Question about volume shadow copy


  1. Posts : 11
    Windows Ulimate 7 msdn
       #1

    Question about volume shadow copy


    If I go into the properties of any folder or file, and then to the Restore Previous Versions tab, I have several snapshots to choose from. I thought this was a feature of the Volume Shadow Copy service
    ( Shadow Copy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia )

    however, when I look at my list of services, via services.msc, the "volume shadow copy" service is set to Manual start, and is currently Stopped. If it's not running, how is it I have these "previous versions" snapshots? I assumed if the service isn't running, there would be no snapshots being captured.

    I'm not complaining, only curious to learn. Can someone clarify please? TIA
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 17,796
    Windows 10, Home Clean Install
       #2

    Shadow copy is not running all the time. It is controlled by the task scheduler. A picture is taken about once a week. You can go back to any picture. If it is not time for the picture it is off. The task scheduler turns it on

    (same in Windows 7)
    System Restore - disk space - Vista Forums

    and

    System Protection - Change Disk Space Usage
    Last edited by Brink; 15 Sep 2010 at 00:49. Reason: added link
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 5,642
    Windows 10 Pro (x64)
       #3

    club said:
    however, when I look at my list of services, via services.msc, the "volume shadow copy" service is set to Manual start, and is currently Stopped. If it's not running, how is it I have these "previous versions" snapshots? I assumed if the service isn't running, there would be no snapshots being captured.

    I'm not complaining, only curious to learn. Can someone clarify please? TIA
    It runs when it needs to. Thats the secret.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 10,200
    MS Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-bit
       #4

    Just for background info, here's some info behind some of the Win 7 disk usage decisions, including system restores.
    Disk Space - Engineering Windows 7 - Site Home - MSDN Blogs
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  5. Posts : 11
    Windows Ulimate 7 msdn
    Thread Starter
       #5

    But I thought if a service is set to "Manual" start it will never run on it's own, ever.

    For example, here's a screenshot of the VSS service from both 7 and XP machines of mine:
    http://www.neoteric.us/images/vss.jpg

    They are identical. So why on XP, when I go into the "Previous Versions" tab of any folder or file's properties there are never any snapshots taken, ever? But it does happen on 7. What's the difference... or why does it run on 7 but didnt on XP?
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 5,642
    Windows 10 Pro (x64)
       #6

    Errr well Windows XP doesn't have Previous Versions...only System Restore.
      My Computer


 

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