Member Avatar for Wombat_38

G'day all
I've found a folder named"ACW" in c:\Program Files, and contains the
following files:ActiveContentWizard.dll, ACW.exe, ACWExt.xml, AcwPSSExtn.dll, ACWRuntimesCab.

Anybody knows why I've got such folder? how did it get there. :surprised

Platform: Windows xp sp1, IE6, Firefox1508


Thank you for your help

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Dani AI

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As discovered the folder under Program Files and pointed to it being a Microsoft component, here are practical, low-risk steps to confirm what it is and (if desired) remove it safely.

First, confirm the files are legitimate: check an executable’s Properties → Digital Signatures to see the publisher, or use the Sysinternals tool Sigcheck to show version and signer info (and optionally query VirusTotal). See Sigcheck documentation for usage and signature/VT checks. (learn.microsoft.com)

Check whether the component runs or auto-starts before you touch it. Run Autoruns (from Sysinternals) and look for entries pointing at that folder; Autoruns can disable startup entries without deleting files. If nothing is registered and nothing runs, the risk of breaking the system by removing the files is lower. (learn.microsoft.com)

Prefer normal uninstall paths. If the component appears in Control Panel → Add/Remove Programs (or Programs and Features), use that uninstaller. If no uninstaller exists, create a System Restore point, back up the folder, then test by renaming the folder (for example to folder.old) and rebooting; if nothing breaks after a day or two, delete the backup. Microsoft’s guidance warns against blind deletion of Program Files and recommends restore points/official uninstallers first. (support.microsoft.com)

Context: the “guided-help” / assistance technology Microsoft used in older Windows releases is publicly documented (patent/tech descriptions) and often leaves small helper components on systems; that’s why ’s identification fits many cases. If any file is unsigned or VirusTotal reports positives, run up-to-date antivirus tools before removing. (freepatentsonline.com)

Example quick check (replace the path):

sigcheck -a "C:\Program Files\folder\file.exe"

If unsure after these checks, keep a backup and leave the files alone — harmless Microsoft-signed helpers are usually safer to keep than to delete.

Recommended Answers

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Member Avatar for blud

This is a Microsoft application called "Active Content Wizard", which was probably installed on your system with another application, or via windows updates. On most systems, it shouldn't really affect performance.

Member Avatar for Wombat_38

Thank you for the info Blud, is it sa fe to delete?

Cheers

Member Avatar for blud

Hmm, without knowing everything on your system, I don't think anyone would be qualified to answer that question.

Member Avatar for Wombat_38

Thank you for helping blud

Cheers

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