MSIE Index.dat files

I'm running XP Pro. Before I delete my .dat files, am I going to foul up the software?

I was planning to delete the originals and replace hem with new, empty write-protected copies, as place holders.

I figured that the software would just regenerate them if it decided it needed them, so I'd give it someof what it wanted.

The things they don' teach you in college. <sigh> But OF COURSE Microsoft wouldn't want us to go mucking around with their carefully written soft/spyware.<snark, snark>