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

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
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 ;-)

Was this answer helpful?

40+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

53 additional answers

Sort by: Oldest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2009-10-14T11:05:38+00:00

    The files in your Active Directory are in use by the system. You could delete them from a boot to the command prompt of the recovery menu (F8 on restart)

    Rating posts helps other usersMark L. Ferguson MS-MVP

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2009-10-14T12:33:14+00:00

    OK i successfully deleted the SVI folder on non system volumes! It was easy!

    I pressed F8, selected repair computer, than opened the command prompt and removed the SVI folders without hassle!!

    Thank you

    Kenneth

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2009-10-17T15:53:53+00:00

    You do understand what files are in there, right?

    Your system restore points (that can save you from many problems are stored in there.)

    It is easy enough to move them to another drive, and there is a much easier way to clean them up (cleanmgr.exe)

    Generally, not a good idea to delete system files with brute force.

    VP Tech Services

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2009-10-17T16:17:48+00:00

    I know what the SVI folder is meant for I never use system restore i had a bunch of old log files and deleted the svi folder for a fresh SVI folder  that`s it!

    thank you for your interest in my issue!

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments