CCleaner and VirtualStore

CCleaner for Windows
1

Under Windows Vista the UAC was introduced and to prevent older programs, not running as admin, which want to access their folder under Program Files, to crash because of missing privileges, Microsoft introduced the VirtualStore. This folder can be found on the file system and in the registry.

More info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_Account_Control#Features

My question: Does CCleaner scan this folder too when searching e.g. in Program Files (x86)?

For example: C:\Program Files (x86)\Internet Explorer\debug.log

Would this file be deleted if it was located in C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Program Files (x86)\Internet Explorer\debug.log ?

2

No one?

3

Hi qsdewa.

I don't have those locations on my XP system so can't check myself, and I can't see them in CCleaners winapp.ini file, which are the locations hot wired into CCleaner.

They may be in the user generated "winapp2.ini" file, but I don't use it and it isn't an official Piriform supported item but one of the guys who does use it may contribute.

You could always make sure those locations are cleaned by adding a manual "Include" for them ...

http://www.piriform.com/docs/ccleaner/using-ccleaner/including-files-and-folders-for-cleaning

Hope that helps.

EDIT: I've just noticed your post in the "winapp2.ini" topic so you are versed with it. Maybe post the question.

4

Iirc virtual store is treated as a part of it's UAC (dennis it is only vista+ folder) protected parent so %programfiles% should cover both

5

Well, that sounds good. I will try to test it later. Thanks

6

It seems it does not work. I copied C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox into C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Program Files (x86).

CCleaner with Winapp2.ini detected the .log files in the original location but not under VirtualStore.

I did not test it with registry keys yet, but so far CCleaner does not seem to be able to do its job properly.

Maybe someone else tries to do what I did and posts the results.

7

Can't copy must be placed there by the os for the link to be made, that folder is for "badboy" programs that don't follow Microsoft's no user changeable in program folder without uac elevation

8

Can't copy must be placed there by the os for the link to be made, that folder is for "badboy" programs that don't follow Microsoft's no user changeable in program folder without uac elevation

So I can't just copy it. How to test it then?

Edit: I know now. I have one of these "badboy" prgrams and I will just write a rule for CCleaner which deletes the programs files.

9

Install a program that uses it and that ccleaner cleans. It sounds like you're working on theory instead of with a practical example, find one then we'll know

10

Install a program that uses it and that ccleaner cleans. It sounds like you're working on theory instead of with a practical example, find one then we'll know

So I did this: VJoy is the program which wants to write to C:\Program Files (x86)\VJoy\VJoy.ini and this file is in C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Program Files (x86)\VJoy. I guess because I don't run it as admin. So I made the following rule:

[VJoy*]
LangSecRef=3024
DetectFile=%ProgramFiles%\VJoy
Default=False
FileKey1=%ProgramFiles%\VJoy|VJoy.ini
And CCleaner didn't find anything.
11

As I'm doing my taxes, I'm on my pc. I took a break and yes this does not function as I was hoping, perhaps there is a way for it to work but I know not

12

As I'm doing my taxes, I'm on my pc. I took a break and yes this does not function as I was hoping, perhaps there is a way for it to work but I know not

OK, thanks for the help anyways.

Edit: Googled and this was the only thing I found: http://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/547013-cleaning-the-virtualstore/?view=findpost&p=588405349

Edit2: Actually found this: http://forum.piriform.com/?showtopic=21915

The download link for the extra program seems to be down.

I really hope someone can help with this topic.