How do I get rid of this unknown file: ~

[Najoba]

A Windows-logo file keeps reappearing on my desktop named: ~
I delete it, and a day or two later the ~ file is back again.

I opened it with QuikView and it was all in code except for the word "Broderbund" and the names of everyone in my Outlook Express address book. I contacted the Broderbund tech support, and they suggested I uninstall PrintMaster Gold and then reinstall it, suggesting that there was a file that beame corrupted in the installation process. I did as they said, and I have not reinstalled their program, yet this file keeps reappearing.

Now, I can no longer view it with QuickView, as I get an error message that says I do not have QuickView.exe on my computer.

I am very concerned about a stray and unidentifiable file that contains all the information in my address book. When I view the properties, it shows nothing identifiable as to its origin. It is about 196 KB in size.


Neither RegRun, SpyBot, Adaware, Pest Patrol, nor Norton AV has identified this file as being a problem. Opening and running my usual software programs or any other task that I can think of that I might frequently perform will make it reappear once I delete it. I have not as of yet been able to determine what action causes it to reappear.

How can I dispose of it permanently? I don't like unexplainable "mystery" files containing my address book information reappearing at will.

 

[edemiere]

That "~" (tilde) file is most probably appearing as the result of installing the "April 2003, Cumulative Patch for Outlook Express (330994)". Microsoft is aware of the problem and is supposedly working on a fix.

Many people are experiencing this problem and from what I've read about this problem that icon will also reappear when you reply to an e-mail and you have your Outlook Express set up to enter the persons e-mail address to your address book whenever you reply to an e-mail. You can either just put up with it or follow the uninstall directions for the patch at the link below:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/downloads/critical/330994/default.asp

Note: If you did install this patch the above is applicable and yes, you should be able to delete the "~" file with no problems but these "~" will probably keep reappearing due to the problem with the patch.
For more info Check out "Welshjim's" reply in the thread at the link below.

http://www.windowsbbs.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=16820

Cheers!

 

[realm174]

The ~ file itself is not the main part of the problem, at least I don't think so. When you say that none of those programs have identified the file as being a problem, that's a good thing, but did you scan the entire computer, or just verified that particular file? I'd be curious to see the result of an up-to-date Norton AV (or any favorite up to date AV software) of a complete scan.

What I'm saying here is that although that ~ file in itself is not necessarily active and infected in any way, it looks to me like it is the "data file" of some other program that is sending emails on your behalf. So I would want to have that checked ASAP.

Another thing you might want to look at is what's being loaded when you boot your computer (try Start/Run/msconfig and look under the startup tab for anything suspicious).

I hope this helps.

Cheers,

Realm174

 

[Najoba]

Thanks for replying to my inquiry. I ran a test and replied to an e-mail in Outlook Express, but that could not recreate the appearance of the ~ file. When I view its Properties, it simple says File as the name of it. I definitely want to get rid of it ASAP. It is gone at the present, but it will soon be back again. When it does reappear, perhaps I should zip it up and send it to Norton for identification? I am trying to watch closely to see what I do on my computer that might precipitate its re-appearance.

 

[mattjurado]

Najoba, the first response to your posting is accurate. I've seen it from time to time, Outlook Express creates this file, you delete it, sometimes it comes back, sometimes it doesn't. There's nothing to worry about, just delete it if it pops up. Remember you are using a computer, no program is coded perfectly, especially if its a MS program.

Matt J.

 

[cdogg]

Najoba,
How often does that file reappear? If it's often, can you abstain from using Outlook Express for a short period of time to see if it still occurs?

Also, the file you're scanning and want to send to Norton might not be the problem. Instead, another file or program elsewhere on the C: drive could be infected to create that file. Definitely take Realm174's advice seriously and scan the entire drive with several different utilities to be sure.

___________________________________________________________

"The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources"
[tab]- A. Einstein