Does Windows 7 make volume shadow copies of external drives?

[chrstrbrts]

Hello,

I know that under certain conditions Windows 7 and other modern versions of Windows will make copies of either important system files or of the entire system drive thereby creating a restore point in case of some unforeseen disaster.

But, I'm curious as to whether Windows 7 or other versions of Windows also make volume shadow copies of external drives like USB drives.

If so, where might these shadow copies be held?

Also, how do I turn off the volume shadow copy function altogether?

Thanks.

 

[John Connor]

Also, how do I turn off the volume shadow copy function altogether?

It's in the control panel | admin tools | services.

Not sure about volume shadow copies location. But if you right click the My Computer icon and select properties | system protection, there you can configure external drives for system restore.

Keep in mind that disabling volume shadow service may cause cloning software not to function if it uses that service.

 

[chrstrbrts]

It's in the control panel | admin tools | services.

Yes, but doesn't that just stop the process?

That is, after rebooting, doesn't the service just restart?

Not sure about volume shadow copies location. But if you right click the My Computer icon and select properties | system protection, there you can configure external drives for system restore.

Yes, this is where you can permanently disable the volume shadow copying function I believe.

Keep in mind that disabling volume shadow service may cause cloning software not to function if it uses that service.

Cloning software?

Do you have an example?

It shouldn't screw with the copy and paste functionality of Windows Explorer, should it?

 

[John Connor]

Once you disable the service it won't start on reboot.

No, shadow copy has nothing to do with copy/paste. Cloning software is like AOMEI Backuper or Macrium Reflect.

 

[chrstrbrts]

Thanks.