Each time I start winXP home edition, a file is created in the c:\windows\temp folder with the name perflib_perfdata_ and a different number and letter combination without the .dat extension but it is listed as a .dat file. All of the files created can be deleted except the last one created. I can delete it if I reboot to safe mode with command prompt and use the del command. When I reboot another file is created. I am not having a problem, but I haven't been able to discern which service or program creates the files and prevents them from being removed. I have searched the net and I think they are some type of network performance data files.
Does anyone know what these files do and what program creates them?
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What program creates them? WINDOWS (apparently stands for "Will Install Needless Data On Whole System"). I mean think about it, System Monitor/Performance Monitor on a home edition of Windows XP? Come on Uncle Bill, you gotta be kidding, right?
Not sure about Windows XP but you can access the System Monitor interface by issuing "perfmon" in Windows 2000.
...this is my third attempt to post a comment.
While I appreciate the comments very much, I was hoping someone could tell me specifically what service/program creates these files in the specific location namely C:\windows\temp after I power down and reboot or so it seems now, and how I can stop the creation of these files. I opened one of the files in word and all that was there was a lot empty small squares. Row and rows of squares???
I ran perfmon from the Run command and searched it and find no reference to these files as nothing has been setup in the console. It isn't in startup and to my knowledge it had never been opened until your post st__steve, I have disabled all startup items from msconfig and the files were still created on startup the files only dated back to 8-7-02 so I must have installed a windows component or update that started this some time around that date. I still don't know why these files are created or what service/program creates them. It seems there is not much interest in helping figure this out so I will go ahead and award you both the points if I don't get the answer by later today. Thanks for your interest.
Bobby
Here are my observations regarding the perflib_perfdata files. I never saw these files on my computer until I installed a new DVD-CD RW drive and the Nero burning software that came along with it. They (the files) appeared thereafter and I too went through all of the gyrations listed in the thread regarding the attempts at deletion.
BTW, the files are usually located in the documents and setttings\username (you)\local settings\temp folder. That is probably why the login script, del /q %SystemRoot%\System32\Perf
So, many of the causes that relate to the creation of these files may not be of malicious origin. Some legitimate program may be doing it and you will have to find out whcih one it is and whether you really need it or not.
Pueo
Hello there ...
Try to download this tool from XP's resource kit and disable all the counters for performance :-) I usually do this as a default guideline on all systems that I don't need performance counters.
http://www.microsoft.com/w
It works for Windows 2000, XP and I think 2003 as well.
Take care,
Marco Bicca
FYI, the perflib_perfdata files are also created by PGPServ if you have it installed.
If you enable file shreding in PGP, you'll also see a load of .tmp files with short names and small sizes.
If you really want to be sure. Install handle.exe and then run:
handle.exe perflib_perfdata
You'll see the command that's holding it open.
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by: sburckPosted on 2002-09-05 at 05:55:10ID: 7264380
From www.jsifaq.com
3343 » What are the %SystemRoot%\System32\Perf
The %SystemRoot%\System32\Perf
If you have an abormal shutdown, these files can become orphaned, and accumulate on your computer.
Under some yet to be determined circumstances, these files can become orphaned during normal operation.
The best way to remove these files is to add a command in a logon script:
del /q %SystemRoot%\System32\Perf