New Zealand Local Weather Forum

Weather Discussion => Hardware Software and Technology => General Computing => Topic started by: hayden.n on August 03, 2012, 05:21:15 PM

Title: App data roaming?
Post by: hayden.n on August 03, 2012, 05:21:15 PM

Anyone here had "App data roaming" folder randomly appear on their computer?

Just discovered it and found its duplicating my files and taking up space on the hard drive.
Have tried deleting it with no luck as its constantly growing in size.

Have run Avg free and it doesn't detect any virus.

Title: Re: App data roaming?
Post by: TonyC on August 03, 2012, 05:33:47 PM

What Operating system are you running Hayden and is the computer a laptop or desktop?  Do you pair anything with it to synchronise data such as mail (cellphone, tablet, notebook etc)? Are you connected to a home network (more than one computer connected by wireless or ethernet)?

It's useful to put your equipment, OS and stuff in your signature so that everyone can come up with some suggestions based on the clues you can provide.

cheers

Tony C.

Title: Re: App data roaming?
Post by: TonyC on August 03, 2012, 05:36:50 PM

Actually, I thought I'd google it and here's your answer to what it is.

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_vista-performance/what-is-appdataroaming-and-how-did-it-get-into-my/9987511f-b15b-4f97-bcac-b98960423ce3

Paste the link into your browser

As it's a Microsoft thing and you can't delete stuff from it and it's normally hidden, I would do a system clean to get rid of old registry entries and unused program stuff which should free up disk space. I use a free one called CCleaner which seems pretty effective. Google it to get the download address.

cheers
Tony C

Title: Re: App data roaming?
Post by: hayden.n on August 03, 2012, 05:48:54 PM

Thanks for the link Tony but only knowing basic stuff about computers The info on that link is a bit over my head.

Im running a windows 7 HP laptop.

Title: Re: App data roaming?
Post by: hayden.n on August 03, 2012, 06:11:48 PM

A Disk clean up removed some of the files but im still confused as to how it got on my laptop to start with and what exactly its purpose is.

Title: Re: App data roaming?
Post by: TonyC on August 03, 2012, 07:32:23 PM

It's stuff which Microsoft built into their operating systems (XP onwards) which is normally hidden. If you changed any settings in your folder options, it's possible that the directory has become visible.

It's always been there, so it's not doing your machine any harm. Check the folder option by right clicking when using explorer. (see graphic) and check the hide hidden folders option).

Title: Re: App data roaming?
Post by: hayden.n on August 03, 2012, 07:49:16 PM

Thanks Tony. I wonder why it became "unhidden" as I never touched any of the folder settings.
I only found out about it as it came up in the browser history for some reason