Debug icon

[Jayzee58]

My apologies Community, I really have no idea what category this question should be under. In the past few days I have had a "debug" icon appear on my desktop. I have relegated it to the trash can 4 times and a new one appears each time I startup. It's not really a program and the icon looks like a sheet of paper. If this is something I am supposed to have I would like to know that. Anyone know if I need this and/or how to get rid of it once and for all? Thanks.

[itsmyname]

The icon could be that which is normally associated with files created by the Windows "Notepad" app, and the filename could be "debug" (or "debug.txt").  

First, click on the icon with the right-side mouse button, and choose to virus-scan the file.

Also, with that "right-click", choose "Properties" to see the date/time of the creation of the file.

If it is not a computer-virus, can you double-click to open the file, to view its contents?

I have no idea which program on your computer that runs (occasionally?) to write that file.

[Alice_Illori]

Hi    @ Jayzee58,

The debug file may pop up on the desktop after an app or program crashes. Causes of these crashes could be damaged program files or incorrect registry keys saved on the computer.

There are a few quick actions that you can take. One is to run the SFC tool. The second one is to run the DISM tool. Both tools can help you to get rid of corrupted system files.

Run SFC

1. Go to Windows search and type cmd.
2. Then right-click on Command Prompt and run it with admin rights.
3. Enter the sfc /scannow command and press Enter
4. Wait until the tool has scanned your system.
5. Restart your computer and check if the crashes persist.

Run DISM

If the problem persists, use DISM. This is a complementary tool to SFC that performs an in-depth scan of your Windows OS.

1. Launch Command Prompt as admin.
2. Then enter the following commands and press Enter after each one:
   • DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Scanhealth
   • DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
3. Restart your computer.

Let me know if you need further assistance.

[Jayzee58]

Hi Alice_lllori  thank you for your help. I tried the first and it still appeared. I tried the second and it said I need higher level of administrative permission.

I think it may be associated with the HP Games app. although it’s never crashed. 
I will reload it and see what happens.

Thank you again. J