Microsoft Windows-based computer operating systems utilize a special file as a "scratch pad" to write data when additional random access memory is needed. In Windows, Windows 95 and Windows 98, these are called Windows swap files. In Windows NT and Windows 2000 and Windows XP they are called Windows page files but they have essentially the same characteristics as Windows swap files. Windows swap/page files are huge and most computer users are unaware of their existence.

The size of these files can range from 100 million bytes over a gigabyte and the potential exists for these huge files to contain remnants of word processing, E-Mail messages, Internet browsing activity, database entries and almost any other work that may have occurred during past Windows work sessions. This situation creates a significant security problem because the potential exists for data to be transparently stored within the Windows swap file without the knowledge of the computer user. This can occur even if the work product was stored on a computer network server.

The result is a significant computer security weakness that can be of benefit to the computer forensics specialist. Windows swap files can actually provide the computer forensics specialist with investigative leads that might not otherwise be discovered. Use a Windows Cleaner to safeguard your privacy.