Windows 7: Windows.edb file. Why two of them on C drive?

I just started using Win 7 from XP (never used Vista), and I was just looking around to check out the folder\file structure of the C drive and I came across two Windows.edb files. I know its a search index db type file and that it is going to have some girth to it, but are there really two separate files? They have the exact same properties down to the second they were created and modified. This leads me to believe they are in fact one file and one of them is a not at one of the locations on the disk physically?
I just have to ask because of the size and that I may set this file(s) to be ignored by AVG for automated scheduled scans.
Also, what about the fragmentation of this file? Should it be defragged during a boot in case its in use if I'm using my PC at the time the scheduled defrag starts?
I use Puran Defrag. This program has a right click defrag any file or folder option. However I don't think that would be the best thing to do.
Just curious.

Looking at the other contents of the folder, all the Dates Modified and sizes are the same.

Could it be that there is only one instance of the files and the other folder just references the first folder? That is, a junction point, a "virtual" folder that points to the real folder. I think that if you untick "Show hidden files, folders, and drives" one will disappear.

Some junction point info here too:
Documents and Settings & users not accessible

Another user changed folder permissions and opened compatibility Junctions points once again...
*sigh...* Honestly this is getting tiring...

maybe it wouldnt be so tiring for you if you just ignored the thread.............

You should applaud this behaviour... with the appropriate cautions, of course.

It shows people are interested in learning about their computers. Half the people I work for have only one line... "That's why I have you..." They are beyond disinterested, they're actually antagonistic to any attempt to teach.

You should be glad when someone shows interest... not dismissive.

I've done this too

then you have to send each and every one of us a biscuit , or cookie as you lot "over the pond" call em.............can i have a chocolate one please

I simply wanted to see what was going on in there. As for "opened compatibility Junctions points", I have no idea what your talking about. I came across no option to enable anything of that nature. If it was done by default by changing permissions, which I do believe I have not because I just started browsing the drive is all, then something has happened by itself. Or if I did change a permission (I don't remember now it was very late) I did it for a reason.
Let me just say that I have been using Windows since Win98 and I have done lots of hacks and reg hacks and the like to every OS. I don't know how to code or anything like that but what I really do is follow instructions very well. Sites like this are a thing from heaven when you like to customize power user style but don't know the even the basics of coding. I know all the rights and the wrongs however, with XP to Windows 7 there is quite a big change in the system file structure. If I am to learn the OS like any other I must know where certain files are. I also have never pooched an install (knocking on wood right now). Which is probably saying something since I read all the time how people have to reinstall. I build all my systems (for friends and family as well) and would never buy a Dell or HP or even an Alienware or Voodoo for that matter.

Well now that I feel better about myself , I fully understand the compatibility Junctions points thing. Makes since when you move driver modules away from the kernel stuff? Or is it the other way around? All I know is that when hardware (video and sound especially) or drivers crash it won't take windows down with it.

Getting back to my original questions about this Windows.edb file:

"I just have to ask because of the size and that I may set this file(s) to be ignored by AVG for automated scheduled scans.
Also, what about the fragmentation of this file? Should it be defragged during a boot in case its in use if I'm using my PC at the time the scheduled defrag starts?
I use Puran Defrag. This program has a right click defrag any file or folder option. However I don't think that would be the best thing to do."

So I think that I will set AVG to ignore this file but what about defragmentation?


Also thanks CommonTater you are a gentleman.

Thank you all for your time and inputs.

Just delete the "All Users" junction. But look you had to do something to alter the permissions. "All Users" is given a special permission the denies everyone access, to be able to browse these junctions you must remove that permission. There is no reason for opening these junctions, none whatsoever.

DO NOT delete the Junction point. Junctions exist to re-direct traffic for older apps or those containing hard-coding that look for "All Users". If a program installation or executing app references "All Users" it is re-directed to "\ProgramData".

Look at your screenshots and you'll notice that both have the same folders/ files, same timestamps, size, etc... There are not really 2 Windows.edb files, just one and it is located in \ProgramData.

If one runs a 3rd party file manager at an elevated admin level, the Junction points can be extremely useful. I use such an app and utilize Junctions frequently. A Junction is tantamount to a shortcut.

There is nothing wrong with exploring your system. Doing so is the way that I learned the things I know. I prefer to see something in action rather than to read about it. "What happens if I click on this EXE..." is a favorite pastime. What's the worse that can happen? You re-install Windows 7, which is very easy to do given the recovery partition and recovery DVDs, not to mention the system image you can create using Windows 7.

Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup

Regards. . .

jcgriff2

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