C:\Boot folder?

Arctucas · **C:\Boot folder? -** 08-05-2012, 00:41 | posts: 1,753

My girlfriends PC has a C:\Boot folder (Win 7 HP).

I have no such folder on my Win 7 U PC, nor on my Win 7 HP PC.

What is the purpose of the C:\Boot folder? Why would it be on her PC, but not on either of mine?

k1net1cs · 08-05-2012, 01:43 | posts: 3,364

If its contents are something like that then it's most likely RDP, or ReadyDriverPlus.
It's used to automate disabling driver signature check on Windows start-up.

Arctucas · 08-05-2012, 13:28 | posts: 1,753

No, it had memtest, several language folders, and a couple BCD files.

I deleted everything except the BCD files, because when I deleted them, the PC would not boot.

I do not recall seeing the C:\Boot folder previously, and it only appears when I log in as Administrator, it is not there when I use her normal user account.

k1net1cs · 08-05-2012, 13:34 | posts: 3,364

BCD files?
Those are Boot Configuration Data, usually used by Windows' boot manager on Vista and up.
The reason it's only viewable as Administrator is probably from it being set as a system folder.
It's possible to make it visible on normal user accounts by setting the folder options to not hide protected operating system files.

As to why it's there on your girlfriend's PC all I can guess is from installing something that requires multi-booting or some sort in the past, or fiddling with msconfig.

Arctucas · 08-05-2012, 13:54 | posts: 1,753

I see...

I did have Win 8 CP installed on a different, separate HDD on her PC for a while, but it was never dual booting with Win 7. I believe I may have also had Win XP on another drive for a while. But again, the drives were never connected to the motherboard concurrently, i.e. dual booting.

I suppose a re-installation of the OS is in order.

Thanks for the info.

F1refly · 08-05-2012, 14:43 | posts: 8,429 | Location: Indiana

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arctucas

I
I suppose a re-installation of the OS is in order.

Thanks for the info.

well lets not get too drastic, if the OS works fine, just simply hide the boot folder if its bothersome.

k1net1cs · 08-05-2012, 14:51 | posts: 3,364

Quote:

Originally Posted by F1refly

well lets not get too drastic, if the OS works fine, just simply hide the boot folder if its bothersome.

It is already hidden as its a system folder, hence only visible on a true Administrator account.

He did mention some memtest-related files and language folders, so I'm guessing they're leftovers from a live CD like UBCD or something.
In any case, just make sure it's not something else that's malicious.

Arctucas · 08-05-2012, 15:10 | posts: 1,753

@F1refly,

Not drastic at all, I reinstall several times a year on my PC, her PC is long overdue.

@k1netics,

The only live CD I recall using on that machine was Parted Magic, when I was wiping some drives. However, I have used Parted Magic on my PC and, as I said, I did not get a C:\Boot folder on it.

I doubt it is malware, but just to be sure, I am going to wipe the drive and re-install Windows.

gammelhat · 08-07-2012, 18:16 | posts: 81

She doesn't have the system reserved partition, I suspect, so the boot folder is on C:

Arctucas · 08-07-2012, 21:13 | posts: 1,753

I believe the 100MB system partition was in place.

Anyway, I bought a 64GB Sammy 830 and did a fresh install.

No C:\Boot folder anymore.

gammelhat · 08-07-2012, 21:29 | posts: 81

Nomatter the reason, it seems the C: drive was the active partition, hence the boot folder.