Can't Delete Hidden TMP Files

[Dick]

For some reason, I have about 200 temporary files in the Windows\Temp
folder that look a lot like registry entries. They are hidden files,
and I have been unable to delete them. They all begin with CS, and
have a time-stamp that coincides with bootup. Here is one:
CS2F1A1E2B-3FE4-44EE-80E5-22C16FD91008.tmp

I get an error message that the files are in use, but I can't figure
out what is using them. I also tried to access them from Safe Mode
command prompt. They don't show up there.

 

[Jerry]

I have similar files but not as long; they are CS****.tmp and I found out
they were being created by the latest version of Spy Sweeper. (I have 4.0.3)
I complained to them about filling up my \tmp folder with their trash and if
it is required for Spy Sweeper to run they should create their own file
extension and leave \tmp and *.tmp alone. Tech support was passing the
info/complaint to whoever controls things. No answer yet beyond that.

My XP is on a FAT32 system and I dual boot to DOS so in that mode I can
delete the files in the \tmp folder.

 

[Alan Smith]

For some reason, I have about 200 temporary files in the Windows\Temp
folder that look a lot like registry entries. They are hidden files,
and I have been unable to delete them. They all begin with CS, and
have a time-stamp that coincides with bootup. Here is one:
CS2F1A1E2B-3FE4-44EE-80E5-22C16FD91008.tmp

I get an error message that the files are in use, but I can't figure
out what is using them. I also tried to access them from Safe Mode
command prompt. They don't show up there.

You haven't mentioned the most obvious thing- try an anti-virus scan and
spyware scans using up to date definitions.

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi,

This utility should show you what is using them:
http://www.sysinternals.com/Utilities/ProcessExplorer.html

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[Dick]

Didn't faze them.

 

[Dick]

That was it! I disabled Spy Sweeper on startup, and the files
disappeared! Thanks a lot. My drives are NTFS and I don't know how
to get to them without windows running.

Dick

 

[Dick]

You haven't mentioned the most obvious thing- try an anti-virus scan and
spyware scans using up to date definitions.

Everything is up-to-date. Norton, Zone Alarm, Spy Sweeper and
Microsoft's beta Antispyware.

 

[Dick]

Thanks Rick. Interesting utility, but even knowing now that the files
come from Spy Sweeper, it doesn't associate these temp files with SW.