.TOF File being written to my CF Card (?)

[ReValveiT]

Hey all,

Since I got my 70-200mm f/2.8L Lens, I've noticed that my 20D has started writing a file to the CF Card called 'comstate.TOF'. This only seems to happen when using the 70-200 and even after a format it will be there again next time I look.

Any ideas???

BTW, I opened the file up in notepad and this is all that's there (without the quotes) :-

" ÿÿÿÿ
°xÜ1



"

:confused:

[Rhys]

The filext site states it's a Mr. Photo Temporary Thumbnail File (NewSoft)

Further research yields
Will Perlis , dec 29, 2004; 04:11 p.m.
There's some speculation that it's for the new radio/computer link to be available "real soon now". Comstate.tof started showing up after the latest firmware update, and that parts of that update is for the radio link. In any event, it doesn't do any harm.

[gary_hendricks]

ReValveiT,

I've done some research on this Canon EOS 20D comstate.TOF thingy. Not to worry ... this file is some temporary thumbnail image file written to the memory card when the camera shoots.

I actually don't know why the manufacturer wants such temporary files written - in my opinion they can be confusing and irritating. However, from your post you certainly seem to be one who notices these details - believe me when I say that I share your opinion about have this funny file.

If you want to really understand why there's this comstate.TOF, you can check the Internet. I've found many messages in forum posts which discuss this. I guess when you get a new camera you'd be really worried if you see a funny file appearing in the card? :)

As for the weird characters in the file that you encountered, suffice to say that they are bytes - i think the file is written in a proprietary format - hence you cannot decipher the file's content.

[Rhys]

It'll actually be a binary file. You won't be able to read all of the bytes using Notepad because Notepad reads only the visible letters, symbols and numbers then puts in the tabs, returns etc. Those make up about 128 of the 256 possible codes. The rest, Notepad cannot see and therefore it ignores them. I suspect the file is probably a mini image file that has no identification marker.

[ReValveiT]

Cheers chaps!

The file is only 16 bytes...

Anyway, so long as nothing's about to go bang.