Hi,I discovered quite some strange files on one of my hard disks.I use this hard disk only for the storage of my data-backups and my system disk images.That is why I do not understand why the strange files got there.The strange files do all like :1031254C-5A73-42BC-CC811-CC5282ACBF5Fmpasdlta.vdmIs there somebody in the room who can explain this to me please ?ThanksRegards Picsoe

A number of software products create files with this extension, but the most *likely* explanation for them on your machine would be that they are leftover 'virtual DOS machine' files created when try to run print jobs from within software which needs to use the WOW (Windows on windows) sub-system for 16-bit operation. Temporary files, in other words, which have been created when using older software which does not truly run 'natively' within 32-bit (or higher) Windows.They can safely be deleted, and it is probably advisable to delete them so that they do not accumulate and create clutter. It would also probably be advisable to discontinue using the older software programs which are likely to be creating, and instead find more up to date software laternatives to use.Cheers

Thanks for your very fast answer Techwrighter.I am not aware that I am running any 16-bit or DOS software on my machine.Virtual DOS is also an inigma to me.But I deleted the files and so far nothing strange happend, my machine just runs the way it should do.I wil keep an eye on this because I really don't know where the files came from.Thanks again for your fast answer.Regards Picsoe

Hi TechwrighterI spoke too fast in my previous message because right after a re-boot of my machine 2 of these files came back after a lot of disk activity.Is it possible that they have something to do with MSE = Microsoft Security Essentials ?Regards Picsoe

Just had a look on the disk where I have my system images and also found some of these files. The dates don't seem to tie in with backups and I also have MSE installed. Would be interested to see where they come from!

Hi TechwrighterI spoke too fast in my previous message because right after a re-boot of my machine 2 of these files came back after a lot of disk activity.Is it possible that they have something to do with MSE = Microsoft Security Essentials ? Regards Picsoe On checking it appears that numerous other people are reporting the incidence of these files with MSE installed.I just then checked my own 'main household' machine, which uses MSE, and there are no such files on it, so maybe the co-existence is a co-incidence? Or maybe they are something which only arises when particular 'conditions' are met?

I deleted them again and, strange enough, they don't come back now. Not even after a reboot.I will try to figure out why they get created when they reappear.Regards Picsoe

I found 4 of these folders on my F: drive. The creation date/time matches the MSE definition updates date/time found in Windows Update. I believe these are temp folders that should be deleted by MSE. The question is why aren't they being deleted ??

Definitely appears releasted to MSE. Another folder has appeared on my backup drive and the creation time corresponds with a definition update. I don't have folder for each definition update though. EDIT: Just found another thread on this issue Link

You can also discuss it in MSE forum. There may be other reasons either. I suggest that you refer the following thread. Weird folder always been createdArthur Xie - MSFT