"What is this, where did it come from, how do I get rid of it so it STOPS coming back?" Never saw it before, then one day it appeared and the next day it is in every folder on my computer
Every folder on your computer? Probably not. If you really want to STOP the file from coming back, uninstall all Magix programs from your computer and then delete all of the mxc2 files. Not feasible? See below.
Here is the answer:
This file is created with the MAGIX software package as a cache file. It may contain metadata which can be used to expedite the process of preview generation of multimedia files in folders. It most commonly has the filename 'mxfilerelatedcache.mxc2'. These files are typically automatically created as a user browses through media folders with the Media Pool section of MAGIX.
MAGIX Video editing products create multiple files when making a project, these are listed below :
• The .MVP (project) file contains all the information about the project, including disc menu's, multiple movie files, effects settings and so on.
• The .MV_ files are backup files which can be renamed .MVM, and then opened, should anything happen to your original .MVP file. (Note the highest number after BAK is the latest backup file.) Note: In newer version this can be down via the "File" menu.
• The .HDP and .H0 files are created for use with audio files in your project.
• The .AVD file is create to speed up importing the material on the second import.
• The .mxc2 file is created to speed up thumbnail preview.
When you burn a slideshow it is first converted to the correct video format and saved in the Disctemp folder (under My Audio Video). This is called encoding. If you do not plan on reburning the exact show again, then you can delete the project folders in the Disctemp folder.
You will also find temporary audio files in the Audio Temp directory. After you finish with a project the relevant files can be deleted here too.
NOTE : The .HDP, .HO, .AVD and .mxc2 files can all be deleted without any ill-effects, however, they will be recreated when you reload the project.