Unwanted .toc files are being created all over my PC

[M0lyk]

Windows 11 x64

I've been using Nilesoft Shell for several months, and recently I've encountered a new issue that I didn't have before: I see .toc files being created all over my PC—in the Discord directory, in Windows/System32, or, for example, whenever I right-click on the taskbar and open Task Manager: two .toc files are immediately created on my desktop.

There are hundreds of legitimate .toc files on my PC, mostly in game directories using UE5, which have normal names.

But the ones I’m seeing now are hexadecimal codes, and the filenames themselves are also in hexadecimal.

I've realized that this issue occurs when I use Nilesoft Shell. I completely removed the program, being very thorough using Revo Uninstaller, and the issue stopped. Then, I reinstalled it, using the default script, and the problem immediately returned.

Do you know where this issue might be coming from?

[moudey]

I have never had this issue before. Current version and canary do not issue these files for me.

[M0lyk]

I have never had this issue before. Current version and canary do not issue these files for me.

I can understand that. Probably incompatibility with another program. Thanks

[unable-to-label-404]

I'm literally experiencing the same thing right now (only difference is that I'm on windows 10 and not using Nilesoft Shell), which started about 2 weeks ago for me, this is the first time I find someone who is experiencing similar symptoms and just know that you are not alone, first I thought my windows install had gone corrupted somehow, but now I begin to think this could be some new kind of malware or best case scenario just some faulty application after an update.

Anyways keep me updated if you happen to find any solution or even a hint of a cause, it's nothing critical for me, but it's just too strange right? I also got a screen recording of it happening in different instances, because at least for me it is easily recreated.

Thanks for sharing, it's good to know I'm not just going crazy, or at least not the only one that is haha.

[M0lyk]

@unable-to-label-404 Thanks for your feedback. The situation is the same at home, I will format my PC and make a clean installation.

[unable-to-label-404]

@M0lyk So you mean to make a new windows install and then install all you're programs manually or from a back-up? for me this turned out quite problematic, I tried this but since this is happening on my gaming PC with tons of small programs, random drivers and game saves gathered from over my whole gaming career, this meant either a lot of work or simply making some compromises which I couldn't afford to make, I did try it but it seemed not worth it to me, so I made a clone of my previous windows install and reverted back to that, so the issue still persists for me, hope there will be another solution turning out at some point.

[M0lyk]

@unable-to-label-404 Okay, yes I formatted, I installed 24h2, and I don't regret it, I needed to do this clean install. My games, documents, etc. are on other disks than the system disk, so they weren't impacted. Then, in places like user_Appdata, you have to check everything and make backups of what's necessary. Keep your game backups. For drivers, I use driverscloud. Then I keep a list of all installed programs, and reinstall them manually. I've opted for more open source programs rather than pirated software to avoid the risk of installing malware. Of course, you have to prepare carefully and it takes a few hours, but in the end it's a good thing done.