Hi there

I have found several folders (hidden ones) that are called names such as Vindows, Wimdows, Windnwr on my C:/ drive. They don't have much in them apart from a .txt about updating windows. I just noticed that I also have other folders too called Dncuments and Settings, Documents and Sdttings, Docule~ etc that don't contain anything except empty folders. What are these? Can I safely delete them? I have Win XP Pro.

Thanks
SC

Hi there and Welcome to CompuForums! Please be sure to be an active member and participate in various discussions around the community.

I am not 100% certain, but I think that the "vindows" files could well be a the work of a virus. Do a virus scan - if your antivirus doesn't pick up on them, try the free Trend Micro House Call virus scan online:
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/hous...tart_frame.asp

I have used it many times before and it's safe for your system.

Please let us know if this helps or not, and while you wait for the scan to complete why not post in other topics around the forum?

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Thanks,
Ash
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Yes, I suspect they have been left there when my system was infected with some malware including Delf, Vundo and Smitfreud. My scans are clean now but these folders are still there. I was thinking setting a restore point and then deleting them - would that be a good idea?

If your system is all clean it should be safe to remove them - but setting a restore point just in case is always advisable. But having said that, I have checked both my computer and my new laptop and neither have these folders.

__________________
Thanks,
Ash
CF Founder
Great Webhosting. Shared starting at $2 per month. VPSes starting at $6 per month.
www.Centicero.com
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Thanks Ashley. I have deleted them all and no adverse effects so far. I also found whatevr had put them there had also put a new user file in my Documents and Settings so I deleted that too. I am now scanning with Housecall regularly because AVG didn't pick up the malware but Housecall did!

It's great to see this is resolved. I also agree that deleting the folders was a good move. They probably were still there even though the virus was removed. It's definitely a good idea to have System Restore setup so you can go back to a time before this happens. Hopefully it won't come up again though.

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Just like computer memory, you are only as fast as your slowest part. As I get older, I'm finding more and more "parts" that are slow.

I have found in the past when fixing other people's computers that AVG dosen't pick up too well on trojans. Personally, I use Avast Home Edition, and I cannot praise it enough:
http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html
You do need to give them your e-mail address to get a licence key, but it's free. After that, your antivirus can be forgotten about - it will update itself automaticly. If asked to, do a boot time scan - this will search for viruses before Windows has even started. It even stops viruses downloading before they are even completley downloaded. But that's enough of me saying how good it is, why not try it for yourself?

__________________
Thanks,
Ash
CF Founder
Great Webhosting. Shared starting at $2 per month. VPSes starting at $6 per month.
www.Centicero.com
Want to get in touch? Send me a PM | Do you want to continue receiving free help? Or do you want this site to close? Become a premium member.