The folders are used to unpack (expand) updates. Normally they are
removed once the update is applied. You need to modify the ACLs
(Access Control List) and either grant your account or Everyone the
full rights. Once changed the folder and it's contents can be removed.
Right Click the folder and take Properties to get access to the Security
(TAB).
This Microsoft KB article gives more insight:
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;308421


"BillVa" <BillVa@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:BED7CD86-CBF3-4F10-A5E9-C16140213DE2@microsoft.com...
>I have Windows XP Media Center Edition on my computer and I'm the only
>user.
> Over the yrs I have done 4 complete system restores on the computer. Each
> time I've done one a strange folder appears on a secondary drive. It's
> always
> just a jumble of letters and numbers, like this:
>
> 1f51b16e8f7767f039c58f34385d83f3
>
> I can't either access the folders or delete them. I've tried to change the
> attributes from read only but that doesn't work and when I've tried to
> delete
> the folders I get 'access is denied' error messages.
>
> Can anyone please help?