Are These Random AppData Files Malware, and Could They Explain My Steam Problems?
Asked by
MellowPine42
My Steam games appeared to uninstall themselves, and Steam logged me out while my computer was left running overnight. I installed antivirus software and started a full scan. It flagged three folders under AppDataLocalFeatures, each with a long gibberish name such as "smgbqljcutpgumgoaszziewspvxktu." The folders reportedly contain files named "pdf_handler.js" and "packet_sdk.exe," which were also detected as harmful. Could these be false positives, and should I delete the folders?
Answers
Let the antivirus finish, then quarantine or remove everything it identifies. Afterward, check Task Manager and the Startup settings for unfamiliar programs, since malware in AppData often creates a startup entry. Run a second scan with another reputable scanner as well. Once the computer is clean, change your Steam password and enable Steam Guard, because unexpected logouts can indicate that saved sessions or credentials were compromised.
Reply to this answer
The folder names and executable or script files could be malicious, but the antivirus detection details matter more than the names alone. Leave the files quarantined while the scans complete instead of manually deleting random items. If the scanner consistently identifies them as threats, remove them and investigate any startup entries or other suspicious activity afterward.
Reply to this answer
Also check whether Windows Storage Sense or another storage-cleanup setting is enabled. If the drive was nearly full, automatic cleanup could potentially affect installed games from Steam or other launchers, although that would not explain suspicious files by itself.
Reply to this answer
Add your answer
Answers are reviewed before publication.
MellowPine42: Thanks for the help. I finished the follow-up scan, and everything seems okay for now.