I don’t like Internet Explorer. The main reason being that it’s really difficult to clear all the user data. Even when you think you’ve got it all, some crap will always remain. That is why I use Firefox. Which consequently explains why this site looks better in Firefox than IE.

I have always been wary of the AutoComplete Password feature in browsers. This nifty little utility, IE PassView, will show you why. IE PassView is able to lists all the passwords that IE saved for you when you answer Yes to that oh so helpful and insecure feature. More importantly, this tool allows me to verify that I don’t have any passwords stored in IE. And if I do, the tool enables me to easily remove them.

IE do actually allow you to remove these auto-complete passwords. However, it won’t show you what it has saved. To clear out all your IE passwords, go to Tools > Internet Options > Content > Personal Information > AutoComplete and click on Clear Passwords. While you’re at it, uncheck the Use AutoComplete for user names and passwords on forms option to prevent IE from ever saving another password for you.

I should probably also point out that Firefox with a default configuration also suffers from the same problem. It does however provide a solution to the problem by supporting the use of a Master Password. The Master Password is used to encrypt all your other passwords saved by Firefox. When Firefox attempts to auto-complete a password, you will be prompted for the Master Password. This only happens once per session. To enable the Master Password feature, go to Tools > Options > Security and check the Use a master password checkbox.

I personally avoid using the AutoComplete Password feature in either browser. Apart from the fact that they are insecure, you run the risk of forgetting your passwords. This becomes a real problem when you have to access a site from a different computer. Or, if you should be unlucky enough to lose your computer.