Technologies

If You Deleted This Weird New Folder in Windows, You Need to Put It Back. Here’s How

Microsoft says a seemingly innocuous folder added in a recent Windows 11 update is actually very important.

Windows 11 users who browsed their files after an update earlier this month may have noticed a new folder they didn’t recognize. It turns out to be pretty important.

The empty folder, labeled «inetpub,» caused curiosity and confusion online, with some people deleting it. The folder is used to manage logs for Internet Information Services, but it appeared even for those who don’t have that service turned on.

While nothing obvious happened after the folder was deleted, the deletion creates a security vulnerability, according to Microsoft.

«After installing the updates listed in the Security Updates table for your operating system, a new %systemdrive%\inetpub folder will be created on your device,» Microsoft said in a security update. «This folder should not be deleted regardless of whether Internet Information Services (IIS) is active on the target device. This behavior is part of changes that increase protection and does not require any action from IT admins and end users.»

Microsoft said the deletion creates an issue in which an attacker can use what’s called a «link following flaw» to access your computer. Microsoft didn’t immediately respond to a request for further comment.

What to do if you deleted the «inetpub» folder in Windows

If you deleted the folder, restoring it by turning on Internet Information Services will fix the vulnerability, according to Windows Latest.

To do so:

Access your optional Windows features by going to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
Select Turn Windows features on or off.
Check the box next to Internet Information Services.
Click OK.

You can open your Windows folder to double-check that «inetpub» is back. That’s it.

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Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for Thursday, April 17

Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for April 17.

Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.

My husband groaned when he saw today’s NYT Mini Crossword. «Why is it so huge?» he asked. It’s not, but there is one additional clue-answer combo in the Down category, so it seems longer. None of them are too tough, and I enjoyed the upcoming holiday pun. Need some help with today’s Mini Crossword? Read on. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.

The Mini Crossword is just one of many games in the Times’ games collection. If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.

Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword

Let’s get at those Mini Crossword clues and answers.

Mini across clues and answers

1A clue: Person, ___ or thing
Answer: PLACE

6A clue: Like someone you shouldn’t trust with fragile objects
Answer: KLUTZY

7A clue: A time to dye?
Answer: EASTER

8A clue: Dangle a carrot in front of
Answer: ENTICE

9A clue: Class for a cognitive science major, for short
Answer: PSYCH

Mini down clues and answers

1D clue: Activities on the docket
Answer: PLANS

2D clue: Full of sexual desire
Answer: LUSTY

3D clue: Commonly cobwebby room
Answer: ATTIC

4D clue: From Prague, say
Answer: CZECH

5D clue: Jane in classic literature
Answer: EYRE

6D clue: Not get rid of
Answer: KEEP

How to play more Mini Crosswords

The New York Times Games section offers a large number of online games, but only some of them are free for all to play. You can play the current day’s Mini Crossword for free, but you’ll need a subscription to the Times Games section to play older puzzles from the archives.