Resolved Is it ok and will xp allow me to delete these files

I am trying to trouble shoot a neighbors computer. Currently I'm running the program GMER in order to post the results in the Malware and Virus Removal section of this bbs.

The GMER program has been running on the folder below.

The time just on the folder is 4 + hours. I thinking... delete those files and continue on..


The folder C:\Documents & Setting\local service\local setting application data\microsoft\internet explorer\recovery\active\

There are 47,858 files taking up 337 mb of space in the above sub-folder. (file dates are between aug & dec 2010)

Can I delete those files or is there a option to clear the files in explorer?

 

Generally speaking the only files that are "safe" to delete are those that are located in the following 4 directories:

C:\Windows\Temp
C:\Documents & Setting\{username}\Local Setting\Temp
C:\Documents & Setting\{username}\AppData\Temp
And temporary internet folder cache.

There are some exceptions of course, but these are known temp directories that will not cause any harm when files are deleted.

I have no experience with the application you are talking about, but as the name suggests, files residing in the AppData folder are used (sometimes required) by various applications installed on the system.

I have no idea why there is a folder called "recovery" in your Internet Explorer folder - I don't use IE enough to give you specific advice on it.

My general advice to you is that if you're unsure whether to leave them alone or not, leave it alone. However, if you need to free up some space, I would move them onto an external drive or burn them onto a CD for archive. That way, if you find out later you need them, you can always refer to your backup.

 

And in addition to the two comments above...

Whilst in a Malware removal situation it is best not to make any changes to your system unless advised to by the analyst.

 

Thanks Blade Runner, Terminator, & Wildfire for the responses..

I dug a little deeper while waiting for GMER to finish its scan. What I found was (assuming I read the info correctly) those files are used to restore your IE browser last screens in the event of a unexpected browser closer.

What I don't know is the folder in question referencing IE 6, or IE 7, or the current IE 8 I just updated to. Reason for the IE update was because I was not able to check for Windows Update due to not being able run the "active X" add on in IE 7.

Seeing that the file dates were prior to me upgrading the browser to IE 8 I figured the files were left overs that weren't needed. (and a big time restraint with every type scan I was running just to get to this point).

All that a mute point now.. The scan finally finished and I have posted in the proper forum. As the saying goes .. "The balls in their court now "..

Thanks again to all for the help..