Hidden Files cropping up everywhere...

Discussion in 'Software' started by Gray5000, Apr 19, 2009.

  1. Gray5000

    Gray5000 Private E-2

    First off, AWESOME Forum, it's just a shame I only recently found it! :wave

    I found the "READ & RUN ME FIRST. Malware Removal Guide" and wanted to try it. My PC runs like a dream but I wanted to test to see if it found anything at all as I don't run any security programs. It found next to nothing which I was happy about.

    Ok now for the odd part. Hidden Files I've never seen before have cropped up everywhere. I know my PC inside out and have always had hidden files enabled. In every drive there are about 7 new hidden files and my documents folder has about 20!

    I've uninstalled SUPERAntiSpyware, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and MGtools since using them. It was more curiosity than anything. I'm guessing all these hidden files where created by these programs?

    Folders:

    $RECYCLE.BIN
    RECYCLER
    System Volume Information
    AppData

    Files:

    AUTOEXEC.BAT
    NTDETECT.com
    ntldr
    IO.SYS
    CONFIG.SYS
    boot.ini
    MSDOS.SYS
    And tones of files starting with NT


    They all sound like important files, I deleted a few and then thought I'd better stop and get some information. I'm 99% sure most of them where never there, I'm a clean PC freak and hate unnecessary files and clutter.

    If they are important why have I never seen them before? If not then where have they come from and should I get rid?


    Thanks in advance for any help! :)
     
    Gray5000, Apr 19, 2009
    #1
  2. DavidGP

    DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member

    Hi


    Those are all legit files, but what "may" have happened is that you also un-hid not just normal files but protected system files from the View Menu, which choosing both un-hides many more files and folders, $Recycle.bin and Recycler are the BIN, System Volume Data is System Restore points, AutoExec etc are all needed for boot and proper running of your PC, a stack of ones like $NT and then a KB code like this $NtUninstallKB12345$ are the Windows update files.

    Keep them all, especially if you dont want any boot or running issues, the $NTUninstallKBxxxxxx$ files can be removed, but you then loose the ability to uninstall a update if it requires it, due to a incompatability with another application so if not short of HDD space its best to leave them.
     
    DavidGP, Apr 20, 2009
    #2

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