How do I delete individual files created by system protection?

bhootnat · 03 Apr 2012

I'm using Windows Home Premium x64, and I want to delete a single file from a backup created by system protection. When I open a restore point, It takes me to an address like "\\localhost\C$\@GMT-2012.03.14-xx.xx.xx" I can see and open all of the files on that folder, such as like play videos from it, but I cannot delete anything from it. When I try to access the folder through disk management, access is denied. how do I go about deleting individual files from the backups?

Brink · 03 Apr 2012

Hello Bhootnat, and welcome to Seven Forums.

A restore point is different than a backup. You will not be able to delete a specific file included in a restore point. Any attempt to mess with a restore point like that would most likely end with the restore point no longer able to be selected to be used when doing a system restore.

Instead, you could only delete specific restore points if you like.

System Protection Restore Points - Delete

Hope this helps,
Shawn

bhootnat · 03 Apr 2012

Ok then, thank you. The reason I wanted to do this is because I have a big file sitting in on of the restore points eating up space. I don't want to lose the other files on the restore though. Is is possible to mount the restore point on a virtual drive, delete the file, and then save the virtual drive as a restore point?

Brink · 03 Apr 2012

Personally, I would recommend to just manually copy and paste any files that you do not want to lose to another location to be saved at instead without them being in a restore point. It would be much more reliable.

If you do not already have these files still on your system that you could manually backup to where you like, then you could use the tutorial below to extract what you want from the restore point to then do so.

System Restore Points - Manually Extract Files and Folders

bhootnat · 04 Apr 2012

Ok, thank you.

Brink · 04 Apr 2012

You're most welcome. :)