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Question

Invisible hidden files on newly created TrueCrypt volume

by Apr 9, 2014 5:57PM PDT

Hi everyone,

When I create a new TrueCrypt 7.1a volume (i.e., there should be no data on it) and then open it, some space is already taken up but no files or folders are visible. I have the show hidden files/folders, system files etc. options switched on so if there are any hidden files/folders I should be able to see them. I see only the Recyle Bin and System Volume Information. When I use chckdsk, it states that there are several files on the disk. If I create a 500 MB volume, about 30 MB are taken up by those invisible files. If I create a 10 MB volume, roughly 3 MB are taken. The number of files actually varies - if I run chckdsk twice, it may give a different number each time. Advanced System Care also states that there are files on the volume but doesn't display any. When I format the drive, I still have the files on the volume and space is taken up. Avast doesn't show any virus and Malwarebytes doesn't show any malware. I'm using Windows 7 with the latest updates.

I'm now at my wit's end what those files could be. A virus? How can I even SEE those files???

I would greatly appreciate any help.

Discussion is locked

6 Posts
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Answer
Re: truescript
by Forum moderator Apr 9, 2014 6:13PM PDT
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Re: truecrypt
by userrrrr123 Apr 9, 2014 6:58PM PDT

I don't think it's Truecrypt-related as this hasn't happened in the past, i.e., some time ago when I created volumes with the very same Truecrypt version I'm using now I had the full space available and there were no hidden files. The problem is that I don't know when this started so I don't really know what might be causing it.

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Re: truecrypt
by Kees_B Forum moderator Apr 9, 2014 7:08PM PDT

It's simple then. Find another PC/laptop,install Truecrypt 7.1a and create a volume.

If the same happens, it's Truecrypt, not your PC. Stop worrying about viruses, malware and hacks. If you find it difficult to stop worrying, reinstall the OS on that other PC/laptop (then it's certainly clean) and try again.

If the new volume is empty there, it's your PC. But you know the solution, since it's OK on that other PC. You just reinstall the OS on this PC and things will be fine again. No need to find out what caused it, which can be very difficult.

Please tell the forum what you find.

Kees

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Re: Truecrypt
by userrrrr123 Apr 9, 2014 8:01PM PDT

I tried on another PC, same problem. But then I regularly exchange data between the two, i.e. I probably exchanged a virus as well.

So now I tried with an empty USB stick: when I plug it in and format it I get the same issue like with the TrueCrypt volumes - space taken up by invisible files. So it's definitely not a TrueCrypt issue.

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Then, if you can't find it ...
by Kees_B Forum moderator Apr 10, 2014 4:01AM PDT

you just reinstall the OS on this PC and things will be fine again.

But since you now have a USB-stick with the same symptoms, I'd have a look at that from Linux. You can boot into Linux on any PC with a DVD-drive, after burning a downloaded iso-file to a disk.
Once you know what's on it, that might point to the cause.

Kees

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Answer
How to see? I use the command line.
by Forum moderator Apr 10, 2014 3:35PM PDT
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