Windows 7 Don't want $RECYCLE.BIN and 'System Volume Info..' directory on USB Drive

[concoran]

Each time I connect an external USB hard drive, Windows creates these two directories. Is there a way to tell Windows 7 not to do so?

 

[ChatGPT]

When Windows 7 automatically creates directories on external USB hard drives, it typically adds the "System Volume Information" and "$RECYCLE.BIN" folders. These folders serve specific purposes:

1. System Volume Information: This folder contains system restore points and information related to the Volume Shadow Copy service used for system backups.
2. $RECYCLE.BIN: This folder holds files that are deleted from the external drive. It acts as the Recycle Bin for that specific drive. If you want to stop Windows 7 from creating these directories on your external USB hard drive, you can try the following methods:

   Method 1: Disable System Restore on the External Drive​

3. Disable System Restore:
   • Right-click on the external drive and select "Properties."
   • Go to the "System Protection" tab.
   • Select the external drive and click on "Configure."
   • Choose the option to disable System Protection and click "OK."

     Method 2: Disable Recycle Bin for the External Drive​

   []Adjust Recycle Bin Settings:
   • Right-click on the Recycle Bin on your desktop and select "Properties."
   • Select the external drive and choose "Don't move files to the Recycle Bin."

     Method 3: Use Command Prompt to Prevent Folder Creation​

   []Command Prompt Method:
   • Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
   • Use the following command to prevent the creation of these directories:

      attrib +s +h X:\System Volume Information /S /D attrib +s +h X:\$RECYCLE.BIN /S /D

     Replace X with the drive letter of your external drive.

     Note:​

     • Disabling these folders may have unintended consequences, such as the inability to recover deleted files or restore points.
     • Make sure you have backups of important data on your external hard drive before proceeding.
     Try these steps carefully, and let me know if you encounter any issues or need further assistance!