What is CPSSMasterCatalog.ini?

[Davidoo1]

I clean out the junk in my "C\Windows\Temp folder every once in a while and found the hidden file "CPSSMasterCatalog.ini" this time. I feel safe deleting any *.tmp folder in there, but am unsure about deleting an ini file. I've always used the logic that if an application puts it in the Temp folder it is generally not needed. I did a Yahoo search and didn't find anything explaining what this is. Does anyone know?

I'm running Win7 64 bit Home Premium.

[Nuclear Krusader]

Dunno what it is exactly, but anything that is in that folder is safe to delete. Serious software developers know better than to put files there that are essential for the system to run properly. OTOH, that is a favourite folder for virus coders to put their malware files.

[Davidoo1]

One of the searches I did find on this file mentioned something about a virus although I have up to date Norton Internet Security so hopefully that is not the case. If it is a leftover file from some application just curious as to what it is.

[EzyStvy]

You should still download and scan with something like Malwarebytes.

[Nuclear Krusader]

And HijackThis.

[jdeb]

I think that is malware. I would scan with MSE and Malwarebytes. I would also uninstall Norton and install Microsoft Security Essentials first. 90% of the computers that I work on that are infected have either, Norton or McAfee installed.

1. Download Malwarebytes Malwarebytes Anti-Malware - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com

2. Download MSE this link ONLY http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

3. Uninstall Norton: use this link to download the uninstall utility to insure it's complete removal Download and run the Norton Removal Tool to uninstall your Norton product | Norton Support

4. Install MSE
5. Run full scan with MSE: It will probably catch everything. I would still run Malwarebytes to be sure
6. Install Malwarebytes
7. Run full scan in Windows, if shows up clean your good to go.

[Davidoo1]

Thanks for the responses. I downloaded and ran both of these and all came up clean. I now think the file in question has something to do with HP and HP Support Assistant. This is a HP laptop and this evening the Support Assistant software (the program connects with HP and is supposed to keep you up to date) said new versions of the HP media apps were available. After downloading them I found leftover install directories in the Temp folder and in one of the HP folders was the file CPSSMasterCatalog.ini. I really doubt malware would be put in a HP folder. Maybe someone else with a newer HP laptop and search for CPSSMasterCatalog.ini and see if they have it on their drive.

[Nuclear Krusader]

HP updaters are white-collar viruses. I smoke them on the spot.

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by Davidoo1 Thanks for the responses. I downloaded and ran both of these and all came up clean. I now think the file in question has something to do with HP and HP Support Assistant. This is a HP laptop and this evening the Support Assistant software (the program connects with HP and is supposed to keep you up to date) said new versions of the HP media apps were available. After downloading them I found leftover install directories in the Temp folder and in one of the HP folders was the file CPSSMasterCatalog.ini. I really doubt malware would be put in a HP folder. Maybe someone else with a newer HP laptop and search for CPSSMasterCatalog.ini and see if they have it on their drive.

Hmmm. Interesting. Well you should be happier with MSE in any event, it is a much smaller kernel. Good info to know.