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Why Can’t I Delete these Temp Files?

Question: I found four files and twelve folders in my Temp folder that I can’t delete because they say “Access denied” with no programs open. Most are random numbered IDs, but two of the files have weird names: My Babylon TB and Bundle Suite IM setup. Each of these are around 1 Kilobyte. Both are noted as .exe applications. Two other files are basically just temp files. I’ve tried everything, but they persist. It may not be a big threat, but I hate to clutter the Temp folder on a permanent basis. How can I remove them? I use Windows XP.

Deleting files from your Temp folder is a good thing to do periodically. An “Access denied” error usually means that the file that you’re trying to delete is currently open and in use by some other program.

Sometimes, it happens, but based on the information that you’ve given me, I’m a little concerned that something else might be going on here.

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Some temp files are always there

Let me clarify something. Programs are always running on your machine. Windows itself is a combination of several programs and they run from the moment you power on your computer. In short, if your computer is on, programs are running.

That’s important to know when you try to delete those temp files. An “Access denied” message can appear because those files are being used by Windows. The best technique for cleaning out temp files then is to delete everything around these files and keep the ones that display an error message.

But when it’s known malware…

As for my concern, one of those files, “My Babylon TB”, actually shares the name of a toolbar program that is known malware.

In your case, I recommend that you make sure that your anti-malware software is up-to-date and running, then scan your machine.

If this doesn’t catch it, grab a copy of the free tool at malwarebytes.org. It’s very good at deleting these kinds of things that creep into our system from time to time.

Check for any toolbars that may have been installed in your browser and then remove and delete them.

After your machine is clean, you can still expect some temp files to display “Access denied” messages. There will always be some files in your temp folder that are working even when you don’t think you’re running any programs. Don’t worry about them. Just focus on keeping your machine malware free.

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6 comments on “Why Can’t I Delete these Temp Files?”

  1. In Windows XP, Temp Files, History, Cookies, Index.dat files and all those pesky tracking files I shall lump together as Pesky Files are (as far as I can tell) specific to each User, so when you are logged on as User A, you can’t access User A’s Pesky Files because they are in use. To access (and delete) User A’s Pesky Files, create a second user with Administrative privileges (User B) via the control panel. Log off User A (not just Switch User), log as User B, then you’ll have all User A’s Pesky Files at your command in User A’s folder under Documents and Settings. Local Settings contains most of the Pesky Files, and its contents including folders (except Application Data) can be safely nuked because new (empty) folders get created each time that User logs on. Note however that Cookies and Temp Files can be located anywhere depending on the application that created them, so a smart search program (eg Everything) will sniff them out for deletion or erasure. Having said all this, I have occasionally found a stubborn index.dat file that won’t behave. Unlocker sorts it out quick smart. Hope this helps.

    Reply
  2. Remove the hard drive, put’m in a docking station with another computer.
    Put the files in a ZIP folder and delete the originals, if they’re needed you can unzip again.
    Instead of deleting you can change the name in *.txt, open in editor and overwrite some contents.
    Rename the file again to *exe and make “read-only”, normally prevents the file being overwritten.
    Replace HD and see what happens.

    Reply
  3. do you Know anything about. Winxdvd ripper platinum. I bought this program, and they did not send me any information. I’ve tried for 2 months, now. they still wont help. I just need to know how to copy a dvd movie to a blank dvd. I have windows xp, and 7. any kind of help woulp be great.

    Reply
  4. hijackthis found some file on my pc
    i try to remove it but it won’t go away
    can you help
    here are some log file .from hijack
    O23 – Service: @%systemroot%\system32\psbase.dll,-300 (ProtectedStorage) – Unknown owner – C:\Windows\system32\lsass.exe (file missing)
    O23 – Service: @%systemroot%\system32\Locator.exe,-2 (RpcLocator) – Unknown owner – C:\Windows\system32\locator.exe (file missing)
    O23 – Service: @%SystemRoot%\system32\samsrv.dll,-1 (SamSs) – Unknown owner – C:\Windows\system32\lsass.exe (file missing)
    O23 – Service: @%SystemRoot%\system32\snmptrap.exe,-3 (SNMPTRAP) – Unknown owner – C:\Windows\System32\snmptrap.exe (file missing)
    O23 – Service: @%systemroot%\system32\spoolsv.exe,-1 (Spooler) – Unknown owner – C:\Windows\System32\spoolsv.exe (file missing)
    O23 – Service: @%SystemRoot%\system32\sppsvc.exe,-101 (sppsvc) – Unknown owner – C:\Windows\system32\sppsvc.exe (file missing)
    O23 – Service: @%SystemRoot%\system32\ui0detect.exe,-101 (UI0Detect) – Unknown owner – C:\Windows\system32\UI0Detect.exe (file missing)
    O23 – Service: @%SystemRoot%\system32\vaultsvc.dll,-1003 (VaultSvc) – Unknown owner – C:\Windows\system32\lsass.exe (file missing)
    O23 – Service: @%SystemRoot%\system32\vds.exe,-100 (vds) – Unknown owner – C:\Windows\System32\vds.exe (file missing)
    O23 – Service: @%systemroot%\system32\vssvc.exe,-102 (VSS) – Unknown owner – C:\Windows\system32\vssvc.exe (file missing)
    O23 – Service: @%SystemRoot%\system32\Wat\WatUX.exe,-601 (WatAdminSvc) – Unknown owner – C:\Windows\system32\Wat\WatAdminSvc.exe (file missing)
    O23 – Service: @%systemroot%\system32\wbengine.exe,-104 (wbengine) – Unknown owner – C:\Windows\system32\wbengine.exe (file missing)
    O23 – Service: @%Systemroot%\system32\wbem\wmiapsrv.exe,-110 (wmiApSrv) – Unknown owner – C:\Windows\system32\wbem\WmiApSrv.exe (file missing)
    O23 – Service: @%PROGRAMFILES%\Windows Media Player\wmpnetwk.exe,-101 (WMPNetworkSvc) – Unknown owner – C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Media Player\wmpnetwk.exe (file missing)

    Reply
    • It shouldn’t. That’s the whole idea of incognito mode. It doesn’t save any temporary internet files, cookies or history. That doesn’t mean you’re really incognito, though. Unless you use a VPN, every site you surf and every thing you download or up load can be seen by your ISP. If, you use a VPN, all of that information can be seen by the VPN.
      What Good is Incognito Mode?

      Reply

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