Strange Folder On Desktop

by jevenew May 21, 2005 4:55PM PDT

Hello to the group. I am seeking help on a very strange issue on my son in laws computer, a Dell, loaded with WinXP Pro. There are five users on this PC, and only when he logs in under his settings is there a strange folder named Hidden Files that pops up on the desktop. He has tried everything to get rid of it, and says he has no encrypted files, and does not know how the thing got there. There seems to be nothing in the folder. Any suggestions that I might pass on to him. Thank you.

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Hidden files and folder

by AussiePete May 21, 2005 5:47PM PDT

All will probably be revieled if you turn-on "hidden files and folders" (do this in explorer/tools/folder options/view the make sure "show hidden systems files and folders" is selected.
Let us know what is reveil. May also be associated with "destop cleanup wizars"
Peter

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Hidden Files and Folders

by jevenew May 22, 2005 3:13PM PDT

The option to show hidden files did not reveal anything new. My previous post did not give the whole name of the strange folder. The name of the folder is System32 (These files are hidden).
I think there is a bug on his computer, but it isn't showing up on scans.
Hard to TS a PC from a distance. Thanks for the response.

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Strange folder at desktop

by Papa Echo May 22, 2005 6:01PM PDT

You can choose whether to hide or unhide System32. It does not seem to contain ''protected system files''. Some investigative steps:

Do you have another System32 folder at the Windows folder ? Try right clicking that folder at the desktop, go to properties and compare the information there with that of the System32 folder at the Windows folder. Note the date of creation of the one at the desktop-remember what happened at that date ?

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Strange folder on desktop

by Papa Echo May 21, 2005 10:46PM PDT

Is that a folder or a shortcut to a folder (i.e. with an arrow at the lower left corner pointing at 2 O' clock) ?

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System32

by phantazy May 22, 2005 6:20PM PDT

System32 is an essential part of windows installation and
certain folders (config) are reponsible for boot files at startup. Ask to check that this exists in the folders of Windows file on the main partition, before doing anything else.
If it really is empty, and that it is not being used by the system. Next try this link:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;308421

Also see if it is possible to change the set up of the file in the 'properties' dialogue box.

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"Hidden folder"

by trublubush May 22, 2005 6:29PM PDT

What you need to do to reveal the source of this folder is right-click on it to bring up the property sheet handler menu. Click on properties. Look at the properties box. If this is a short cut, click on the 'General' tab to view the creation date... this should be the biggest clue. Next, click on the 'Shortcut' tab to view the target location. If this is an actual folder then you need to open 'My Computer' and navigate to the location indicated or you can use 'Search.' Make sure to set your folder view options so that ALL hidden files and extensions are revealed. If the folder is truly empty you can click and drag it to the recycle bin, if it's a shortcut, just right-click and select 'Delete.'

Garth

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Strange Folder on Desktop

by jevenew May 23, 2005 2:07PM PDT

To the group: Thank you one and all for your tips, and links. The information has all been forwarded to the offending computer and is being dealt with as I type. I will post again to let you know of the results.

Strange Folder On Desktop

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