Yeh its at work - we have no IT guy, just a know it all who really doesn't know any of it.


Thanks everyone - I'll take a look tomorrow and see.

Folders used to download and execute things such as Microsoft updates create such names. A temporary work space to perform tasks. Malware can also work that way.

The Microsoft Malicious Software Removal tool creates a directory with a similar (randomly created) directory name. This tool is updated every second Tuesday of the month. Can be downloaded and executed from www.microsoft.com/downloads.

If the attribute suggestions do not work, then load Task Manager. Delete every process that lets you delete it - except explorer. Then try to delete that directory again. If the directory is ties to malware or a failed and locked process, then the deleted process means that directory can be removed.

On that machine is a directory named 9ebb0a808014bf37d6eb580ece3f63 that contains update files for IE7. Another entitled cb89db71fa772ad9123499d1 that contains update files for IE8.

interesting - we shall see. I'll pass this all upstream and see what happens.
Thanks again.

I remembered my wacky folder with all the random seeming numbers and letters. It was part of my back up software and was related to the recycle bin in my back up drive.

Is it possible that somehow you were at "properties" for a certain folder and clicked "hidden" on or off? Then "apply to all subfolders" as well? That kind of thing makes all kinds of shit show up all of a sudden.

Not me. Some others around here who "think they know"? I'll plea the 5th and stay employed.