How to Manage Tilde(~) Files in Windows

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By DiDill
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It is safe to delete your tilde (~) files, once you make a back-up of them.

Your Windows operating system has several different types of files associated with it, each with a different purpose and format. Of all these files, the most elusive are the tilde (~) files, which may occasionally appear on your desktop, in the "Documents and Settings" folder, among other folders on your hard drive. The tilde files tend to accumulate and eventually clutter the folders they are in. This type of file will typically be created when a contact is edited in the Outlook Express Address Book. In essence, the tilde file functions as a back-up for this Address Book. It is safe to delete your tilde files, once you make a back-up.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Back up your tilde files so that when you delete them, you do not completely lose them but have a back-up for your Outlook Address Book. In the event that a virus or other malware corrupts your Address Book, for example, you can then easily restore it.
Step 2

Right-click on the tilde file that you want to back up and delete. Click on "Rename." Type in a desired name for the back up file, adding ".wab" at the end of the name. This ensures that the file will always be recognized as a Windows Address Book file.
Step 3

Insert a blank CD into your CD drive. A floppy disk can be used instead, if you prefer. Right-click on the renamed file and then click "Send To."
Step 4

Select CD or 3 ½ Floppy from the drop-down menu. Your re-named tilde file will be saved to the CD or 3 ½ Floppy, and you will have your back-up. Back up the file each time you make any changes.

Tips & Warnings

The tilde file phenomenon came about as the result of the April 2003 Cumulative Patch for Outlook Express. It was developed and installed in the Outlook Express 5.5 or 6 versions to remedy a flaw that enabled hackers and other cyber criminals to run code on a machine running Outlook Express.
A bug in the Cumulative Patch caused Windows to create a backup of any .wab file that was updated in the Windows Address Book. The back-up file is usually named "username.wa~." Once the patch was installed, the back-up file was instead renamed "~"
The backup tilde files are typically placed on your desktop because most Windows users start up their Outlook Express right from their desktop.
Always back up the file each time you make any changes.