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

AC73

AC73

New member
Local time
8:49 PM
Messages
15
Location
Southern Ontario, Hamilton
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.
 

Attachments

  • 2010-04-11_033448.jpg
    2010-04-11_033448.jpg
    181.3 KB · Views: 191

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Professional 64bit - RetailIntel Core i5 4590S Haswell-DT Refresh Rev.C0...16 GB (A-Data DDR-1600)NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 Mini-SFF (GM206)
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Custom and Self Built
OS
Windows 7 Professional 64bit - Retail
CPU
Intel Core i5 4590S Haswell-DT Refresh Rev.C0 Stepping 3
Motherboard
ASUS H97M-E (CSM) MicroATX
Memory
16 GB (A-Data DDR-1600)
Graphics Card(s)
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 Mini-SFF (GM206)
Sound Card
ASUS Xonar DSX Audio PCI-E
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell U2311H
Screen Resolution
1920x1080
Hard Drives
Samsung SSD 840 EVO 120GB ATA Device
300GB Velociraptor
150GB Raptor
Many external drives via Esata and USB 3.0
PSU
Corsair HX650 Single +12V rail - Modular
Case
Silverstone TJ-08-E
Cooling
Intel Stock
Keyboard
Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Stealth Edition
Mouse
Gigabyte M8000X
Internet Speed
Bell DSL (Latest test -13.31mbps down, 10.37mbps up)
Antivirus
ESET Internet Security
Browser
Waterfox x64
Other Info
Silicon Image SiI 3132 SATALink Controller x2 eSATA ports -

Windows Experience Index - 6.6
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:
http://www.sevenforums.com/general-discussion/77446-documents-settings-users-not-accessible.html
 
Last edited:

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows Home Premium (64)Intel Core i7 8608GB (4x2GB) Corsair TwinX XMS31GB Gainward 9500 GT
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Scan 3XS P55 liteDAW
OS
Windows Home Premium (64)
CPU
Intel Core i7 860
Motherboard
Gigabyte GA-P55A-UD4
Memory
8GB (4x2GB) Corsair TwinX XMS3
Graphics Card(s)
1GB Gainward 9500 GT
Sound Card
M-Audio Delta 66
Monitor(s) Displays
Acer v223wBBd
Screen Resolution
1680 x 1050
Hard Drives
1 x 500 GB WD Barracuda (OS+Docs)
2 x 1TB Samsung Spinpoint F3 (Data)
PSU
Enermax EMD625AWT II - 625W Enermax Modu82+ II
Case
Fractal Design Define R2 Black
Cooling
Prolima Megahalems Super 6 Heatpipe Tower Cooler
Keyboard
Microsoft Digital Media Pro
Mouse
Belkin Optical Ergo
Internet Speed
8 Mbps nominal (14.9 achieved !)
Other Info
Digital Audio Workstation
Another user changed folder permissions and opened compatibility Junctions points once again...
*sigh...* Honestly this is getting tiring...
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 10 Pro (x64)Intel Core i7-3930K (3.2GHz - 4.5GHz)4x Samsung 4GB PC3-12800 DDR3 (16GB 1600MHz)Nvidia Geforce GTX 690
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Alienware Aurora ALX R4
OS
Windows 10 Pro (x64)
CPU
Intel Core i7-3930K (3.2GHz - 4.5GHz)
Motherboard
Alienware Aurora-R4 x79
Memory
4x Samsung 4GB PC3-12800 DDR3 (16GB 1600MHz)
Graphics Card(s)
Nvidia Geforce GTX 690
Sound Card
SteelSeries Siberia Elite
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell UltraSharp U3011
Screen Resolution
2560x1600
Hard Drives
Samsung 850 Pro 256 GB, Seagate 1TB Desktop Hybrid HDD, 2x Western Digital 4TB Green HDD
PSU
875W Some Dell PSU <.<
Case
Alienware Aurora ALX
Cooling
Custom Liquid Cooling (EK CPU & GPU blocks) dual EK 480RAD
Keyboard
Logitech G710+ Mechanical
Mouse
Logitech G700s
Internet Speed
Verizon Fios (50 mbps average)
Other Info
Server: Intel NUC D54250WYK: i5-4250U, 16GB, 256 GB mSATA, Windows Server 2012 R2
logicearth said:
Another user changed folder permissions and opened compatibility Junctions points once again...
*sigh...* Honestly this is getting tiring...
Click to expand...

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

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Win 10 Home Premium 64 BitI7 5930K @ 4.516GB Kingston Hyper X Fury DDR4EVGA 980ti SC + ACX 2.0
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Custom
OS
Win 10 Home Premium 64 Bit
CPU
I7 5930K @ 4.5
Motherboard
Asus X99 s
Memory
16GB Kingston Hyper X Fury DDR4
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA 980ti SC + ACX 2.0
Sound Card
Onboard
Monitor(s) Displays
ROG Swift PG278Q
Screen Resolution
2560x1440
Hard Drives
Kingston Hyper X 250gb SSD
Samsung 2TB mechanical
PSU
Corsair RM 850
Case
NZXT H440 Red
Cooling
Corsair H100i GTX
Keyboard
Razer Reclusa
Mouse
Logitech G5 Gamer
Internet Speed
34mb
Antivirus
Eset Smart Security
Browser
Firefox
logicearth said:
Another user changed folder permissions and opened compatibility Junctions points once again...
*sigh...* Honestly this is getting tiring...
Click to expand...

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.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

XP Pro SP3 X86 / Win7 Pro X86Amd 64 x2 4200 (2.4ghz)Kingston DDR2 800 2gbNvidia GF-8400
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Homebrew
OS
XP Pro SP3 X86 / Win7 Pro X86
CPU
Amd 64 x2 4200 (2.4ghz)
Motherboard
Asus M2N-MX SE Plus
Memory
Kingston DDR2 800 2gb
Graphics Card(s)
Nvidia GF-8400
Sound Card
Realtek on Motherboard
Monitor(s) Displays
Acer x-193bw
Screen Resolution
1440 x 900
Hard Drives
Western Digital 500g
PSU
350watt In-Win
Case
In-Win
Cooling
Air
Keyboard
yes
Mouse
yes
Internet Speed
5mpbs
Other Info
Also ASRock ION 330 as HTPC (on XP).
Acer Aspire as GP netbook (on XP).
logicearth said:
Another user changed folder permissions and opened compatibility Junctions points once again...
*sigh...* Honestly this is getting tiring...
Click to expand...

archie123 said:
logicearth said:
Another user changed folder permissions and opened compatibility Junctions points once again...
*sigh...* Honestly this is getting tiring...
Click to expand...

maybe it wouldnt be so tiring for you if you just ignored the thread............. :sarc:
Click to expand...

CommonTater said:
logicearth said:
Another user changed folder permissions and opened compatibility Junctions points once again...
*sigh...* Honestly this is getting tiring...
Click to expand...

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.
Click to expand...



I've done this too:o
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

windows 7 professional & ultimate 64bit laptops2.27 boost to 2.53 & 2.53 boost to 2.804GBIntel® Graphics Media Accelerator HD
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Gateway/NV7923u & NV79C52u Laptops
OS
windows 7 professional & ultimate 64bit laptops
CPU
2.27 boost to 2.53 & 2.53 boost to 2.80
Motherboard
Mobile Intel® HM55 Express Chipset ???
Memory
4GB
Graphics Card(s)
Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator HD
Sound Card
realtek High-definition audio support
Monitor(s) Displays
17.3 " HD 1600 x 900
Hard Drives
hatachi Travelstar 5400 500GB & west digital 500GB
Internet Speed
35MB fios
pacinitaly said:
logicearth said:
Another user changed folder permissions and opened compatibility Junctions points once again...
*sigh...* Honestly this is getting tiring...
Click to expand...

archie123 said:
maybe it wouldnt be so tiring for you if you just ignored the thread............. :sarc:
Click to expand...

CommonTater said:
logicearth said:
Another user changed folder permissions and opened compatibility Junctions points once again...
*sigh...* Honestly this is getting tiring...
Click to expand...

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.
Click to expand...



I've done this too:o
Click to expand...

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 :)
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Win 10 Home Premium 64 BitI7 5930K @ 4.516GB Kingston Hyper X Fury DDR4EVGA 980ti SC + ACX 2.0
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Custom
OS
Win 10 Home Premium 64 Bit
CPU
I7 5930K @ 4.5
Motherboard
Asus X99 s
Memory
16GB Kingston Hyper X Fury DDR4
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA 980ti SC + ACX 2.0
Sound Card
Onboard
Monitor(s) Displays
ROG Swift PG278Q
Screen Resolution
2560x1440
Hard Drives
Kingston Hyper X 250gb SSD
Samsung 2TB mechanical
PSU
Corsair RM 850
Case
NZXT H440 Red
Cooling
Corsair H100i GTX
Keyboard
Razer Reclusa
Mouse
Logitech G5 Gamer
Internet Speed
34mb
Antivirus
Eset Smart Security
Browser
Firefox
logicearth said:
Another user changed folder permissions and opened compatibility Junctions points once again...
*sigh...* Honestly this is getting tiring...
Click to expand...


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 Win7 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 :D, 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.
CommonTater said:
logicearth said:
Another user changed folder permissions and opened compatibility Junctions points once again...
*sigh...* Honestly this is getting tiring...
Click to expand...

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.
Click to expand...


Thank you all for your time and inputs.:D
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Professional 64bit - RetailIntel Core i5 4590S Haswell-DT Refresh Rev.C0...16 GB (A-Data DDR-1600)NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 Mini-SFF (GM206)
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Custom and Self Built
OS
Windows 7 Professional 64bit - Retail
CPU
Intel Core i5 4590S Haswell-DT Refresh Rev.C0 Stepping 3
Motherboard
ASUS H97M-E (CSM) MicroATX
Memory
16 GB (A-Data DDR-1600)
Graphics Card(s)
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 Mini-SFF (GM206)
Sound Card
ASUS Xonar DSX Audio PCI-E
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell U2311H
Screen Resolution
1920x1080
Hard Drives
Samsung SSD 840 EVO 120GB ATA Device
300GB Velociraptor
150GB Raptor
Many external drives via Esata and USB 3.0
PSU
Corsair HX650 Single +12V rail - Modular
Case
Silverstone TJ-08-E
Cooling
Intel Stock
Keyboard
Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Stealth Edition
Mouse
Gigabyte M8000X
Internet Speed
Bell DSL (Latest test -13.31mbps down, 10.37mbps up)
Antivirus
ESET Internet Security
Browser
Waterfox x64
Other Info
Silicon Image SiI 3132 SATALink Controller x2 eSATA ports -

Windows Experience Index - 6.6
AC73 said:
So I think that I will set AVG to ignore this file but what about defragmentation?
Click to expand...

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.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 10 Pro (x64)Intel Core i7-3930K (3.2GHz - 4.5GHz)4x Samsung 4GB PC3-12800 DDR3 (16GB 1600MHz)Nvidia Geforce GTX 690
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Alienware Aurora ALX R4
OS
Windows 10 Pro (x64)
CPU
Intel Core i7-3930K (3.2GHz - 4.5GHz)
Motherboard
Alienware Aurora-R4 x79
Memory
4x Samsung 4GB PC3-12800 DDR3 (16GB 1600MHz)
Graphics Card(s)
Nvidia Geforce GTX 690
Sound Card
SteelSeries Siberia Elite
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell UltraSharp U3011
Screen Resolution
2560x1600
Hard Drives
Samsung 850 Pro 256 GB, Seagate 1TB Desktop Hybrid HDD, 2x Western Digital 4TB Green HDD
PSU
875W Some Dell PSU <.<
Case
Alienware Aurora ALX
Cooling
Custom Liquid Cooling (EK CPU & GPU blocks) dual EK 480RAD
Keyboard
Logitech G710+ Mechanical
Mouse
Logitech G700s
Internet Speed
Verizon Fios (50 mbps average)
Other Info
Server: Intel NUC D54250WYK: i5-4250U, 16GB, 256 GB mSATA, Windows Server 2012 R2
logicearth said:
AC73 said:
So I think that I will set AVG to ignore this file but what about defragmentation?
Click to expand...

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.
Click to expand...

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.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/663-backup-complete-computer-create-image-backup.html

Regards. . .

jcgriff2

.
 
Last edited:

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 - Vista
OS
Windows 7 - Vista
jcgriff2 said:
logicearth said:
AC73 said:
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.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/663-backup-complete-computer-create-image-backup.html

Regards. . .

jcgriff2

.
Click to expand...


Heh, I just made an image backup today and stored it on an external esata drive. I had to try the new backup\system restore stuff.
Oh and of course I will not be deleting anything of the sort. Junctions or anything on C:
Thank you all.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Professional 64bit - RetailIntel Core i5 4590S Haswell-DT Refresh Rev.C0...16 GB (A-Data DDR-1600)NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 Mini-SFF (GM206)
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Custom and Self Built
OS
Windows 7 Professional 64bit - Retail
CPU
Intel Core i5 4590S Haswell-DT Refresh Rev.C0 Stepping 3
Motherboard
ASUS H97M-E (CSM) MicroATX
Memory
16 GB (A-Data DDR-1600)
Graphics Card(s)
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 Mini-SFF (GM206)
Sound Card
ASUS Xonar DSX Audio PCI-E
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell U2311H
Screen Resolution
1920x1080
Hard Drives
Samsung SSD 840 EVO 120GB ATA Device
300GB Velociraptor
150GB Raptor
Many external drives via Esata and USB 3.0
PSU
Corsair HX650 Single +12V rail - Modular
Case
Silverstone TJ-08-E
Cooling
Intel Stock
Keyboard
Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Stealth Edition
Mouse
Gigabyte M8000X
Internet Speed
Bell DSL (Latest test -13.31mbps down, 10.37mbps up)
Antivirus
ESET Internet Security
Browser
Waterfox x64
Other Info
Silicon Image SiI 3132 SATALink Controller x2 eSATA ports -

Windows Experience Index - 6.6
You are welcome.

I wish you the best of luck with your Windows 7 system --- enjoy it!

jcgriff2

.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 - Vista
OS
Windows 7 - Vista
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Unknown 2.7 gb file on C drive, random string name
Replies
2
Views
4K
Megahertz07
Megahertz07
Back-up image size much smaller than amount of data on C Drive
Replies
4
Views
10K
SIW2
SIW2
Can not rename files on C drive in Windows explorer
Replies
13
Views
6K
RoWin7
RoWin7
Unknown folders appear on C: Drive
Replies
5
Views
2K
Ranger4
Ranger4
unable to run chkdsk on C: drive
Replies
5
Views
7K
samuria
samuria
Back
Top