Windows 7: Strange folder being created on spare partitions

Hello,

I think this is some windows application, but I cannot figure out what exactly is going on. From time to time I have this locked folders created on USB drives and my d: partition called something like "53ab78a8548aac7479d7a4ee".

Any ideas? Is there a way to hide/stop these if this is from Windows?

Thanks,
-Grant

Could this be from Acronis Backups?

That could very well be an image or backup folder. Have a look into Acronis whether it is set to automatically do something. You can also have a look into the scheduled tasks (schtasks command in cmd). How big are these folders?

Blackhawk,
Have you examined the folders to see what they contain?

The contents of the folders will possibly give us an idea of the source.

8 megs in size and they contian

That's an isntaller of some kind,, can you open SpalshScreen or Watermark?
This may give some indication as to what it is.

Do you have any portable applications? Or ThinClient Apps?

Don't run setup, but look for any graphics files that can be opened.
Or look through all folders for ReadMe's, INI's other text files that can be looked at to determine what app it is.

After a little research this more than likely a Windows Update.
Possibly realted to http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sec.../MS10-070.mspx


EDIT:

Also note, that in general, Windows Updates (especially on XP) that do not install properly or clean up properly after install will leave behind those kinds of folders on the drive that contains the most free space. Even external USB drives.

I had to move the .bmp to view them, but two of them refer to .net.

I did have my system lockup during a microsoft update that include some .net patches. So how do I remove them if they belong to someone else?

Blackhawk down,

Delete those folders.

Use Microsoft Security Essentials as your anti-virus software.

Update Windows 7.

If you need how-to advice on any of above, let us know.

As i mentioned, you cannot delete the folder or contents. It is owned by the system and I have tried to change these. Security Essentials is my anti-virus software. Windows 7 is always up-to-date. Any advice to getting rid of the folder would help.

That is a Microsoft update that has probably failed to install properly.
Go to your update page and see if you can reinstall it or Delete from there

You can Google the KB number for more information