Solved temp folder in c:\users

[Shadowjk]

Equally you can Hide them if it bothers you so you cannot see it

See http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/394-hidden-files-folders-show-hide.html

   Note

You might need Administrative privileges depending on your UAC settings

 

[MacGyvr]

Hi I have recently noticed that in my c:users folder I have a folder called TEMP, I am certain that it wasn't there before and it is modified every time I boot up the computer. When I look inti this folder there isn't anything in there. Is it normal to have this folder?

No....c:\users\username\temp is NOT a normal location for a temp folder. I would not hesitate to delete it.

The OP asked about a very specific location and the responses have gone all around the world and not answered the question.

 

[theterrier]

Hi I have recently noticed that in my c:users folder I have a folder called TEMP, I am certain that it wasn't there before and it is modified every time I boot up the computer. When I look inti this folder there isn't anything in there. Is it normal to have this folder?

No....c:\users\username\temp is NOT a normal location for a temp folder. I would not hesitate to delete it.

The OP asked about a very specific location and the responses have gone all around the world and not answered the question.

Exactly thank you I do believe that it is not a normal place that's what I have been asking why hsa it suddenly turned up there.

 

[unifex]

I dont know how to check my environmental variables.

Please look into my first post in this thread, where I explained to you how to do that.

 

[lehnerus2000]

Installed Programs?

I don't suppose you remember when you first noticed the new Temp folder?

A newly installed program might be responsible.
You could check the Installed on column in the Programs and Features window.

I stopped using a Comodo program last year, because it kept creating its folder in the wrong location.

It was creating this:

C:\Users\<User Name>\AppData\LocalComodo
​

instead of:

C:\Users\<User Name>\AppData\Local\Comodo
​

 

[theterrier]

theterrier, did you look at your environmental variables? Where do you have your user and system temporary files?

Also, your posts are somewhat confusing: you wrote in the first post that this folder is empty, but then you say that when you try to delete it, then the file NTUser.dat cannot be deleted. So is the folder empty or not?

they say TEMP %userprofile%\appdata\local\temp and TMP %userprofile%\appdata\local\temp

which is right yeah

 

[theterrier]

I don't suppose you remember when you first noticed the new Temp folder?

A newly installed program might be responsible.
You could check the Installed on column in the Programs and Features window.

I stopped using a Comodo program last year, because it kept creating its folder in the wrong location.

It was creating this:

C:\Users\<User Name>\AppData\LocalComodo
​

instead of:

C:\Users\<User Name>\AppData\Local\Comodo
​

no I can't remember exactly

 

[MacGyvr]

Hi I have recently noticed that in my c:users folder I have a folder called TEMP, I am certain that it wasn't there before and it is modified every time I boot up the computer. When I look inti this folder there isn't anything in there. Is it normal to have this folder?

No....c:\users\username\temp is NOT a normal location for a temp folder. I would not hesitate to delete it.

The OP asked about a very specific location and the responses have gone all around the world and not answered the question.

Exactly thank you I do believe that it is not a normal place that's what I have been asking why hsa it suddenly turned up there.

Don't worry about why at the moment...delete it and see if it comes back, then you may be able to identify what creates it.

 

[theterrier]

No....c:\users\username\temp is NOT a normal location for a temp folder. I would not hesitate to delete it.

The OP asked about a very specific location and the responses have gone all around the world and not answered the question.

Exactly thank you I do believe that it is not a normal place that's what I have been asking why hsa it suddenly turned up there.

Don't worry about why at the moment...delete it and see if it comes back, then you may be able to identify what creates it.

It is created if I use windows media centre, or adobe reader haven't tried anything else but I suspect any program will recreate it.
I was just concerned when Josh suggested that there was something wrong with the user profile service.

 

[MacGyvr]

Yes, if multiple programs are creating and using it, something is wrong.

Create a new temporary user profile and test to see if the same thing happens with it. If not, then you can create a new one for yourself and use Windows Easy Transfer to migrate to it. If it still happens with a new profile, then I would suggest a full reinstall.

 

[theterrier]

Yes, if multiple programs are creating and using it, something is wrong.

Create a new temporary user profile and test to see if the same thing happens with it. If not, then you can create a new one for yourself and use Windows Easy Transfer to migrate to it. If it still happens with a new profile, then I would suggest a full reinstall.

I deleted the folder in safe mode then booted up and waited, I didn't start any programs and after a minute or so the TEMP folder came back.

It was coincidence that it appeared to reappear when I tried random programs.

 

[unifex]

If both user and system TMP and TEMP are in the right place, then this folder must be created by some program or service. If it comes back without your starting any new program explicitly, then take a look at your start-up list. Look into msconfig (Start->Run->msconfig) and into the start-up tab. there will be a list of programs that are executed at the start-up. I would recommend unchecking all except for your antivirus (or security suite) and see if the folder comes up again after you erase it and reboot.

If the problem persists, compare your list of services (Administrative Tools->Services) to that on the Black Viper's web page. See if you have any extra services enabled that are not on that list (regardless of the recommendation what to do with it) and if you're unsure where they came from, let us know.

Finally, I agree with MacGyvr: try creating a whole new user profile, i.e. just make a new user. But, I would suggest not copying your settings, but rather wait and see if the folder appears there as well. If not, then the system is fine, but some program causes this or maybe your profile is corrupted somehow.

 

[theterrier]

If both user and system TMP and TEMP are in the right place, then this folder must be created by some program or service. If it comes back without your starting any new program explicitly, then take a look at your start-up list. Look into msconfig (Start->Run->msconfig) and into the start-up tab. there will be a list of programs that are executed at the start-up. I would recommend unchecking all except for your antivirus (or security suite) and see if the folder comes up again after you erase it and reboot.

If the problem persists, compare your list of services (Administrative Tools->Services) to that on the Black Viper's web page. See if you have any extra services enabled that are not on that list (regardless of the recommendation what to do with it) and if you're unsure where they came from, let us know.

Finally, I agree with MacGyvr: try creating a whole new user profile, i.e. just make a new user. But, I would suggest not copying your settings, but rather wait and see if the folder appears there as well. If not, then the system is fine, but some program causes this or maybe your profile is corrupted somehow.

Ok I disabled everything at startup and it still reappeared so I have checked the services against Black Vipers list, I haven't installed service pack 1.
The services listed not on his list were the following

Apple Mobile Service - auto
Bonjour Service - auto These two I know are connected to itunes and have been running for ages so i don't think it is these.

Comodo - auto (obviously my firewall security suite)
getplus helper - manual
google update service(gupdate)
google update service(gupdatem) I disabled both of these as i thought it could have been them.
ipod services - manual
Nvidia driver helper service - auto
Nvidia stereoscopic 3d driver service - auto
Nvidia update service daemon - auto(delayed start)
windows activation technology service - manual
windows live ID sign-in assistant - auto
windows live mesh remote connections service - disabled

I disabled the google ones but the TEMP folder came back

I haven't tried a new user yet I will wait until a reply to the above

 

[MacGyvr]

If both user and system TMP and TEMP are in the right place, then this folder must be created by some program or service. If it comes back without your starting any new program explicitly, then take a look at your start-up list. Look into msconfig (Start->Run->msconfig) and into the start-up tab. there will be a list of programs that are executed at the start-up. I would recommend unchecking all except for your antivirus (or security suite) and see if the folder comes up again after you erase it and reboot.

If the problem persists, compare your list of services (Administrative Tools->Services) to that on the Black Viper's web page. See if you have any extra services enabled that are not on that list (regardless of the recommendation what to do with it) and if you're unsure where they came from, let us know.

Finally, I agree with MacGyvr: try creating a whole new user profile, i.e. just make a new user. But, I would suggest not copying your settings, but rather wait and see if the folder appears there as well. If not, then the system is fine, but some program causes this or maybe your profile is corrupted somehow.

Ok I disabled everything at startup and it still reappeared so I have checked the services against Black Vipers list, I haven't installed service pack 1.
The services listed not on his list were the following

Apple Mobile Service - auto
Bonjour Service - auto These two I know are connected to itunes and have been running for ages so i don't think it is these.

Comodo - auto (obviously my firewall security suite)
getplus helper - manual
google update service(gupdate)
google update service(gupdatem) I disabled both of these as i thought it could have been them.
ipod services - manual
Nvidia driver helper service - auto
Nvidia stereoscopic 3d driver service - auto
Nvidia update service daemon - auto(delayed start)
windows activation technology service - manual
windows live ID sign-in assistant - auto
windows live mesh remote connections service - disabled

I disabled the google ones but the TEMP folder came back

I haven't tried a new user yet I will wait until a reply to the above

What's the point in waiting? It will prove if you have a profile problem or not. This "problem" could have been resolved some time ago by trying that and/or reinstalling Windows.

 

[lehnerus2000]

Screenshot your new install

Just after you have installed Windows, but BEFORE you start installing programs, it is worth taking screenshots of your:

• Task Manger process list.
• Windows Services list.
• HDD usage

This will give you a baseline that you can use to check for malware, or to undo changes that you may make.

I create a system image after an install and include those screenshots and/or log files.
I also take screenshots of my program list and HDD usage.

Of course if you buy a machine with pre-installed software, you have less room to manoeuvre.

 

[unifex]

If both user and system TMP and TEMP are in the right place, then this folder must be created by some program or service. If it comes back without your starting any new program explicitly, then take a look at your start-up list. Look into msconfig (Start->Run->msconfig) and into the start-up tab. there will be a list of programs that are executed at the start-up. I would recommend unchecking all except for your antivirus (or security suite) and see if the folder comes up again after you erase it and reboot.

If the problem persists, compare your list of services (Administrative Tools->Services) to that on the Black Viper's web page. See if you have any extra services enabled that are not on that list (regardless of the recommendation what to do with it) and if you're unsure where they came from, let us know.

Finally, I agree with MacGyvr: try creating a whole new user profile, i.e. just make a new user. But, I would suggest not copying your settings, but rather wait and see if the folder appears there as well. If not, then the system is fine, but some program causes this or maybe your profile is corrupted somehow.

Ok I disabled everything at startup and it still reappeared so I have checked the services against Black Vipers list, I haven't installed service pack 1.
The services listed not on his list were the following

Apple Mobile Service - auto
Bonjour Service - auto These two I know are connected to itunes and have been running for ages so i don't think it is these.

Comodo - auto (obviously my firewall security suite)
getplus helper - manual
google update service(gupdate)
google update service(gupdatem) I disabled both of these as i thought it could have been them.
ipod services - manual
Nvidia driver helper service - auto
Nvidia stereoscopic 3d driver service - auto
Nvidia update service daemon - auto(delayed start)
windows activation technology service - manual
windows live ID sign-in assistant - auto
windows live mesh remote connections service - disabled

I disabled the google ones but the TEMP folder came back

I haven't tried a new user yet I will wait until a reply to the above

First of all I would of course suggest to install the Service Pack together with the latest updates, even though this has nothing to do with the problem at hand.

Second, I am not sure why do you have a windows activation technology service, I don't have such a service in any of my Windows 7 installs.

Finally, go ahead and try to create a new user. After you do that login as the new user and see if the problem persists. If yes (quite possible if some program insists on creating the folder), look at the logs. You should see which process has accessed the folder. It would be easier with the new user since there would be less log entries to go through.

 

[theterrier]

If both user and system TMP and TEMP are in the right place, then this folder must be created by some program or service. If it comes back without your starting any new program explicitly, then take a look at your start-up list. Look into msconfig (Start->Run->msconfig) and into the start-up tab. there will be a list of programs that are executed at the start-up. I would recommend unchecking all except for your antivirus (or security suite) and see if the folder comes up again after you erase it and reboot.

If the problem persists, compare your list of services (Administrative Tools->Services) to that on the Black Viper's web page. See if you have any extra services enabled that are not on that list (regardless of the recommendation what to do with it) and if you're unsure where they came from, let us know.

Finally, I agree with MacGyvr: try creating a whole new user profile, i.e. just make a new user. But, I would suggest not copying your settings, but rather wait and see if the folder appears there as well. If not, then the system is fine, but some program causes this or maybe your profile is corrupted somehow.

Ok I disabled everything at startup and it still reappeared so I have checked the services against Black Vipers list, I haven't installed service pack 1.
The services listed not on his list were the following

Apple Mobile Service - auto
Bonjour Service - auto These two I know are connected to itunes and have been running for ages so i don't think it is these.

Comodo - auto (obviously my firewall security suite)
getplus helper - manual
google update service(gupdate)
google update service(gupdatem) I disabled both of these as i thought it could have been them.
ipod services - manual
Nvidia driver helper service - auto
Nvidia stereoscopic 3d driver service - auto
Nvidia update service daemon - auto(delayed start)
windows activation technology service - manual
windows live ID sign-in assistant - auto
windows live mesh remote connections service - disabled

I disabled the google ones but the TEMP folder came back

I haven't tried a new user yet I will wait until a reply to the above

First of all I would of course suggest to install the Service Pack together with the latest updates, even though this has nothing to do with the problem at hand.

Second, I am not sure why do you have a windows activation technology service, I don't have such a service in any of my Windows 7 installs.

Finally, go ahead and try to create a new user. After you do that login as the new user and see if the problem persists. If yes (quite possible if some program insists on creating the folder), look at the logs. You should see which process has accessed the folder. It would be easier with the new user since there would be less log entries to go through.

Ok I have created a new user and the TEMP folder still appears, just remind me again how I access the log entries

 

[unifex]

You look in the Administrative Tools -> Event Viewer.

Just to make sure - the TEMP folder appears for the new user as well, right?

 

[theterrier]

You look in the Administrative Tools -> Event Viewer.

Just to make sure - the TEMP folder appears for the new user as well, right?

Yes it is and where exactly do I look in the event viewer??? there are shed loads of stuff in there.
I think my problem stems from me copying the hard drive to a bigger one obviously something didn't quite work right. I think I am going to buy a bigger drive and install windows 7 from fresh.

 

[unifex]

Well, clearly a fresh install on an empty disk will rid you of this problem.

However, you may be curious as to what's going on here. To this end you need to look into the Security logs in the Event Viewer.

However, after suggesting to look at the logs, I have realized that you need to enable logging access to the folder in question, otherwise you'll see nothing. To do this you must enable Audit Policy in the Administrative Tools -> Local Security Policy -> Security Settings -> Local Policies -> Audit Policy. The point you want to enable is the Audit object access. Since we are looking for something that actually creates the folder, we would look at Success events (i.e. when something successfully accesses the folder). Once the Auditing is enabled, go to your folder in Windows Explorer, right-click and choose Properties-> Security -> Advanced -> Auditing. There you select the user name who's access will be auditing. Choose the appropriate username, reboot, and look in the Security logs in the event Viewer.

A word of warning - these audits may generate loads of log entries. Basically that depends on how often the folder is accessed. I would suggest to try your current username first. If it's not "you" who's accessing the folder, try others, like System or Trusted Installer.

Finally - this does not look like an easy task. You decide whether you want to know the origin of your problem badly enough and whether this is worth your time and effort. After all you may always re-install Windows. That process is rather quick by itself. What's time-consuming is to apply all your personal settings and install your software. How long this may take depends on how you use the machine. However, I would not recommend any sort of automated transfer of settings and personalization - you might end up with the same problem.