Keep getting mysterious CRL folder under C:\


Krakkan

Well-known member
Local time
6:34 PM
Posts
9
OS
Windows 11 Pro
C:\CRL
I think it has to do with expired certificates? I keep getting this folder even on brand new windows installs.
It fills up with about 10-15 .crl files.
If removed it just keeps coming back.
Have i been hacked? Is it normal? Can it have something to do with my browser?
Google does not help me with this sadly!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    3700x
    Motherboard
    ASRock X570 Taichi
    Memory
    32GB Corsair 3200
    Graphics Card(s)
    XFX Speedster MerC310 7900XTX
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Philips 50PUS8536/12
    Screen Resolution
    4K60 HDR
    Hard Drives
    3xNVMe 1xSSD 1xMechanical
    PSU
    Corsair RM1000x
    Case
    Fractal Design R5
    Cooling
    Corsair H115i Pro
    Keyboard
    Svive Triton TKL Black brown switches
    Mouse
    Corsair Katar PRO XT
    Internet Speed
    600Mbit/200Mbit
I don't have a single *.crl on my laptop. Like you, I can't find out anything on Google.

Are you running some server?
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26100.4202
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Swift SF114-34
    CPU
    Pentium Silver N6000 1.10GHz
    Memory
    4GB
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    SSD 2TB
    Cooling
    fanless
    Internet Speed
    150 Mbps
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    Webroot Secure Anywhere
    Other Info
    System 3

    ASUS T100TA Transformer
    Processor Intel Atom Z3740 @ 1.33GHz
    Installed RAM 2.00 GB (1.89 GB usable)
    System type 32-bit operating system, x64-based processor

    Edition Windows 10 Home
    Version 22H2 build 19045.3570
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.2506
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Mini 210-1090NR PC (bought in late 2009!)
    CPU
    Atom N450 1.66GHz
    Memory
    2GB
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    Webroot
I don't have a single *.crl on my laptop. Like you, I can't find out anything on Google.

Are you running some server?
No, completely clean install. It took a couple of hours before the CRL folder popped up and now there is 3 *.crl files in there but with some more time more will come as always.
Installed latest Windows 11 Pro clean from USB, done several times but CRL folder always show up no matter what i do.
Installed Steam, Battlenet, GOG. And Firefox that's all i did basically.
edit: It takes awhile before CRL folder is there, it's not there right after install so something happens after a couple of hours creating the folder.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    3700x
    Motherboard
    ASRock X570 Taichi
    Memory
    32GB Corsair 3200
    Graphics Card(s)
    XFX Speedster MerC310 7900XTX
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Philips 50PUS8536/12
    Screen Resolution
    4K60 HDR
    Hard Drives
    3xNVMe 1xSSD 1xMechanical
    PSU
    Corsair RM1000x
    Case
    Fractal Design R5
    Cooling
    Corsair H115i Pro
    Keyboard
    Svive Triton TKL Black brown switches
    Mouse
    Corsair Katar PRO XT
    Internet Speed
    600Mbit/200Mbit
A Certificate Revocation List (CRL) is a digital record maintained by a Certificate Authority (CA) that contains an inventory of revoked digital certificates. A digital certificate is a cryptographic mechanism used to verify the identity of a communicating party over a network.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 5700G
    Motherboard
    Erica6
    Memory
    Micron Technology DDR4-3200 16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC671
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster U28E590
    Screen Resolution
    3840 x 2160
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG MZVLQ1T0HALB-000H1
A Certificate Revocation List (CRL) is a digital record maintained by a Certificate Authority (CA) that contains an inventory of revoked digital certificates. A digital certificate is a cryptographic mechanism used to verify the identity of a communicating party over a network.
But that still doesn't explain why *.crl files keep appearing on his computer
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26100.4202
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Swift SF114-34
    CPU
    Pentium Silver N6000 1.10GHz
    Memory
    4GB
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    SSD 2TB
    Cooling
    fanless
    Internet Speed
    150 Mbps
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    Webroot Secure Anywhere
    Other Info
    System 3

    ASUS T100TA Transformer
    Processor Intel Atom Z3740 @ 1.33GHz
    Installed RAM 2.00 GB (1.89 GB usable)
    System type 32-bit operating system, x64-based processor

    Edition Windows 10 Home
    Version 22H2 build 19045.3570
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.2506
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Mini 210-1090NR PC (bought in late 2009!)
    CPU
    Atom N450 1.66GHz
    Memory
    2GB
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    Webroot
But that still doesn't explain why *.crl files keep appearing on his computer
It is created by application installed Windows 11 does not create this file.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 5700G
    Motherboard
    Erica6
    Memory
    Micron Technology DDR4-3200 16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC671
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster U28E590
    Screen Resolution
    3840 x 2160
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG MZVLQ1T0HALB-000H1
A Certificate Revocation List (CRL) is a digital record maintained by a Certificate Authority (CA) that contains an inventory of revoked digital certificates. A digital certificate is a cryptographic mechanism used to verify the identity of a communicating party over a network.
So it seems most likely then it comes from Firefox?
It is created by application installed Windows 11 does not create this file.
So most likely my Firefox? I mean i got steam and some other normal apps too
It is created by application installed Windows 11 does not create this file.
Then it is most likely Firefox? I mean it's got certificates in the settings, so maybe it's dumping old invalid ones to my C:\CRL folder?
Or maybe it's hacked and removing encryption or some weird stuff :S It's a mystery, don't know if i should be worried or not.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    3700x
    Motherboard
    ASRock X570 Taichi
    Memory
    32GB Corsair 3200
    Graphics Card(s)
    XFX Speedster MerC310 7900XTX
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Philips 50PUS8536/12
    Screen Resolution
    4K60 HDR
    Hard Drives
    3xNVMe 1xSSD 1xMechanical
    PSU
    Corsair RM1000x
    Case
    Fractal Design R5
    Cooling
    Corsair H115i Pro
    Keyboard
    Svive Triton TKL Black brown switches
    Mouse
    Corsair Katar PRO XT
    Internet Speed
    600Mbit/200Mbit
Do a clean install and don't add any programs. See what happens.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26100.4202
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Swift SF114-34
    CPU
    Pentium Silver N6000 1.10GHz
    Memory
    4GB
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    SSD 2TB
    Cooling
    fanless
    Internet Speed
    150 Mbps
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    Webroot Secure Anywhere
    Other Info
    System 3

    ASUS T100TA Transformer
    Processor Intel Atom Z3740 @ 1.33GHz
    Installed RAM 2.00 GB (1.89 GB usable)
    System type 32-bit operating system, x64-based processor

    Edition Windows 10 Home
    Version 22H2 build 19045.3570
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.2506
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Mini 210-1090NR PC (bought in late 2009!)
    CPU
    Atom N450 1.66GHz
    Memory
    2GB
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    Webroot
So it seems most likely then it comes from Firefox?

So most likely my Firefox? I mean i got steam and some other normal apps too

Then it is most likely Firefox? I mean it's got certificates in the settings, so maybe it's dumping old invalid ones to my C:\CRL folder?
Or maybe it's hacked and removing encryption or some weird stuff :S It's a mystery, don't know if i should be worried or not.
I don't think you are hacked or infected by malware you can always scan your computer for infection using malwarebytes or eset online scanner.

Temporarily disable your AntiVirus and AntiSpyware protection - instructions here.
  • Please visit the ESET Online Scanner website
  • Click the SCAN NOW button to download the esetonlinescanner_enu.exe file to the Desktop
  • Double click esetonlinescanner_enu.exe. Accept the Terms of Use
  • Select Enable detection of potentially unwanted applications
  • In Advanced Settings: make sure that Clean threats automatically is unchecked
  • And Enable detection of potentially unsafe applications, Enable detection of suspicious applications, Scan archives, and Enable Anti-Stealth technology are all checked.
  • Click Scan
  • The program will begin to download it's virus database. The speed may vary depending on your Internet connection.
  • When completed, the program will begin to scan. This may take several hours. Please, be patient.
  • Do not do anything on your machine as it may interrupt the scan.
  • When completed it'll show a list of "Threats found", click beneath it on Save to text file.... and save it as ESET log.txt on your Desktop.
  • Then click Do not clean. Place a checkmark at Delete application's data on close, click Finish and close the program.
  • Please copy and paste the log it generated (the one you just saved on your Desktop) here.
Don't forget to re-enable previously switched-off protection software!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 5700G
    Motherboard
    Erica6
    Memory
    Micron Technology DDR4-3200 16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC671
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster U28E590
    Screen Resolution
    3840 x 2160
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG MZVLQ1T0HALB-000H1
I don't think you are hacked or infected by malware you can always scan your computer for infection using malwarebytes or eset online scanner.

Temporarily disable your AntiVirus and AntiSpyware protection - instructions here.
  • Please visit the ESET Online Scanner website
  • Click the SCAN NOW button to download the esetonlinescanner_enu.exe file to the Desktop
  • Double click esetonlinescanner_enu.exe. Accept the Terms of Use
  • Select Enable detection of potentially unwanted applications
  • In Advanced Settings: make sure that Clean threats automatically is unchecked
  • And Enable detection of potentially unsafe applications, Enable detection of suspicious applications, Scan archives, and Enable Anti-Stealth technology are all checked.
  • Click Scan
  • The program will begin to download it's virus database. The speed may vary depending on your Internet connection.
  • When completed, the program will begin to scan. This may take several hours. Please, be patient.
  • Do not do anything on your machine as it may interrupt the scan.
  • When completed it'll show a list of "Threats found", click beneath it on Save to text file.... and save it as ESET log.txt on your Desktop.
  • Then click Do not clean. Place a checkmark at Delete application's data on close, click Finish and close the program.
  • Please copy and paste the log it generated (the one you just saved on your Desktop) here.
Don't forget to re-enable previously switched-off protection software!
2024-07-19 14:11:29
Scanned files: 270414
Detected files: 0
Cleaned files: 0
Total scan time: 00:17:06
Scan status: Finished
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    3700x
    Motherboard
    ASRock X570 Taichi
    Memory
    32GB Corsair 3200
    Graphics Card(s)
    XFX Speedster MerC310 7900XTX
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Philips 50PUS8536/12
    Screen Resolution
    4K60 HDR
    Hard Drives
    3xNVMe 1xSSD 1xMechanical
    PSU
    Corsair RM1000x
    Case
    Fractal Design R5
    Cooling
    Corsair H115i Pro
    Keyboard
    Svive Triton TKL Black brown switches
    Mouse
    Corsair Katar PRO XT
    Internet Speed
    600Mbit/200Mbit
Your computer is clean.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 5700G
    Motherboard
    Erica6
    Memory
    Micron Technology DDR4-3200 16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC671
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster U28E590
    Screen Resolution
    3840 x 2160
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG MZVLQ1T0HALB-000H1
More than likely has to do with games.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26100.4061
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1tb Solidigm m.2 nvme+256gb SKHynix m.2 nvme /External drives 512gb Samsung m.2 sata+1tb Kingston m2.nvme+ 4gb Solidigm nvme
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    #1 Edge #2 Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26100.4061
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Beelink Mini PC SER5
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 6800U
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics card(s)
    integrated
    Sound Card
    integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Crucial nvme
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Internet Speed
    still too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    System 3 is non compliant Dell 9020 i7-4770/24gb ram Win11 PRO 26100.4061
More than likely has to do with games.
So i shouldn't worry then? I also think so since it's basically all there is, a browser and some game apps installed.
Weird tho that there seems to be no info around to find about this, should have happened to others i would think hmm.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    3700x
    Motherboard
    ASRock X570 Taichi
    Memory
    32GB Corsair 3200
    Graphics Card(s)
    XFX Speedster MerC310 7900XTX
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Philips 50PUS8536/12
    Screen Resolution
    4K60 HDR
    Hard Drives
    3xNVMe 1xSSD 1xMechanical
    PSU
    Corsair RM1000x
    Case
    Fractal Design R5
    Cooling
    Corsair H115i Pro
    Keyboard
    Svive Triton TKL Black brown switches
    Mouse
    Corsair Katar PRO XT
    Internet Speed
    600Mbit/200Mbit
I'm not a gamer and don't know diddly squat about steam. Remove the files in that folder, play a game, then look at that folder again. Does playing a game add a file to that folder. If it does, it proves it's related to steam.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26100.4061
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1tb Solidigm m.2 nvme+256gb SKHynix m.2 nvme /External drives 512gb Samsung m.2 sata+1tb Kingston m2.nvme+ 4gb Solidigm nvme
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    #1 Edge #2 Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26100.4061
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Beelink Mini PC SER5
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 6800U
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics card(s)
    integrated
    Sound Card
    integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Crucial nvme
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Internet Speed
    still too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    System 3 is non compliant Dell 9020 i7-4770/24gb ram Win11 PRO 26100.4061
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