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View Full Version : Unwanted backup(?) files/"ghost" files


Mytech
Nov 30, 2005, 10:25 PM
Hello. I have been getting these strange files that activate when I open Microsoft word documents. They are like shadow files. And also they appear in My Photo section too.

Here is some information I have copied from the property boxes of the files.
I have done virus scans on these "ghost" files and they always return "no virus" results.

Property box details:

For Microsoft Word:

~WRL2450
~$P, 2005

Type of file: TMP File

Attributes: Hidden

For photo files:

ZbThumbnail

Attributes: Hidden
Type of file: INFO File

fredg
Dec 1, 2005, 06:01 AM
Hi,
These are called Temp files, placed there by programs when you open a file, or modify it. Sometimes, they will be deleted in time, and some stay there until you delete them yourself.
Here is a link to a great, free, cleaner. This is better than the windows "Disk Cleaner" or whatever.
http://www.ccleaner.com
After downloading/installing it, you can clean out junk files (like the ones you have), Temp folders, etc, with just 2 clicks.
You can also go to Start/Programs, then open Windows Explorer. At the top, click on View, then Folder Options. Click on the Files tab, then left click on "Show all Files". Then, click on Apply and OK.
This will show all files to you, and they will not be hidden anymore.
You can manually delete them if you wish.

Mytech
Dec 2, 2005, 05:06 AM
Thanks very much! I will try those suggestions.