The other day, I noticed a file on my desktop called '~'. The icon displayed was one of the default icons Windows displays when no application is associated with the file type. I opened the file with notepad. It appeared to be some sort of binary file with email addresses from my outlook address book embedded in it. I was a little concerned and restored my machine from a backup I had taken the previous week (using Powerquest Drive Image). After the restore, the file had gone. Today however, it re-appeared. I can't be sure, but I think it appeared whilst in Outlook doing a send / receive. It has also happened to a friend of mine. Has anyone got any explanations as to what the file is ? Is it safe to delete it ?

Not sure, what is the exact filename? You can try dragging it to the recycle bin and see what happens when you use outlook. If nothing happens in a month or so, I would think it's safe to empty the bin. It might be a temp file, but I'm not sure why it's on the desktop. So give us the filename or try my suggestion. If something goes wrong just restore it from the recycle bin. Kevin.

Kevin, The exact filename is simply the tilde character: ~ ....no file extension, just: ~ I could try your suggestion with the recycle bin but ideally, I'd like too know what the file is and what created it. It could be harmless but for some reason, it leaves me feeling a little uncomfortable. Many Thanks. Mark.

hi..i have the same file...with my outlook's e-mail address...that happend when i installed the "actual title buttons"...

Panda, would you elaborate on that a mite. How did you install "actual title buttons" and what is that all about? Thanks, Normande

Mark, I found some info on that odd ball desktop icon. Check out "Welshjim's" reply in the thread at the link below. 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. http://www.windowsbbs.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=16820 HTH Tufenuf

Tufenuf, Thanks for that. As annoying as it is, after reading the thread you pointed me towards, I'm now happy that its not a virus as I first suspected. Many thanks to everyone who replied. Mark.