing the past (x # of days), she loses computer privileges for X days.

By Dana on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 12:10 pm:

Ginny made a great suggestion about stating the expectations and new rules since you see information missing. Such a simple thing, and it didn't even cross my mind to comment on new computer rules for DD.

By Tarable on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 12:30 pm:

I know some of those parental control tools save the history somewhere else so that the kid can't just delete them. I would look at the instructions for it and see. That is if she already deleted the temporary internet files.

By Yjja123 on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 12:40 pm:

I agree with Ginny. Using the computer is a privilege. Clearing the history would certainly cause me to reevaluate that privilege.
My children have limited use (they are likely younger than your daughter) and the computer is in the family room. They will not be allowed to have one in their bedroom.
I know there are programs you can buy that keep everything and even can send to you at another computer. I would do a search for computer parental programs.

By Ginny~moderator on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 01:05 pm:

Tonya first raised the point about telling DD she can't erase the history - credit where credit is due.

By Cocoabutter on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 02:17 pm:

If these suggestions don't help (which I hope that they do) then there are keylogger programs that you could install on her computer.

By Anonymous on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 03:11 pm:

Thanks ladies, I will try your suggestions.