topic Re: _hiddenPbk suddenly appeared in Tech Help - Software/Hardware etc

_hiddenPbk suddenly appeared

David_W — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 23:35:44 GMT

A folder on my desktop has appeared called _hiddenPbk, inside is a 0 byte file called rasphone. I have no idea where it came from, I do know its a proper MS folder and file to do with the phonebook for network connections, but I'm pretty sure it doesn't belong on my desktop.
I tried deleting it, but its a system folder by the looks of it so Windows just puts it back. Google doesn't really help when I search for _hiddenPbk.
I'm pretty sure its not virus related, I haven't downloaded anything recently and I have kaspersky running too, so I'm really at a loss as to why its suddenly appeared on my desktop, and I'd like to figure out a way to remove it, unless it is something bad which being on my desktop is a sign that somethings up!
Any suggestions?

Re: _hiddenPbk suddenly appeared

Njal — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 09:20:29 GMT

See:
"This step-by-step article describes how to use the Remote Access Phonebook (Rasphone.pbk) file to save and later restore dial-up connections, and to copy your computer's connections to other computers."
http://kbalertz.com/284269/Restore-Connections-Windows.aspx

Googling "_hidden Pbk rasphone" turns up quite a few entries.
Regards,
Neil

Re: _hiddenPbk suddenly appeared

David_W — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:34:38 GMT

The problem is that my _hiddenPbk folder isn't where it should be, it should be in:
%SystemDrive%\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Microsoft\Network\Connections\Pbk folder
Mine is in:
C:\Users\David\Desktop
Actually I don't know where it should be (Windows 7) but I do know it shouldn't be on my desktop, and I can't remove it because Windows file protection will restore vital system files if they are deleted.

Re: _hiddenPbk suddenly appeared

Njal — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 10:47:58 GMT

Does this give any clues?
http://tech-hutblog.blogspot.com/2007/02/special-folder-icons-on-desktop.html
Regards,
Neil

Re: _hiddenPbk suddenly appeared

David_W — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 11:26:50 GMT

Oh, thats pretty interesting read. I've checked the registry and they all seem to have a valid reason for being on my desktop. Oh well, I guess I'll live with the desktop folder for a while, thanks for the help

Re: _hiddenPbk suddenly appeared

Njal — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 11:57:36 GMT

You might be able to get rid of it using clues from:
http://tech-hutblog.blogspot.com/2007/02/special-folder-icons-on-desktop.html
http://www.softwaretipsandtricks.com/forum/windows-xp/24442-cannot-delete-desktop-folder.html
http://www.ghacks.net/2007/12/16/remove-system-folders-from-the-startmenu/
Windows Powertoys Tweak UI from MS can move some system folders and change some displays:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/Downloads/powertoys/Xppowertoys.mspx
Regards,
Neil