XP system restore files unclearable, eating up space

[Tails]

Several times in the past, I reinstalled Windows XP (I have not and cannot reformat my drive because I don't have anything to backup with). All the restore points have been building up in the C:\System Volume Information folder. I'm denied access on it, even in Safe Mode (yes, I have the administrator account). I tried clearing out old restore points in the System Restore monitor, but XP has no idea that there's old files in that folder since all the indexing records linking to them were wiped in a previous install. So far, this has eaten up 9 gb of space on my 20 gb drive. My pc doesn't check for a floppy on bootup (no settings in the BIOS for it eiher),, so I can't use a DOS bootdisk w/NTFS driver to bypass these securities.

Is there any way to access and remove these files?

[Celtboy]

Totally! Get a new pc! er...wait....

Seriously? No option to boot to floopy? I have issue believing that....I've not seen a board in the last 10 years that had that stringent of a BIOS.....


Anyway, assuming that you're not just overlooking the setting (which I hope you are!), Then you should boot from an XP cd and use the recovery console to shwack those files.

The Commands (http://www.microsoft.com/technet/treeview/default.asp?url=/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/proddocs/recovery_console_cmds.asp)
The Overview (http://www.microsoft.com/technet/treeview/default.asp?url=/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/proddocs/recovery_console_overview.asp)
The Google Results ;) (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=xp+recovery+console)


If ya can't delete those files from the recovery console, you'll want to try booting to a linux cd (like Knoppix) and deleting the files from there.

It sounds like possibly the NTFS permissions are "ACCESS DENIED"ing you....good 'ole linux.....

A shame it takes linux fo fix other OS's problems, but that's just how sweet it is... :D

[Celtboy]

ps, I really didn't mean to come across as harsh or in outright disbelief of ya in that last post....I prolly should have just advised you to like, TRIPLE CHECK that you don't have a boot to floppy feature....it's almost a requirement!!! I know USB is taking over, and booting to LAN/CD-ROM is the standard, but uh....to not have floppy support is just silly...Silly BIOS manufacturers....Silly silly people....

Again, sorry if I came across as holier-than-thou, what have you, twas not my intent.


-Celt

[Tails]

I tried the Recovery Console. It wouldn't even let me chdir the directory, it was still giving me "access is denied". I don't have any other operating systems on any boot CDs (if I had a cd burner, this trouble would have been solved long ago). Removing the feature to boot from a floppy is a bit too far. I wouldn't think of using Wireless or USB keyboards either (I'm still using DOS 6.22 on another machine).
The BIOS were Phoenix Awards Bios 6.00 on an MSI board. I'll try contacting some support on their site as well.

[oracleguy]

Have you tried changing the permssions of the folder to allow you access? You'll need to turn off simple file sharing first, then a security tab will show up on property dialogs.

To turn it off from a folder window: Tools > Folder Options > View > uncheck it, it should be down at the bottom

Then you should be able to view the properties of the folder and add permissions for your user account so you can get into the folder. I'd recommend though wiping all the previous points for your current install before you go in and start deleting files so you don't accidently delete one mapped in your current install.

[Tails]

I don't have such an option about sharing in there. Alrhough there is a sharing tab when selecting properties of any folder (but on any folder, it can't be checked). I probably didn't mention it earlier, but I have Home Edition. In the properties of c:\system volume informatin it reports there being 0 files and taking up 0 bytes. My drive in the c:\ properties is saying 14.8 gb is used. If I highlight ever file and oflder in c:\ and view the totaled properties, 7.83 gb is supposedly used. I did some cleaning, checkdisk, defragged, and it's still a huge amount of space difference taken up. I'll be sure to wipe all restore points from this installation if I reinstall again, but I'm still stuck with restores from possibly my first or second installation (I'm on my 8th by now I think).

[oracleguy]

Oh.... using home edition. That is even easier:

1. Click Start, and then click My Computer.
2. On the Tools menu, click Folder Options.
3.On the View tab, click Show hidden files and folders.
4. Clear the Hide protected operating system files (Recommended) check box. Click Yes when you are prompted to confirm the change.
5. Click OK.
6. Double-click the System Volume Information folder in the root folder to open it.

Does that work?

[Tails]

I've always had hidden & operating system files enabled. the Sysem volume information folder is one of both. It's hidden and supposedly nothing can modify it (they say not even anti-virus programs can scan it nor can anything happen to it without windows controlling it). It's definately a flaw that Microsoft should address in an update.

[vkidv]

When you format a disk you never actually delete the actual file.

You just remove the index, file name and size and stuff like that. (something like that)

its only when you put a file ontop to go OVER it it gets completley erased.. to get rid of it a VERY weird way you could try making a BIG BIG file and putting it in that folder...Then delete it..
..i cannot think of a better way to explain it.. dont try this until somebody can confirm it..

you can always try downloading some software to read it..

There was a good topic about this and i cannot remember - I am not sure i am correct as it is only from other topics i have read.

Can somebody else confirm this ?

I can see you cant backup anything.. How annoying is that :P

Thanks..
Just trying to help..

[Celtboy]

A link or two...

http://forum.tweakxp.com/forum/forum_posts_view.asp?TID=8544

http://www.experts-exchange.com/Operating_Systems/WinXP/Q_20817119.html

[Tails]

Thanks. The thread on tweakxp had a fix for it. Their usage instructions on cacls was totally clear, but I I caught on fast since I worked with DOS alot. cacls \system~1 /E /G username:F