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Mysterious new file in quick access named C

Anonymous
2020-10-07T01:40:16+00:00

Hi,

I logged into my PC this morning and as I went to open some files, I found a new file at the top of my recent files, that I've never heard of before.

Its file name is just C, and it's supposedly in my desktop but if I look through the files in my desktop it's nowhere to be seen even if I display hidden items. 

As for file properties, its file type is just described as "file", and it has a size of 0 bytes. Security properties for it are unavailable/can't be displayed, and there are no previous versions of this file available.

I haven't been browsing any suspicious sites recently, because I only use this computer for doing work or playing games from reputable sources such as Steam. I'm inclined to delete this file but worried whether that would actually be enough or if it could damage something, so just wanted a more informed opinion.

Thanks

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Security and privacy

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  1. Anonymous
    2020-10-08T01:23:41+00:00

    Thanks for the feedback Greg,

    Yes I can access my C: drive just fine. I realised after posting that I can't delete this mystery file because you can't delete files from quick access, and that's the only place I can actually find it. Either way, malwarebytes came back with nothing detected so it looks like it should be all clear. Thanks for your advice

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  2. Anonymous
    2020-10-08T01:31:03+00:00

    If you right click the folder in Quick Access there should be a choice to Unpin from Quick Access. Try that now.

    Now do you see the file anywhere else in Explorer, perhaps under This PC?

    If not then I think it's gone, and if not it's nothing to worry about anyway.

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  3. Anonymous
    2020-10-07T02:00:59+00:00

    Hi Will. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, and Volunteer Moderator, here to help you.

    You can see the actual C: drive folder under This PCC in Explorer, correct?

    If the mystery file size is 0 bytes then there is nothing to worry about deleting the file because it is empty.. You can set a System Restore point first so you can go back if necessary: https://www.windowscentral.com/how-use-system-r...

    If you ever want to be sure you're not infected download, install and run a full scan with the best on-demand scanner, free Malwarebyes from https://www.malwarebytes.com/mwb-download/. You can turn off the free trial in it's Account Settings if you want to keep it, which I would do because nothing else comes close to its thoroughness. But you don't need the Real Time protection if you don't get routinely infected.

    I hope this helps. Based on the results you report back I may have other suggestions if necessary. If you will wait to choose whether the problem is resolved, then I will continue to help until the problem is fixed.

    ___________________________________________________

    Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

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