Cannot delete system volume information folder on windows 7 !?!

Anonymous
2009-10-13T17:09:49+00:00

I cannot delete system volume information folder in D:/ E:/ on windows 7

I took ownership as admin on the folder but I cannot delete it completely!

I run an elevated command prompt and deleted some files in it but cannot remove the folder!

In vista I could mange to delete it after taking ownership on the folder by pressing del the folder will go away!

any ideas?

don`t ask me why I am trying to remove the folder pls...i just need to

thank you

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Files, folders, and storage

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Anonymous
2010-12-12T23:38:51+00:00

Old post I know but I've had this problem on several of my removeable HDs and finally I managed to remove the 'System Volume Information' folder:

DO NOT DO THIS ON YOUR C: OR YOUR WINDOWS HARDDRIVE!!!!!

Right click desktop and click [New->Shortcut]

Write: cmd.exe

Click [Next] then [Finish]

Right click the cmd.exe icon and click 'Run As Adminstrator"

Now select the external hard drive (F: in my case)

C:>f:

Now do the following (you can copy paste):

F:>attrib -s -h /S /D

F:>attrib -r /S /D

F:>rd "System Volume Information" /S

System Volume Information, Are you sure (Y/N)? y

And you're DONE ;-)

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  1. Anonymous
    2011-06-20T12:46:32+00:00

    thank u sir it really helped me.

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  2. Anonymous
    2011-01-16T17:48:53+00:00

    "The reason I am trying to del this "tiny" folder is cause it's grown to 13gb. (Can you be any less retarded?)."

    Not all of us are clairvoyants even if you think we should be!

    http://www.winhelponline.com/blog/how-to-reduce-the-space-allotted-to-system-restore-in-windows-vista/


    Hope this helps, Gerry Cornell

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  3. Anonymous
    2011-01-16T14:22:25+00:00

    Great answer. Simple to follow and works perfectly.

    Thanks

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  4. Anonymous
    2011-01-03T23:18:09+00:00

    Turning System Restore off will remove all restore points but leave the System Volume Information folder and other small but important files intact. You should do this once you have removed the malware infestation from other parts of the computer using security software. After turning System Restore off restart the computer re-enable System Restore and create a restore point.

    I am adding a canned response on cleaning your computer because they explain a better and potentially less harmful way to proceed than some of the techniques being suggested elsewhere in this thread.

    Select Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Disk CleanUp to empty your Recycle Bin, remove Temporary Internet Files and other selected options. I also recommend you click on the More Options tab, System Restore and remove all but the latest System Restore point. Run Disk Defragmenter.

    Using the System restore option is most appropriate when your system is running slow and you need to increase free disk space on your C partition. If you have errors which might be resolved using System Restore to put your system settings back to before the error first occurred do not use this option.

    If more than one person uses the computer and they have their own user Log on you need to run Disk CleanUp in each user profile to remove all unwanted files.

    A better programme than Disk CleanUp is cCleaner but note that cCleaner will not handle System Restore points. Removing older restore points can be important if you have limited free disk space. cCleaner comes with a Registry tool. Do not use this tool as like any registry cleaner it can lead to the creation of very difficult to resolve system errors.

    http://www.ccleaner.com/download


    Hope this helps, Gerry Cornell

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