System Volume Information

[Guest]

I am trying to figure out why the used space on my hard drive *increases*
when I uninstall a program. I'm pretty sure the secret is in System Volume
Information, a C:\ directory that appeared immediately after uninstalling
something. I have carefully followed instructions to look into this directory
(tools, folder options, view, deselect "Hide protected operating system
files"). (although I am the only user of the computer I also right-clicked
"System Volume Information" but there wasn't a "Security" tab to try).
No matter what I do, it won't let me into this directory.
Any ideas?

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

I am trying to figure out why the used space on my hard drive *increases*
when I uninstall a program. I'm pretty sure the secret is in System Volume
Information, a C:\ directory that appeared immediately after uninstalling
something. I have carefully followed instructions to look into this directory
(tools, folder options, view, deselect "Hide protected operating system
files"). (although I am the only user of the computer I also right-clicked
"System Volume Information" but there wasn't a "Security" tab to try).
No matter what I do, it won't let me into this directory.
Any ideas?

It is extremely unlikely that the System Volume Information folder
eats up your disk space. I suggest you look in some of the more
obvious places, e.g. your temp folders or your Temporary Internet
Files folders. You can also use the tools below.

DriveUse:
http://members.ozemail.com.au/~nulifetv/freezip/freeware/index.html
Bullet Proof Folder sizes: http://www.foldersizes.com/

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

That file is part of Windows XP and was there all along.
That is where System Restore data is stored.

What do you have System Restore set to, default is 12% of hard drive?

See this for more about System Restore:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/community/newsgroups/faqsrwxp.mspx

 

[Guest]

That was helpful, but just out of curiousity, how the dickens can I view the
System Volume Information directory? As I mentioned in my original post, I
have followed the instructions very carefully, and I still cannot access this
folder.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Gaining access will not let you view anything usable.
If System Restore is using to much space, adjust it from within System
Restore or use the appropriate tool to delete part or all.
Accessing and changing directly may cause corruption in the System
Restore data.