How to properly delete Windows 7 backup System Image

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  1. Posts : 128
    Windows 7
       #1

    How to properly delete Windows 7 backup System Image


    Hi there. I have a system image on my external HDD made by W7 Backup & Restore utility on my old computer. Now I am using a new machine and would like to delete my old system's system image but do not know how to properly do so.

    Since I have not ran a backup yet on my new machine, there is not option for "manage space" in the backup & restore utility
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 17,545
    Windows 10 Pro x64 EN-GB
       #2

    Delete the folder WindowsImageBackup, it deletes all earlier images. When you then create the first image on your new computer, this folder is re-created.

    Kari
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 128
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Manually delete it? Is there a better way?
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 17,545
    Windows 10 Pro x64 EN-GB
       #4

    ThumperSD said:
    Manually delete it? Is there a better way?
    Now you lost me. How else could you delete these old images, if not manually?
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 11,408
    ME/XP/Vista/Win7
       #5

    Can always format the external HD, & loose all data on the drive.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 189
    Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit
       #6

    u can do what kari said, or if it was put as a partition u can use a partition manager of sorts like gparted. or just reformat the hd all together but make sure u choose the right format
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 824
    Windows 7 Professional 32-bit (6.1, Build 7600)
       #7

    Kari said:
    ThumperSD said:
    Manually delete it? Is there a better way?
    Now you lost me. How else could you delete these old images, if not manually?
    Lol, this is classic!
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 128
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #8

    Kari said:
    ThumperSD said:
    Manually delete it? Is there a better way?
    Now you lost me. How else could you delete these old images, if not manually?
    So you're saying go to the external HDD, click on the WindowsImageBackup folder and click delete? I'd like a better way to do this because it might leave residual files behind. Kind of like deleting a folder in Program files manually without uninstalling it.

    You get my point now? Isnt there an option where you can make Windows properly delete it for you?

    I really don't want to format it
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 17,545
    Windows 10 Pro x64 EN-GB
       #9

    ThumperSD said:
    Hi there. I have a system image on my external HDD made by W7 Backup & Restore utility on my old computer. Now I am using a new machine and would like to delete my old system's system image but do not know how to properly do so.

    Since I have not ran a backup yet on my new machine, there is not option for "manage space" in the backup & restore utility
    Kari said:
    Delete the folder WindowsImageBackup, it deletes all earlier images. When you then create the first image on your new computer, this folder is re-created.

    Kari
    ThumperSD said:
    Manually delete it? Is there a better way?
    Kari said:
    Now you lost me. How else could you delete these old images, if not manually?
    ThumperSD said:
    So you're saying go to the external HDD, click on the WindowsImageBackup folder and click delete? I'd like a better way to do this because it might leave residual files behind. Kind of like deleting a folder in Program files manually without uninstalling it.

    You get my point now? Isnt there an option where you can make Windows properly delete it for you?

    I really don't want to format it
    You lost me even more, now. It's all gone when you delete the folder. Opposite to what you say, it's everything but the same than deleting a program folder. Backup image is not a program, it is not installed, there's nothing left when you delete it.

    How can this be so difficult?

    I repeat my question: HOW ELSE COULD YOU DELETE A FOLDER OR FILE FROM YOUR HD, IF NOT MANUALLY?

    Please let me know if you find a solution you like more than the valid solution I've given to you. I am very keen to know it...

    Kari
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 11,990
    Windows 7 Ultimate 32 bit
       #10

    ThumperSD said:
    Kari said:
    ThumperSD said:
    Manually delete it? Is there a better way?
    Now you lost me. How else could you delete these old images, if not manually?
    So you're saying go to the external HDD, click on the WindowsImageBackup folder and click delete? I'd like a better way to do this because it might leave residual files behind. Kind of like deleting a folder in Program files manually without uninstalling it.

    You get my point now? Isnt there an option where you can make Windows properly delete it for you?

    I really don't want to format it
    I do understand what you are asking. This is not like dealing with installed programs. You are correct; deleting a file in Programs files does not uninstall the program. However, image backups are not installed. They are the files created by an installed program - just like Word creates a document file. When you delete a file or the whole folder, the files are gone, period. There is no residual leftovers. Follow the advice to delete the whole folder and you will be good to go.
      My Computer


 
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