BleepingComputer.com: Found Hidden Files

Jump to content

Page 1 of 1
  • You cannot start a new topic
  • You cannot reply to this topic

Found Hidden Files

#1 User is offline   rob36500 

  • New Member
  • Pip
  • Find Topics
  • Group: Members
  • Posts: 10
  • Joined: 11-December 11

Posted 10 February 2012 - 03:37 PM

I recently downloaded the free version of toolwiz from CNET. It has a function called super explorer that allows you to find and view hijacked or hidden files on your drives. It has shown me several in red.
They are as follows:
A folder named
$Extend
which contains the following files:
$ObjId
$Quota
$Reparse
$UsnJnl
Then there are other files listed under the C: as so:
$AttrDef
$BadClus
$BitMap
$Boot
$LogFile
$Mft
$MftMirr
$Secure
$UpCase
$Volume
If anybody knows what these are and if they are malware, help me figure out how to remove them.

Attached File(s)



#2 User is offline   hamluis 

  • Forum Addict
  • PipPipPipPipPipPip
  • Find Topics
  • Group: Moderator
  • Posts: 31,468
  • Joined: 03-September 05
  • Gender:Male
  • Location:Killeen, TX

Posted 10 February 2012 - 03:57 PM

The program you mention...is a self-styled "optimizer". As such, I suggest that you uninstall it and cease to use it or assume that it will do anything of consequence that will be beneficial to your system.

Bleeping Computer DOES NOT recommend the use of registry cleaners/optimizers for several reasons:
  • Registry cleaners are extremely powerful applications that can damage the registry by using aggressive cleaning routines and cause your computer to become unbootable.

    The Windows registry is a central repository (database) for storing configuration data, user settings and machine-dependent settings, and options for the operating system. It contains information and settings for all hardware, software, users, and preferences. Whenever a user makes changes to settings, file associations, system policies, or installed software, the changes are reflected and stored in this repository. The registry is a crucial component because it is where Windows "remembers" all this information, how it works together, how Windows boots the system and what files it uses when it does. The registry is also a vulnerable subsystem, in that relatively small changes done incorrectly can render the system inoperable. For a more detailed explanation, read Understanding The Registry.

  • Not all registry cleaners are created equal. There are a number of them available but they do not all work entirely the same way. Each vendor uses different criteria as to what constitutes a "bad entry". One cleaner may find entries on your system that will not cause problems when removed, another may not find the same entries, and still another may want to remove entries required for a program to work.

  • Not all registry cleaners create a backup of the registry before making changes. If the changes prevent the system from booting up, then there is no backup available to restore it in order to regain functionality. A backup of the registry is essential BEFORE making any changes to the registry.

  • Improperly removing registry entries can hamper malware disinfection and make the removal process more difficult if your computer becomes infected. For example, removing malware related registry entries before the infection is properly identified can contribute to system instability and even make the malware undetectable to removal tools.

  • The usefulness of cleaning the registry is highly overrated and can be dangerous. In most cases, using a cleaner to remove obsolete, invalid, and erroneous entries does not affect system performance but it can result in "unpredictable results".


Unless you have a particular problem that requires a registry edit to correct it, I would suggest you leave the registry alone. Using registry cleaning tools unnecessarily or incorrectly could lead to disastrous effects on your operating system such as preventing it from ever starting again. For routine use, the benefits to your computer are negligible while the potential risks are great.

Louis

#3 User is offline   cryptodan 

  • Bleepin Madman
  • PipPipPipPipPipPip
  • Find Topics
  • Group: BC Advisor
  • Posts: 18,398
  • Joined: 08-September 08
  • Gender:Male
  • Location:Catonsville, Md

Posted 10 February 2012 - 04:24 PM

Those files / folders are hidden for a reason, and they are protected operating system files and folders. They should not be touched. Doing so will cause your computer to not boot or to not function as it should.

My work schedule is as follows: Mon and Tues 1800 to 0600, Friday - Sunday 1800EST to 0600, and Wednesday to Thursday 1800est to 0600. So if I do not respond right away I am at work.
----------------
If I am helping you, then Please Send Me a Message!with your thread link in it. This is only if I haven't replied back to you within 24 to 48 hours.
----------------
My Main Site || My Backup Site || steam://friends/add/cryptodan Add me to your Steam Friends.

Share this topic:


Page 1 of 1
  • You cannot start a new topic
  • You cannot reply to this topic

1 User(s) are reading this topic
0 members, 1 guests, 0 anonymous users