17

What purpose do the C:\USERS\%username%\Tracing\WPPMedia\*.* folder and files serve? It appears to be related to Skype and potentially Windows Live Messenger according to random forum posts. Also curious what WPPMedia is.

Mine has the following files:

  • Skype_MediaStack-6.0.8878.0-lcsmedia_vnext_release3(rtbldlab)-x86fre-U.etl
  • Skype_MediaStack-6.0.8878.0-lcsmedia_vnext_release3(rtbldlab)-x86fre-U.etl.bak
  • Skype_MediaStack-6.0.8885.7-lcsmedia_vnext_release4(rtbldlab)-x86fre-U.etl
  • Skype_MediaStackETW-6.0.8878.0-lcsmedia_vnext_release3(rtbldlab)-x86fre-U.etl
  • Skype_MediaStackETW-6.0.8878.0-lcsmedia_vnext_release3(rtbldlab)-x86fre-U.etl.bak
  • Skype_MediaStackETW-6.0.8885.7-lcsmedia_vnext_release4(rtbldlab)-x86fre-U.etl
Improve this question

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
11

Everything under %username%\Tracing seems to be diagnostic logging and debugging data created by apps that use the Unified Communications Client API, such as Office Communicator/Lync, Windows Live Messenger, Skype etc.

Event Trace Log (ETL) files can be viewed using the Event Viewer among other tools. The WPP in WPPMedia refers to the Windows software trace preprocessor used for logging and debugging.

Improve this answer
2
  • 3
    Is there any way to remove them?
    – redbeam_
    May 2, 2015 at 12:50
  • 1
    If not while Windows is running they can definitely be deleted via a LiveCD or perhaps even in Safe Mode. Question is, will the programs involved complain or break, and even if they don't, will they not continue to create more such files? I have not investigated any of these issues.
    – Karan
    May 2, 2015 at 18:48
0

The .etl extension usually refers to Event Trace Log files. My guess would be that it contains data for debugging purposes. If you would like to see what is in the files you can open them via the Event Viewer built into Windows.

Improve this answer

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .