.SQM File Type
File extension: SQM or .sqm
Author of the .sqm file extension: Microsoft Corporation
Category: Log files
Programs that use the .sqm file type: These files are not meant to be opened.
Explanation of .sqm file extensions:
The .sqm file extension stands for Service Quality Monitoring. SQM files are actually log files that were created by the Service Quality Monitor program. This program records events on Windows computers with information such as performance, application use, or program errors. These SQM files and their data are designed to be transmitted to Microsoft where the company can evaluate them and work toward fixing and improving their software programs. SQM files are normally hidden and written to the drive’s root directory or the Documents/Settings folders. SQM files are seen most often with Windows Live Messenger though Microsoft may extend their reach to other products.
Typical problems associated with the .sqm file extension:
Some may be concerned with the recording of information and activities into a log file that is transmitted to Microsoft. Microsoft says that no personally identifying information is transmitted with SQM files.
A known bug has occurred with Service Quality Monitor’s data collection timer in Windows Messenger 5.0 which causes Windows to stop responding and for the CPU’s usage to spike at 100%. In this case, a process called Csrss.exe is consuming 200 MB of memory and using all of the CPU’s resources. What happens is that new timers are started for collecting SQM files but the previous timers never stop. Over the course of about 14 days, nearly 32,000 timers can be created causing major memory and CPU drains.
Solutions/Recommendations:
If you are not comfortable sharing any information with Microsoft, you can disable this function within Windows Live Messenger by going to Tools, Options, General and disabling it.
If you have Messenger 5.0, either disable Windows Messenger so that it doesn’t automatically start with Windows or download the latest version of Messenger which has resolved this problem.
Associated links:
SQM and CPU usage - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/835973/en-us
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