What are STRINGS and why can I not delete that file?

[Hikermann]

I use a Seagate external drive for my backup; there is a file called STRINGS (e.g., Strings\3a0729826d2c1d047c0b55); what are these and why can they not be deleted (they're from 2013)? Thank you.

 

[Megahertz07]

Generally speaking, there are files created by the OS that can't be deleted by the user.
Some virus / malwares also use this shield to protect themselves from being erased.

Did the file came with the Seagate external drive or it showed after the backup?

 

[Hikermann]

Thank you for the reply -- a long time in answering here, so apologies.


As I recall, the strings showed up after the back up. I have sufficient disk space so I don't particularly concern myself with them, but when recently cleaning up files I saw them again and wondered.


Appreciate your response.