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
    2013-04-29T13:23:17+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 ;-)

    nothing happened as i typed commands and system volume infomation folder content undeleted ... any help pls ?

    If there are files within the SVI folder that are in use (there are system hidden files inside), the folder cannot be deleted, hence the -h -s flags.

    Make sure you select the correct drive. The example given was for Drive "F:"

    The SVI will be re-created by windows too

    You can remove All but the most recent restore points and deleting the SVI folder isn't recommended.

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-06-19T16:49:47+00:00

    I also have this kind of problem. I follow the instructions but in this part, " System Volume Information, Are you sure (Y/N)? y " , access is denied . . . how can i fix this? pls help.

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-09-11T08:08:55+00:00

    Excellent advice !

    Worked perfectly !  Just make sure you select the CORRECT drive and NOT YOUR C DRIVE !

    Thanks

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  4. Anonymous
    2013-11-09T15:49:09+00:00

    I tried that but it is showing Access Denied. Advise me.

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