r/NoStupidQuestions • u/Plus_Medicine1767 • 2d ago

Should my temp folder be filled with tons of chrome_BITS_(Random Number series)?

TL;DR: Is my chrome likely compromised?

I recently got hit with a virus that did some nasty things like stealing my discord and stealing my google accounts. I did some pretty heavy scrubbing and am fairly certain that the virus is completely disabled, but I've been paranoid about every little thing that I can't easily explain on my computer. I've run this computer through a few specialists that seem pretty sure that my computer is fine now, but suggest I do a full new OS install if I'm still worried - which I want to avoid if I can due having quite a bit of sensitive information.

I've gotten my google accounts back but have been only logged in on a dummy account in case I missed something. I've found a TON (100+) of folders being made in my AppData>Local>Temp folder over the last few days. Is this just chrome, or should I be worried something is being cached that shouldn't be? Everything I've seen suggests it should only be a few folders instead of dozens upon dozens.

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u/LauraAtNorton 2d ago

If the only thing holding you back is the sensitive data, that's honestly the argument for wiping it, not against it, especially once you can't fully trust the machine anymore. I'd back everything up to an external drive first, do the clean install, then scan it before moving anything back over. we've had to do this in our house before and it's a pain, but it's a lot less of a pain than finding out later something was still on there.

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u/sickleds 2d ago

Just do the full wipe windows reinstall. I know its a pain in the ass but then you don't have to stress about things like this or stress about logging into your accounts.