Help Understanding Folder Found On Data Drive

I noticed a folder on my data drive. It has a long name very similar to dcf70f3fd27777bcc888688446xxx.

There are about 25 sub folders each with a EULA.rtf (in different languages, LocalizedData.xml and SetUpResources.dll

One of the images appears to be a Microsoft .netFramework logo. There is a Setup.exe file and others as well.

I have been having some other (Win7x64 Home Premium) computer issues that I have not had time to get to.

I renamed the folder by adding "xxx" to the folder name. So far the computer (desktop) is still working - lol.

I wonder....

(1) how to verify that is really IS a MS folder?
(2) did changing the folder name disable the contents?
(3) if I just delete the whole thing, will Windows regenerate a new on if needed?
(4) would this file being located on a data drive slow down or negatively affect my computer?

TIA

DrCarl

 

Leftover from a Windows Update ?

 

Maybe - I wonder if I can just delete it....

 

If the file size is not causing space issues, why not just leave well alone?

 

Usually, I'd agree. It's only 11 MB.
I like to get rid of things I don't understand, and NETFramework is something I don't know about.
I'm not a developer, I heard it may be needed for security (not sure if that's true), and might be needed for some apps.
I looked in the registry and see that 4.0 is the latest I have.
Again, I just don't understand what its for, how it works, how to update it, and if I can just get rid of it.
Oh! If I were not having other issues, (slow browser, sleep function gone, and others) I'd not be as 'on the lookout' for weirdness as I am.
Once I go over to Win10, I understand that updated NET Framework is already in that OS version.

 

Windows 7 comes with .NET 3.5 so I wouldn't be removing things you aren't sure about.
Scroll to the table
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.NET_Framework_version_history

If you run Windows 7 as long as you have .NET 3.5 SP1, you are patched and up to date.
There is no need to install anything higher unless some software complains.

 

Thanks plodr - and I guess I'll just leave the folder where it is...although I'd like to delete it if it's not a necessary collection, like, if the setup.exe has already done its thing.

 

That folder probably contains files that were used to update the MS .NET Framework.
Look for the English EULA.rtf and open it.

BTW If you want to know which versions of the MS .NET Frameworks are installed, use this tiny portable app.
http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/asoft_net_version_detector.html

 

And how it will get you in trouble will be when you need to install the new(er) version of .NET. The process will tell you it can't find dcfyadayada to uninstall the older version and; hopefully, offer to let you locate it yourself, but it might not. Rename that folder back to what it was and leave it alone (I've been there, done that, lots of times!)

 

Thanks Davis. Renamed. working on other disasters now. (MSE freezes, couldn't uninstall, could not re-install, used restore point to get halfway back to normal, Windows explorer and other programs go into unresponsive coma - stuff for a new thread after I follow other thread's advice - ARGH!)

 

IF (!!!) the problems started recently (meaning less than 48 hours ago), the best cure is to use the F8, repair my computer option, and to choose a restore point labeled Windows Update or Critical Update. When you do it that way, the bad guy doesn't get to reinfect you during the reboot. A normal system restore isn't anywhere near as powerful.

 

David - thanks. I have rebooted so many times that I don't even know what day it is anymore. I think I can remember my name. It's probably too late. Also 'repair my computer' is not displayed with the F8 start. Win asks for installation disc (that I don't have) and I don't know if the upgrade disc will do.

Status 0xc000000e Info: boot selection failed because a required device is inaccessible.

I got side-tracked and have deleted everything "dropbox" while letting MSE try to scan. It hangs, not sure why. I even tried just scanning the Windows folder with MSE. Got through most of it. Hangs on temp and another folder. No clue if that's a clue or not.

 

It's Davis, BTW...
But; go get the trial version of http://www.hdtune.com and check your hard disk drive. Run the Error Scan and, if even one red box appears, we need to get you away from a failing drive which cannot be fixed.

 

Interesting. I downloaded and ran it without reading anything. Health tab says SSD has 13 retired blocks. The SSD has damaged blocks. Falling into bed now. Will have to read what this is tomorrow. Thanks (Red box on what scan? the Error scan?)

 

Yes; the Error Scan. Modern drives are supposed to use SMART and reallocate to a set of spare, hidden sectors when one goes bad. Windoze, since Vista, will go into a "coma" (hang forever) when it hits a bad sector. Do you have your stuff backed up and are you up to starting fresh or do you want to try and rescue whats there?

 

Davis, thanks. I am not starting fresh and have decades of material that has survived a few laptops and is now being handled by my desktop. I wonder how "fresh" Win10 will be when Woody Leonhard allows us to upgrade?

Although I have never actually attempted a restore, I have acquired a 5TB USB external drive and Acronis 2016, have made both Rescue Media and Ultimate Restore bootable discs, a full backup of everything (abt 4.5 TB), and some incrementals. And bumped my RAM up to 12 GB.

HD Tune Pro runs as I type. Thanks, and thanks for the notes, too.

Yesterday I completed the "Read and Run First" protocols, and am doing some cleanup today. That thread is here.

 

EDIT: the full backup is 1.2 TB, not 4.5 - lol