Unwanted things appear

Dick H · 26 Jul 2010

Every so often some unsolicited, unwanted thing just appears. The latest is some sort of backup that appeared on the external hard drive where I store photos.
As you can see from the screen shot, when I highlight the icon it says the folder is empty. But when I try to delete it, it says it's too large for the Recycle bin.
1. How can I stop all this Win 7 stuff from appearing?
2. How can I delete the folder in question?

Luckystar · 26 Jul 2010

You have scanned for viruses, malware, spyware and what not.. Hav'nt you.

I only ask as from first look, its as if you have been hijacked.

Lucky

MacGyvr · 26 Jul 2010

Doesn't look like a hijack to me. It looks as though you set up a Windows Backup and now you've forgotten that you did it. If it says its too big for the recycle bin, that doesn't stop you from proceeding with the delete, you just have to click "continue" or whatever the appropriate button is.

eduede · 26 Jul 2010

I agree with the above post and wouldn't be too worried about a hacker (though I also agree that a good anti-malware scan is always a great idea). Most likely, your computer is backing up on your external drive.

There are 2 possible explanations.

1) Windows could be set to back up on a schedule. You can see if this is what's happening by going to Control Panel\System and Security\Backup and Restore

2) Your external drive could have some kind of back-up software on it. If that's the case, you'll want to check the settings of any software associated with your external drive. Note: if you tell me what kind of drive you have, I could look into it for you.

Best,
Eamon

letsdoamazing · 26 Jul 2010

eduede said:

I agree with the above post and wouldn't be too worried about a hacker (though I also agree that a good anti-malware scan is always a great idea). Most likely, your computer is backing up on your external drive.

There are 2 possible explanations.

1) Windows could be set to back up on a schedule. You can see if this is what's happening by going to Control Panel\System and Security\Backup and Restore

2) Your external drive could have some kind of back-up software on it. If that's the case, you'll want to check the settings of any software associated with your external drive. Note: if you tell me what kind of drive you have, I could look into it for you.

Best,
Eamon

You can then go and delete the back-up if need be.

I wouldn't think this has anything to do with your external drive (if you have one). As the software would not convert it to look like the windows 7 theme, but might be.

Dick H · 26 Jul 2010

eduede said:

1) Windows could be set to back up on a schedule. You can see if this is what's happening by going to Control Panel\System and Security\Backup and Restore

Thanks. When I open BACKUP & RESTORE I get this window.
BACKUP-RESTORE.jpg photo - Dick Harris photos at pbase.com

This seems confusing.
Q. Is that BACKUP & RESTORE the same as System Restore?
If it is , I thought that WIN 7 automatically creates Restore Points (Backup?).

Anyway, my external HD is ONLY for my photos. I don't need or want any backup connected with it. I did not set up anything like that.
My basic question is why is all this stuff happening? This is just one of many similar things that gets done automatically. I DON'T LIKE IT. I want to decide what I want on my system.

DirtRider · 26 Jul 2010

Try hitting the turn off scheduler on the left and see if it stops doing this

Dick H · 26 Jul 2010

DirtRider said:

Try hitting the turn off scheduler on the left and see if it stops doing this

Thanks. I turned it off.

derekimo · 26 Jul 2010

Dick H said:

eduede said:

1) Windows could be set to back up on a schedule. You can see if this is what's happening by going to Control Panel\System and Security\Backup and Restore

Thanks. When I open BACKUP & RESTORE I get this window.
BACKUP-RESTORE.jpg photo - Dick Harris photos at pbase.com

This seems confusing.
Q. Is that BACKUP & RESTORE the same as System Restore?
If it is , I thought that WIN 7 automatically creates Restore Points (Backup?).

Anyway, my external HD is ONLY for my photos. I don't need or want any backup connected with it. I did not set up anything like that.
My basic question is why is all this stuff happening? This is just one of many similar things that gets done automatically. I DON'T LIKE IT. I want to decide what I want on my system.

If you don't want to use backup and restore you can use this to reset it to default,

Backup User and System Files - Reset to Default Configuration

And then turn off messages about backup in action center.

MacGyvr · 27 Jul 2010

Dick H said:

eduede said:

1) Windows could be set to back up on a schedule. You can see if this is what's happening by going to Control Panel\System and Security\Backup and Restore

Thanks. When I open BACKUP & RESTORE I get this window.
BACKUP-RESTORE.jpg photo - Dick Harris photos at pbase.com

This seems confusing.
Q. Is that BACKUP & RESTORE the same as System Restore?
If it is , I thought that WIN 7 automatically creates Restore Points (Backup?).

Anyway, my external HD is ONLY for my photos. I don't need or want any backup connected with it. I did not set up anything like that.
My basic question is why is all this stuff happening? This is just one of many similar things that gets done automatically. I DON'T LIKE IT. I want to decide what I want on my system.

Again, it DIDN'T happen automatically. Windows 7 doesn't do backups unless you set them up.