Anyone know what the hell this is?? (Windows ME, IE6, OE6)

Edit: oops, helps to upload the file

From the title, I can't tell. Although it seems harmless. What you can do is rename the file, or move it to a temp directory to see if anything is affected. If not, you can safely delete it. Just off the top of my head, I'd guess it's one of those temp files one of your programs left behind. Although it seems strange temp files would be written to root.

Xin Li

Tufenuf
Charter Member
506 posts May-15-03, 11:59 AM (GMT)

4. "RE:"
In response to message #0

mickster, That "~" (tilde) file is most probably appearing as the result of installing the "April 2003, Cumulative Patch for Outlook Express (330994)". Microsoft is aware of the problem and is supposedly working on a fix. Many people are experiencing this problem and from what I've read about this problem that icon will also reappear when you reply to an e-mail and you have your Outlook Express set up to enter the persons e-mail address to your address book whenever you reply to an e-mail. You can either just put up with it or follow the uninstall directions for the patch at the link below.
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/downloads/critical/330994/default.asp

Note: If you did install this patch the above is applicable and yes, you should be able to delete the "~" file with no problems but these "~" will probably keep reappearing due to the problem with the patch.
For more info Check out "Welshjim's" reply in the thread at the link below.

http://www.windowsbbs.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=16820

HTH
TufenufR2
Charter Member
786 posts May-15-03, 12:19 PM (GMT)

5. "RE:"
In response to message #0

LAST EDITED ON May-15-03 AT 12:24 PM (GMT)

Yep! that BBS post is correct. This is a really humorous glitch. First off, the chances of it being a virus are very low -- it has no extention and it cannot be 'run' -- so have no fear.
I recommend you open it in a text editor -- as you realize there is no risk in doing this. What will you find? Part of your Outlook Express Address book -- as the forum post indicates.

Whenever you modify the Outlook Express Address Book, the "tilde" file MAY appear. As to "why" this happens, well... Your guess is as good as mine. The forum answer certainly sounds plausible.

Some people get it on their Desktop and others get it on their "C:/" drive. One word of advice: Don't post it into a forum for people to "investigate". Your friends might not like you...



Jane

Thanks Jane & Xin Li. I did a search for the date and time and it was created at the same time as I opened some e-mail in OE6. I'll move it and see if there are any ill effects before I try delete it.