C:\ Hiding files?

Howdy. I noticed that if I save a file to my C:\, it sorta gets swallowed up. I was in SQLyog working on my MySQL server and did a table export. I saved it as "c:\table.sql". I flipped to my DOS window and did a DIR and didn't see it. Tried DIR /AH, no dice. DIR /AS, nope. Nada. Opened a DOS window as Administrator, still no good. Totally hidden. Tried viewing the folder in explorer, also no dice. I have it set to show hidden/system files and all that jazz, and I did see the system files but that .SQL wasn't there.

Went back to SQLyog and did a restore from SQL dump, browsed to C: and it wasn't there. Forgot about it. Opened Paint Shop Pro 6.0 and went to File, Open and it shown the C: and since it was set to view "All Files *.*", lo and behold, there was table.sql. It also had a little padlock icon next to it. I right clicked and hit delete and it deleted w/o any griping.

What is up with that?

Tepid said:

Because you shouldn't be saving any files to Root of C:\
You have limited access to the Root of C:\
This is as it should be.
Even creating a new folder etc. should not be done on the root of C:\
Saving elsewhere such as Documents or a second drive is the preferred meathod.

Excellent response! Users should never save files outside the "Documents" structure. It simplifies finding and backing up files greatly.

Yea, yea, I get the whole OS-knows-better-than-me security setup but I just found it weird that my one app saw it there while I couldn't at the command line. It's a habit to throw stuff on C:\ that will only be existing for a few moments, gotta switch my habit to D: heh.

logicearth said:

The files you are trying to save in locations you do not have permission are really put here:
C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Local\VirtualStore

Thanks, this is the kind of answer I was seeking.