##?# in the Windows 2000 registy

[Michael]

Some of the registy keys and sub keys in my windows 2000
pro have a string of pound signs and question marks
before the actual name of the key or sub key. Is the is
sign of a registry virus?

Here is an example..

##?#ROOT#SYSTEM#0000#{5545467899....

I even have subkey folders with the name: #

Can some knowlegeable about this email me at
(e-mail address removed) ?

 

[Mark V]

Some of the registy keys and sub keys in my windows 2000
pro have a string of pound signs and question marks
before the actual name of the key or sub key. Is the is
sign of a registry virus?

Here is an example..

##?#ROOT#SYSTEM#0000#{5545467899....

I even have subkey folders with the name: #

Can some knowlegeable about this email me at
(e-mail address removed) ?

All answers posted to Group.

In general, no.
You would have to provide some specific examples with the fully
qualified registry path to get any better answers.

Often for example one can find a valuename like
\??\Volume{2bac5190-f7a9-11d5-97cf-0050da6b0882}
in the registry which is perfectly normal.

BTW there is no such thing as a "registry virus" per se, but some
malware does indeed modify the registry.