Zip files...PLEASE HELP!?

Question

While doing some computer memory cleanup, i decided to weed out my zip files. When i did a *.zip file search, i found 8100 zip files that i have NO IDEA where they came from. When i dug deeper, they were ALL created the SAME day and within THIRTY minutes!!! How is this possible? Has anyone else ever done this kind of search before on their computer? I'm curious to know what someone else would find. But, if anyone has a clue what these may be, please let me in. I want to delete them all, but am weary about doing that until i know exactly what they are and just how they got there in the first place. Thanks in advance. I thought for a second that i had been hacked and been set up as a server without my knowing, but i am behind an encrypted router that doesnt broadcast its SSID, i am behind a firewall, and when i browse the files, they are just empty files, so...for me to be a server, that would be a waste of time. Oh, and i use Trend Micro AV.

Answer 1

If the day is something before you were even using your system, they are probably system files. If they have technical names, then dont delete them. Look up the creator and if it is something like LOCALHOST or Administrator it is probably system. (That assumes windows use)

If you have linux, they are probably usless junk, as linux now uses .tar.gz files. Even if you are behind a private router and a firewall, most good wifi clients can still see it (such as the iwlist scan command in linux) but they just will list it as "Unknown". Firewalls can be hacked, or someone could have even come through the internet end.

They probably arent empty, but the files are hidden for securiry.

But, if they don't take up too much room, dont delete em. Better safe than sorry.

Answer 2

they probably are important i wouldnt mess with that if i were u