File "Settings.dat"


  1. Motim
    Posts : 621
    Windows 10 Pro 19042 x64
       New #1

    File "Settings.dat"


    Hello,
    Recently have noticed on the contents of C drive, there is a new file "Settings.dat" size 0 (zero).
    I delete it, and next boot its there a new again. It carries current date
    What is it, where does it come from ?
    answers will be appreciated.
    Thanks
    Motim

    windows 10, 19042.1165, (20H2) x 64
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  3. FreeBooter
    Posts : 5,330
    Windows 11 Pro 64-bit
       New #2

    This file is a part of some software you are using so do not delete it.
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  4. Paul Black
    Posts : 18,044
    Win 10 Pro 64-bit v1909 - Build 18363 Custom ISO Install
       New #3

    Hello @Motim,

    Motim said:
    Recently have noticed on the contents of C drive, there is a new file "Settings.dat" size 0 (zero).
    I delete it, and next boot its there a new again. It carries current date.
    What is it, where does it come from ?

    It is a file that contains created data used in an installed Program [ Non-MS ], and I would suggest that you do NOT delete it. You can however, try and track down which Program it is associated with by clicking the Properties of the file for example, or using something like Everything and tracking it from the entries there.

    I hope this helps.
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  6. dalchina
    Posts : 43,009
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       New #4

    Hi, I'm going to guess- as I think I've seen such screenshots from you before- that you have either hidden files visible or protected operating system files or both.

    I'm going to guess that if you didn't, you wouldn't be seeing this file.

    But it's only a guess.
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  7. LMiller7
    Posts : 1,255
    Windows 10 Pro
       New #5

    Never assume that a file of zero bytes is of no importance and thus safe to delete. In some cases the mere existence of the file is what is important, not it's contents. This isn't common but it is done by developers.

    "settings.dat" is not a unique name and I am sure many applications use such a file and do so for a variety of purposes. This kind of thing is rarely documented. By using advanced techniques it is possible to determine what application created a file when it is created but that will not tell you it's purpose or what might happen if it were deleted. Usually only the developer would know that.

    In general you cannot know it is safe to delete a file unless you created it or you have relevant documentation, which is often not available.

    When asking about a file always specify it's full location. A file name without location is useless.
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  8. Motim
    Posts : 621
    Windows 10 Pro 19042 x64
    Thread Starter
       New #6

    File "Setting.Dat"


    LMiller7 said:
    When asking about a file always specify it's full location. A file name without location is useless.
    Hello,
    If you were reading carefully my question, on the first row I pointed that the file is on C drive, which means not in a folder, not in a program, just simple alone on C drive.
    However, Thanks.
    Motim
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  9. dalchina
    Posts : 43,009
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       New #7

    Thank you very much for your - er- reply.

    I believe someone suggested you examine its properties. No sign of that.

    Plus if you're looking at something most users wouldn't see by default, hope you're getting the idea you should leave it alone.
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  10. Motim
    Posts : 621
    Windows 10 Pro 19042 x64
    Thread Starter
       New #8

    File "Setting.Dat"


    dalchina said:
    Thank you very much for your - er- reply.
    I believe someone suggested you examine its properties. No sign of that.
    Plus if you're looking at something most users wouldn't see by default, hope you're getting the idea you should leave it alone.
    Hello,
    Thanks for the answer.
    Sorry I did not mention before, but I checked properties of the file - nothing was there, only current date.
    Used "Everything" to try to open the file - its empty.
    Dragged it into the notepad - its blank.
    I even ran a virus check on it (windows defender) - clean.
    Thanks again.
    Motim
      My Computer
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