Can Perflib_Perfdataxxx.dat files be deleted? 2

[BarryMurphy]

I'm running Windows XP Pro on a standalone computer and have been trying to clear out my C:\Documents and Settings\[User]\Local Settings\Temp folder but I have a problem with Perflib_Perfdataxxx.dat files. Some I can delete, but there is always one that is locked.

I located a relevant Microsoft Knowledge Base Article - 285798 (

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q285798):

"Perflib_Perfdataxxx.dat Files Accumulate Under %SystemRoot%\System32
The information in this article applies to:
Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
Microsoft Windows 2000 Datacenter Server

This article was previously published under Q285798
SUMMARY
Files with the name Perflib_Perfdataxxx.dat may accumulate under the %SystemRoot%\System32 folder, where xxx is a random number.
MORE INFORMATION
These files are generated by processes in the normal course of operation; however, files are orphaned when you do not shut down a computer properly, such as by pressing the power button on a computer.

Note: It is also possible that these files can be orphaned while a server is running. Microsoft is researching this problem and will post more information in this article when the information becomes available.

To delete the orphaned files, you can use an automated logon script."

Now I have found the above explanation and suggested remedy in a number of different locations, such as this (

http://www.jsiinc.com/SUBG/TIP3300/rh3343.htm):

"3343 » What are the %SystemRoot%\System32\Perflib_Perfdataxxx.dat files?

The %SystemRoot%\System32\Perflib_Perfdataxxx.dat files are created by the System Monitor. When you shutdown normally, the file should be deleted.

If you have an abormal shutdown, these files can become orphaned, and accumulate on your computer.

Under some yet to be determined circumstances, these files can become orphaned during normal operation.

The best way to remove these files is to add a command in a logon script:

del /q %SystemRoot%\System32\Perflib_Perfdata*.dat"


This sounds simple enough but I have my doubts. So far I am yet to find any explanation of what a Windows XP logon script is and how it can be edited. Anyone willing to try?

Perflib_Perfdata*.dat really annoys me. There is no reason for it to exist and there must be some way to get rid of it. I would appreciate any help.

 

[linney]

Freeware Monitoring Tools.

http://www.sysinternals.com/ntw2k/utilities.shtml

Handle.exe will show you what process is using any file.

Using Handle
--------------

Start Handle.exe from its home directory. Complete usage
is available by typing /?.


If it is not being used by Performance Monitors, I vaguely remember a firewall creating in the Temp folder and not deleting it, a similar sounding file name at every startup.

 

[BarryMurphy]

I can't get Handle to work. It just scrolls through screeds of text too quickly to read for about 40 seconds and then closes.

"640K ought to be enough for anybody." -- Bill Gates, 1981

 

[bcastner]

You can either create a formal logon scripts as suggested in the jsinc.com article, or simply place a .bat file in the Startup Folder for All Users.

rem remove_perflib_darnit.bat

rem Removes junky perflib data files on startup

del /q C:\Windows\System32\Perflib_Perfdata*.dat"

rem end of remove_perfile_darnit.bat

To use scripting, Helmig's site has a good step-by-step guide:

http://www.wown.com/j_helmig/wxpplogs.htm

 

[linney]

You have to run the DOS program from a Command Prompt window. Place Handle.exe somewhere like the root of C Drive. Navigate to it using DOS commands and run it from there.

 

[bcastner]

You could use Extrlist.exe from the Win2k SDK and selectively stop any performance counting .DLL, and then delete the files.

The Extrlist.exe tool:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/techinfo/reskit/tools/existing/exctrlst-o.asp

Right below the scrollable Window of WMI objects is a checkbox to stop the DLL.

With all the .DLLs stopped for perflib_ you can delete the files.

 

[BarryMurphy]

Thanks linney and bcastner.
Handle told me that MSOFFICE.EXE is the culprit.
I created a batch file (del /q C:\Documents and Settings\Barry\Local Settings\Temp\Perflib_Perfdata_*.data) and put it in my Startup folder. When I restarted and opened the temp folder it was empty, but while I was looking at it a Perflib_Perfdataxxx.dat file appeared! I restarted again, closed MSOFFICE.EXE and checked the temp folder. This time it stayed empty.
I find it convenient to have MS Office Shortcut Bar set to load at startup so that I can always have access to my desktop icons without having to click Show Desktop. So it seems that unless I am willing to forgo that little convenience, then I must live with Perflib_Perfdataxxx.dat.
But at least I now know how to empty the temp folder when I am required to do so for a particular purpose, such as reinstalling SystemWorks, which is what put me onto this track in the first place.

"640K ought to be enough for anybody." -- Bill Gates, 1981