System Volume Information

[Charliec]

On each of my drives, I now have a folder titled "System Volume
Information" - it was never there before and I am not sure what
created it. It is a restricted folder and I cannot access it. I am
the Admin. on my computer.

Anyone know what this folder is and how it was created? Maybe it was
there all along, but hidden, but now it's not. (It's listed as
"drive:\system volume information") among all other folders on the
drives.

Thanks for any tips.

Charliec
******************************************************
Charliec

 

[Bill in Co.]

It is used by System Restore. If you don't want it for the other drives,
go into System Restore and de-select *the other drives*, but not the system
drive (normally C.
(Control Panel, System, System Restore, Settings.

But do NOT disable it for your system drive (normally C!

 

[Bruce Chambers]

On each of my drives, I now have a folder titled "System Volume
Information" - it was never there before and I am not sure what
created it. It is a restricted folder and I cannot access it. I am
the Admin. on my computer.

Anyone know what this folder is and how it was created? Maybe it was
there all along, but hidden, but now it's not. (It's listed as
"drive:\system volume information") among all other folders on the
drives.

Thanks for any tips.

Charliec
******************************************************
Charliec

The System Volume Information is the folder in which WinXP's System
Restore feature stores information used to recover from errors. By
default, WinXP sets aside a maximum of 12% of the partition's size for
storing System Volume Information, but the amount of space set aside for
this purpose can be adjusted by the user. Start > All Programs >
Accessories > System Tools > System Restore > System Restore Settings,
select the pertinent partition and click Settings.

If you don't want to use System Restore, simply turn off the System
Restore feature (Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools >
System Restore, System Restore Settings) and reboot. This will, of
course, delete all of your previously saved Restore Points.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[Bill in Co.]

The System Volume Information is the folder in which WinXP's System
Restore feature stores information used to recover from errors. By
default, WinXP sets aside a maximum of 12% of the partition's size for
storing System Volume Information, but the amount of space set aside for
this purpose can be adjusted by the user. Start > All Programs >
Accessories > System Tools > System Restore > System Restore Settings,
select the pertinent partition and click Settings.

If you don't want to use System Restore, simply turn off the System
Restore feature (Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools >
System Restore, System Restore Settings) and reboot. This will, of
course, delete all of your previously saved Restore Points.

But THAT is a dumb recommendation (to completely turn off System Restore).
(Frankly, I'm surprised you would even suggest or imply it!).
But for the OTHER drives, sure; but NOT for the system drive (nominally
C.
As I said....

 

[Lil' Dave]

On each of my drives, I now have a folder titled "System Volume
Information" - it was never there before and I am not sure what
created it. It is a restricted folder and I cannot access it. I am
the Admin. on my computer.

Anyone know what this folder is and how it was created? Maybe it was
there all along, but hidden, but now it's not. (It's listed as
"drive:\system volume information") among all other folders on the
drives.

Thanks for any tips.

Charliec
******************************************************
Charliec

As Bruce and Bill stated, that's part where the system restore information
is kept. Its contains an open file until the PC is shutdown regarding XP.
That's why you can't have access to it by default.

If you trust system restore in the event of a problem to "fix" your PC,
leave system restore on. Bear in mind there are things that system restore
simply cannot fix.

If you have an imaging program that you use frequently, and are sure you can
recover using that, turn off system restore completely.

You can use both as an alternative.

System restore DOES NOTHING regarding any non-windows partition regarding
repair operations.

 

[dadiOH]

But THAT is a dumb recommendation (to completely turn off System
Restore). (Frankly, I'm surprised you would even suggest or imply
it!). But for the OTHER drives, sure; but NOT for the system drive
(nominally C.

I can't think of any reason *not* to turn off System Restore if one is
managing things one's self by imaging/copying and maintaining registry
backups. Pretty silly to keep it in that situation. IMO, YMMV.

--

dadiOH
____________________________

dadiOH's dandies v3.06...
....a help file of info about MP3s, recording from
LP/cassette and tips & tricks on this and that.
Get it at http://mysite.verizon.net/xico

 

[Alan]

Hi Lil' Dave,

But if someone DOES want to have access to the System Volume directory at
any time, they can do so by following the instructions in the KB article
entitled "How to gain access to the System Volume Information folder,"
found at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/309531/en-us

Alan

 

[Charliec]

Ok, I will give that a try.
Thanks

It is used by System Restore. If you don't want it for the other drives,
go into System Restore and de-select *the other drives*, but not the system
drive (normally C.
(Control Panel, System, System Restore, Settings.

But do NOT disable it for your system drive (normally C!

******************************************************
Charliec

 

[Charliec]

Ok, I turned off the System Restore on the D, E & F drives. Restarted
the system and checked the drives for the System Volume Information
folder. It is still there, but empty. I thought the folder would go
away when you turned the option off. Is there a way to remove it from
these drives?

Thanks

Ok, I will give that a try.
Thanks

******************************************************
Charliec

******************************************************
Charliec

 

[Bill in Co.]

Sure, just delete the folders in windows explorer.

 

[Bill in Co.]

I can't think of any reason *not* to turn off System Restore if one is
managing things one's self by imaging/copying and maintaining registry
backups. Pretty silly to keep it in that situation. IMO, YMMV.

It's called using the right tool for the right job. (Sometimes restoring
an image backup is just overkill, and unnecessary). That's why I have
(and have used) three different tools for different occasions: ERUNT,
System Restore, and Backup Image Restoration. Each has it's place.

Granted, if you only could have one, the image backup would be all
encompassing. But it's kinda like using a sledge hammer to pound a nail,
in some instances.

 

[Charliec]

Bill,

I tried deleting the folder and received the following message:

Cannot delete System volume Information: Access Denied
Make sure the disk is not full or write-protected and that the file is
not currently in use.

I double checked System Restore and the restore for those drives is
off. I checked Properties for the folder and it was set to read only,
so I unchecked it, same error message, and rechecking Properties for
the folder, read only was rechecked.

In MyComputer, I checked Folder Options and I have "Show Hidden Files
and Folders" checked. Maybe unchecking that would remove that folder
from showing (and others that I see on each drive such as
vProRecovery, Recycler, $Recycle.bin) - the Icon for each folder is
"greyed" out. They would poobably still be there, but not showing.

I will try unclecking "Show Hidden Files and Folders" and see what
happen. If you have other suggestions, let me know.

Thanks for your assistance.

Charliec

Sure, just delete the folders in windows explorer.

******************************************************
Charliec

 

[John John (MVP)]

Of course I expect that if you ever want to use backup software that
uses Volume Shadow Copy that you will be back here posting that the
software doesn't work and after 64 different replies from 54 different
poster you will finally let one of them know that you have no SVI folder.

John

 

[Charliec]

Soooo! What is your recommendation/suggestion - if you have one?

Of course I expect that if you ever want to use backup software that
uses Volume Shadow Copy that you will be back here posting that the
software doesn't work and after 64 different replies from 54 different
poster you will finally let one of them know that you have no SVI folder.

John

******************************************************
Charliec

 

[Bruce Chambers]

But THAT is a dumb recommendation (to completely turn off System Restore).

Try working on your reading comprehension. At no time did I
"recommend" turning off System Restore. I merely mentioned that it
could be done, if so desired.

(Frankly, I'm surprised you would even suggest or imply it!).

Again, I did neither. But why are you so alarmed that I actually
provided the OP with an education?

But for the OTHER drives, sure; but NOT for the system drive (nominally
C.

Given System Restore's very limited utility, and the general user's
complete misunderstanding of its purpose, I don't see why one shouldn't
feel free to disable it, provided other - and almost certainly superior
- recovery methods are available. But that's for to each individual
user to decide.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I can't think of any reason *not* to turn off System Restore if one is
managing things one's self by imaging/copying and maintaining registry
backups. Pretty silly to keep it in that situation. IMO, YMMV.

Precisely.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[Bill in Co.]

Try working on your reading comprehension. At no time did I
"recommend" turning off System Restore. I merely mentioned that it
could be done, if so desired.

Sorry, I thought you had talked about turning it all off.

Again, I did neither. But why are you so alarmed that I actually
provided the OP with an education?

Need to be careful on the education, however (more below).

Given System Restore's very limited utility, and the general user's

I don't consider it "very limited". But I do consider it "limited". And
there is a difference.

complete misunderstanding of its purpose, I don't see why one shouldn't
feel free to disable it, provided other - and almost certainly superior
- recovery methods are available. But that's for to each individual
user to decide.

Right, but to encourage (or indirectly imply) it might be a good idea, I
think, is a bit irresponsible. More especially if he has no other
backups - but EVEN if he does. And even more especially to a newbie (the
idea of not having any System Restore)

Like most things, it's a tool, and using the appropriate tool for the
appropriate job is the wisest approach. (IMO).

 

[Bill in Co.]

Yeah! Like using an outdated anti-virus program without any updates
to protect yourself against virus infestation.

Uh huh. WHAT virus infestation????
Funny, haven't seen too many over here, in all the years I've been online -
and trust me, that's a bunch. Don't believe me?? Go look in the Win98
group, and maybe even the Win95 group (I can't recall for sure on that one).
And some BBS's (pre Internet as we now know it)

 

[Bill in Co.]

I seem to recall an article on this. Let me see..
Ahhh yes: Article #309531, at the Microsoft Web Site, entitled:
"How to gain access to th System Volume Information folder."
Search for it.

 

[HEMI-Powered]

Charliec added these comments in the current discussion du jour ...

On each of my drives, I now have a folder titled "System Volume
Information" - it was never there before and I am not sure what
created it. It is a restricted folder and I cannot access it. I am
the Admin. on my computer.

Anyone know what this folder is and how it was created? Maybe it was
there all along, but hidden, but now it's not. (It's listed as
"drive:\system volume information") among all other folders on the
drives.

Thanks for any tips.

unless you turn it off, Windoze will automagically create RPs on every
HDD partition it finds. it isn't restricted, just add your account in
the "security" section. and, turn RPs off on all but your C:\ as it
only backs up system files, NOT your data. good luck.