Problem with System Volume Information file

[Walter R.]

I installed a new external back-up drive, using a USB connection. I used the
windows facilities to partition and format the drive. It shows up loud and
clear in windows explorer.

I opened up a new folder on this new drive to copy things into. When I
created this folder, Windows created also a System Volume Information File.
This looked normal.

However, when I try to copy to this empty folder, about half way through
(after 20 minutes), the copying stops with a message: Cannot create or
replace System Volume Information. Access denied. Make sure the disk is not
full (it is almost empty) or write protected and that the file is not
currently in use.

What does all this mean and how can I start copying to this drive?

 

[Jose]

I installed a new external back-up drive, using a USB connection. I used the
windows facilities to partition and format the drive. It shows up loud and
clear in windows explorer.

I opened up a new folder on this new drive to copy things into. When I
created this folder, Windows created also a System Volume Information File.
This looked normal.

However, when I try to copy to this empty folder, about half way through
(after 20 minutes), the copying stops with a  message: Cannot create or
replace System Volume Information. Access denied. Make sure the disk is not
full (it is almost empty) or write protected and that the file is not
currently in use.

What does all this mean and how can I start copying to this drive?

It is possible and likely in a normal configuration for each HDD to
have it's own System Volume Information folder.

This is where System Restore information is kept.

It is also usually hidden and read only (access denied). It is always
in use.

Unless you can come up with a really compelling explanation, I think
you should leave this folder alone and let the built in processes deal
with it. That would include copying it around, copying stuff into it
and deleting stuff from it. It is the way it is for a reason.

It is probably not really empty - the files are hidden to keep you
from hurting yourself.

If you think it is malfunctioning, describe why you suspect that.

Some people just don't like it, don't understand it, don't want it on
every drive, it takes up too much room, I don't like things being
hidden, this is my system, etc. and it is certainly possible to make
adjustments to the configuration.

So before you start tweaking it, you need to understand more about it,
offer up your concerns for stimulating debate and then make your
choices about what to do about it, or do nothing about it and leave it
all be.

 

[Jose]

I installed a new external back-up drive, using a USB connection. I used the
windows facilities to partition and format the drive. It shows up loud and
clear in windows explorer.

I opened up a new folder on this new drive to copy things into. When I
created this folder, Windows created also a System Volume Information File.
This looked normal.

However, when I try to copy to this empty folder, about half way through
(after 20 minutes), the copying stops with a  message: Cannot create or
replace System Volume Information. Access denied. Make sure the disk is not
full (it is almost empty) or write protected and that the file is not
currently in use.

What does all this mean and how can I start copying to this drive?

Never mind my rambling.

I read your post again and sound like you are trying to copy into some
other new folder, not SVI (which would fail).

What process are you using to copy this information to the new
folder? Copy, Paste from Explorer?

Some other program like a third party disk copying/backup application,
etc.

 

[Twayne]

I installed a new external back-up drive, using a USB connection. I
used the windows facilities to partition and format the drive. It
shows up loud and clear in windows explorer.

I opened up a new folder on this new drive to copy things into. When I
created this folder, Windows created also a System Volume Information
File. This looked normal.

However, when I try to copy to this empty folder, about half way
through (after 20 minutes), the copying stops with a message: Cannot
create or replace System Volume Information. Access denied. Make sure
the disk is not full (it is almost empty) or write protected and that
the file is not currently in use.

What does all this mean and how can I start copying to this drive?

Since System Volume Info is mainly your Restore Points, it doesn't make
much sense to be backing it up since each drive creates its own System
Volume Info file. Being a system file, XP isn't going to allow you to
copy it. A drive imaging/backup program would copy it, because all the
rest of the information on the drive relates to it, plus such programs
use Shadow Copy Services, which allows backing up files that are "in
use". Otherwise you cannot copy it though.
Forget that particular file and just allow the drives to keep track
of their own file. Replacing it with a copy from anywhere else would
totally destroy any usefulness of it.

HTH,

Twayne`

 

[Paul]

I installed a new external back-up drive, using a USB connection. I used the
windows facilities to partition and format the drive. It shows up loud and
clear in windows explorer.

I opened up a new folder on this new drive to copy things into. When I
created this folder, Windows created also a System Volume Information File.
This looked normal.

However, when I try to copy to this empty folder, about half way through
(after 20 minutes), the copying stops with a message: Cannot create or
replace System Volume Information. Access denied. Make sure the disk is not
full (it is almost empty) or write protected and that the file is not
currently in use.

What does all this mean and how can I start copying to this drive?

System Restore is configurable, and can be set to monitor which ever
drives you wish. (Use the System control panel, to find the tab that
controls it.)

If a new drive is introduced to a system , System Restore seems to be
automatically enabled for it. What I do, is turn off System Restore
on everything except C: , as any software installed is going to be
on C:. Once System Restore is turned off for your external drive,
then there is no reason for the operating system to be writing
anything on there with respect to System Restore.

I've never had a problem or interaction, between System Restore
and other activities on the computer. So I cannot imagine
where your error is coming from.

Is this empty folder, located at the top level of the disk,
as in:

Q:\System Volume Information
Q:\My_Backup_Folder <---- folder used for copying

Paul

 

[Twayne]

Except that WinXP likes to turn System Restore back on for a
USB-connected drive whenever the drive is reattached...

Huh; didn't know that! I'm not using USB for my externals anymore, but
.... it seems to be the same for Firewire connected external drives, too.

Twayne`