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(Solved) - What the heck is an RND file?

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  • Started 5 years ago by krsn89
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krsn89
krsn89
Posts: 102

In my documents, I have a random file with no name. It's just called .rnd, after the extension, I guess. It's 1KB, and it's apparently an RND file. I can't open it. The Windows File Association page (http://shell.windows.com/filea.....sp?EXT=rnd) says it doesn't recognize it. I Googled it, and it seems that:The .RND file extension identifies Pretty Good Privacy Random Seed files. These belong to the open source encryption suite from PGP Corporation. Encryption allows for the safe and secure storage of personal data.

I get annoyed when I don't know what something is, and it's just lurking around in my files. Can I delete it? Why is it there?

Any insight would be appreciated.
Cheers,
- Kelly

Posted 5 years ago #
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ScottW
ScottW
Posts: 6609

I have one, too, and so do many others. There doesn't seem to be an answer on what it is.
http://forums.whirlpool.net.au.....92927.html

Sounds like if you delete it, it will come back. It's probably something Windows uses as a random number generator seed or a password salt file.

Posted 5 years ago #
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krsn89
krsn89
Posts: 102

Weird. I deleted it anyways, so I guess we'll see what happens. It's AutoCAD related? I don't even have that. =/

Posted 5 years ago #
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ScottW
ScottW
Posts: 6609

No, I think this is more likely the right story:
http://www.cis.udel.edu/~mills.....winnt.html

If so, then it's an encryption key created by OpenSSL to be used by the NTP (Network Time Protocol) for contacting time servers. Right-click on the clock in your system tray and select "Adjust Date / Time". Select the Internet Time tab. If your system is set to synchronize time with an NTP server, I'll bet the .rnd file returns on the next synch.

Posted 5 years ago #
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jd2066
jd2066
Posts: 3814

I usually get an RND file when I use PuTTY. I've never seen one from Time Syncs.

Posted 5 years ago #
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thegeek
The Geek
Posts: 2059

jd is correct, PuTTY creates those files... it's possible that some apps are written using putty internally or a similar connection mechanism, so they create the same file.

Posted 5 years ago #
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ScottW
ScottW
Posts: 6609

That's not surprising since PuTTY uses OpenSSL for SSH connections. Also, the Windows time sync seems to use the same .rnd file -- mine is dated back when I first created my user account and others in the thread above say the same.

Posted 5 years ago #
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krsn89
krsn89
Posts: 102

Neat. At least it has a purpose. I hope I didn't mess any program up by deleting it? It hasn't reappeared, even after the Time Sync thing.

Posted 5 years ago #
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jd2066
jd2066
Posts: 3814

No. Any program that needs an RND file will just recreate one.

Posted 5 years ago #
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krsn89
krsn89
Posts: 102

Awesome, thanks.

Posted 5 years ago #
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