Strange big files

I am running Windown XP on an IBM ThinkPad G40 and seem to have accumulated 30 files each of 1.1Gb with names like:
\System Volume Information\_restore{14157744-4FA2-4CAF-BAFB-72CC49941087}\RP211\A0028350.sys

This is a huge load on my 60Gb disk.

Can anyone tell me what these files are? do I need them? can I delete them?

 

I would say that they could possibly be restore points. The one that leads me there is the _restore, the other is the RP211.

 

I thought that system restore's default limitation was 30% of disc space.
I'll look it up right quick.

 

actually, it is only 12% of each drive by default
to check where you are at-
open control panel
performance and maintenance
system
system restore
settings

hope this helps in some way

 

Thanks
I've checked that and my setting is 10%
Any further ideas??

 

Have you tried running HiJackThis to see if it will bring any light? Are you using any type of software such as Microsoft Backup, or any other type of "Ghost" type software?

 

Disregard previous Post, this explains what I first stated about the files being Restore Points:

This info from Kelly's Korner explains what I said about them being Restore Points: http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_restore.htm

How and Where System Restore Points are saved:

Restore points are saved in under x:\system volume information\_restore{558C94FD-3C7F-4954-A02D-
26679E6D849E}. Each restore point's files are saved in a folder named RPXX where XX is a two digit number
corresponding to the restore point.

On the creation of a scheduled task for creating a restore point, System Restore does create a restore point every 24 hours IF the system is idle, but on and not in hibernate or standby, (idle meaning no disk i/o, mouse or keyboard activity).

By default, System Restore monitors all partitions. So, for example, if you delete an executable file, you can have the system state revert to a specific restore point to recreate or repair the executable file. When you revert to a restore point, however, you lose all changes since that point, except for changes to files in the My Documents folder and documents you've created with applications such as Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.

 

The attachment is the screen shot of what I mean. Mine is over 6gig in size for the Restore Point folder.

 

Thanks; now I know the files are only restore points you've given me confidence to delete all but the last few. I'll keep an eye on that folder and see if they accumulate again. Might be a function of using "ThinkVantage Rescue and Recovery" for my backup.

 

Reduce the allocation for your restore folder if you are concerned about the space. 10% is 6 GB of your drive.