Temporary evb*.tmp files doesn't remove after exit

Issues related to Enigma Virtual Box
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Psycho-A
Posts: 16
Joined: Sat Dec 17, 2022 5:25 pm

Temporary evb*.tmp files doesn't remove after exit

Post by Psycho-A »

Each launch of the boxed app creates temporary files of "evb0DAB.tmp" form in the %TEMP%/ folder. Sometimes they are used to load internal sandboxed exe files, sometimes they are just always empty. The problem is that if the the option "Map executable using temporary file" is unchecked, these files are not cleared after closing the app - thus, if we run the app very often, hundreds of such .tmp files accumulate in the folder! The checkbox "Delete extracted on exit" when packing the app doesn't help this.

I think it would be good to do something about it... Also, some internal exe files need the original names when runs, otherwise they may not work if they are loaded as *.tmp, or external interaction with them won't work. Perhaps it would be good to use native names to create such hooks (at least have this option as a checkbox)?
Enigma
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Posts: 2943
Joined: Wed Aug 20, 2008 2:24 pm

Re: Temporary evb*.tmp files doesn't remove after exit

Post by Enigma »

Hi, these files are required for option "Map executable files with temporary file".

These small tmp files are created while packed application work, they do not contain any information, just used for stable work of EVB.

EVB packed application removes these temp files at application start. There is no way to remove them at application exit by many reasons.

So this is expected EVB functionality and it is fully OK.
Psycho-A
Posts: 16
Joined: Sat Dec 17, 2022 5:25 pm

Re: Temporary evb*.tmp files doesn't remove after exit

Post by Psycho-A »

Hi, these files are required for option "Map executable files with temporary file".
Yeah, I know that and saw myself. If this option is enabled, then there are no problems with files cluttering - the same-named .tmp files are always used again per one .exe at startup, and this is OK. The problem begins if we disable "Map executable files with temporary file". In this case, files with random names are created each time, and stays after exit. Okay, if they are needed for normal work too, then why don't we use at least the same named files, so that they won't accumulate in hundreds, and will just be overwritten each time?
Enigma
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Joined: Wed Aug 20, 2008 2:24 pm

Re: Temporary evb*.tmp files doesn't remove after exit

Post by Enigma »

One application could be run multiple times (multiple instances) and usage of the same file name for temporary files may conflict between each instance (not just may conflict, it will conflict). Thus names of the files are different.
We also had similar complains about that in the past, however still do not have a solid solution that could satisfy everyone.

Not using "Map executable files with temporary file" feature is quite unstable, it is not recommended at all.
Psycho-A
Posts: 16
Joined: Sat Dec 17, 2022 5:25 pm

Re: Temporary evb*.tmp files doesn't remove after exit

Post by Psycho-A »

Enigma wrote: Fri Jan 06, 2023 2:52 pm One application could be run multiple times (multiple instances) and usage of the same file name for temporary files may conflict between each instance (not just may conflict, it will conflict). Thus names of the files are different.
This makes sense, but if "Map executable files with temporary file" enabled, it doesn't create new files each time. Why don't do that for unchecked behavior too? Also, for unchecked, these files are always have 0-byte size, so re-using the same files wouldn't be the problem. Or maybe just create new files only if the instance is really new (add some checks).
Not using "Map executable files with temporary file" feature is quite unstable, it is not recommended at all.
I didn't see any problems when I used this with programs that have only one executable file to run. In any case, it runs under the native process, without using temporary files in the process list.
Enigma
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Joined: Wed Aug 20, 2008 2:24 pm

Re: Temporary evb*.tmp files doesn't remove after exit

Post by Enigma »

Btw, we've implemented an option that allows to change the mask for the file names of temporary files. So you can enter own "style" for names of temp files.

If interesting, contact support, we provide you intermediate version with this option.
MH100181
Posts: 32
Joined: Sun Apr 24, 2011 10:37 pm

Re: Temporary evb*.tmp files doesn't remove after exit

Post by MH100181 »

Psycho-A wrote: Tue Jan 10, 2023 12:43 am
Enigma wrote: Fri Jan 06, 2023 2:52 pm these files are always have 0-byte size,
Or you can try a patch for the final files.
I hope the author won't swear.
Use at your own risk. Disclaimer and all that

https://www.upload.ee/files/14898309/EVBox3.7z.html
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