Prefetch directory Question

[Crhoff]

What are the files in this directory. On an MS update there was a file
about Mal software removal tool put in that directory with a .pf extension.
What is the file for since it's not the tool itself?

Thanks

 

[da_test]

What are the files in this directory. On an MS update there was a file
about Mal software removal tool put in that directory with a .pf extension.
What is the file for since it's not the tool itself?

Thanks

The prefetch folder contains info that XP uses to optimize performance
when applications are loaded. It also contains info for optimizing
the bootup.
The pf files contain the details for the corresponding application.
For example,
notepad.exe-some_number.pf contains info that XP's
prefetch component uses when loading Notepad.
It's a performance enhancement tool that's all.

Sometimes an application can be uninstalled but the pf file
remains. Eventually after a few days it cleans itself up.

Dave

 

[Crhoff]

Thanks for the explaination

The prefetch folder contains info that XP uses to optimize performance
when applications are loaded. It also contains info for optimizing
the bootup.
The pf files contain the details for the corresponding application.
For example,
notepad.exe-some_number.pf contains info that XP's
prefetch component uses when loading Notepad.
It's a performance enhancement tool that's all.

Sometimes an application can be uninstalled but the pf file
remains. Eventually after a few days it cleans itself up.

Dave