Strange folders in Local Disk

I was cleaning out some unused folders in my Hard Disk, and I found a couple with strange names... including this: ec9098043cea2d1b662bab9605. When I open it there is another folder inside called "update"... when i try to open it, it says "access denied". There is another similar folder. What are these, and are they safe to erase?!

 

Where did you find these files?

 

I picked up files like that when I updated either WMP or IE. I deleted them no problem, but I would suggest that you just remove them to the Recycle Bin and run the computer for a little while just to make sure there are no ill effects. After you know you are good to go, then delete the files from the Bin.

 

Those folders are placed there when Windows Update runs it's spyware/malware program. On my NB I have a folder named C:\6483205fcdaf2b503f68e78911, on my desktop I have several of them. Have only updated the NB once, have done Windows updates on the DT several times. I believe they are safe to delete/remove.

 

If you can't delete the folder...

-Boot in safe mode
-run MSDOS
-go to the directory where you found the folder
(ex. cd folder)
-delete the folder/file
(ex. del file)

 

Where is it (C:\?) How much space are they taking up?

While I wouldnt recommend deleting things that you are unsure about, you can place them in your recycle bin and see what happens. if there are problems, you can restore them from there (dont empty those files from the recycle bin for a few weeks). This is still a little risky; if for some reason this keeps Windows from starting, it would likely be difficult to recover from.

Perhaps someone else on here has had a similar experience. Letting people know exactly where those folders/files are would be helpful for them!

EDIT: there were no replies when I started this. You guys are fast!

 

Thanks for the replies.

I found them right in the C drive (local disk), along with program files, documents and setting, etc. I'll try putting them to the RB for a little while and see what happens.

[EDIT]
I just tried to delete one, and it wouldn't let me! The other one went fine...

 

please read post #5 and see how that goes

 

I also just noticed those as well. I guess it would make sense if it was from an adware scan as I also have one on my external HD which I just recently plugged into the new laptop. There is like 5 of them on C drive but only the one on the external, dated last night about when I shut down for the night. I think I will delete that one and see what happens. If its on the external it should not be vital to anything.

 

I think it's some type of LOG for debugging.

The text document in the folder is named msxml4-KB927978-enu.log

Is this the type of doc you guys have in this long named folder?