Windows 7: Folder Removal

I tried to uninstall Windows 7 RC from my Windows XP SP3 Home Edition.

I succeeded in removing everything except a folder named Windows.old.000. It won't let me delete it. I have tried all the regular modes including SAFE mode. Does anyone know how to remove this folder?
Mackb

Happy 4th of July! Makb Welcome to the sevenforums! You won't need to post your email address here however.

When installing the RC was that on a separate partition? or second drive by chance? Either way the fast and easy way to remove the 7 installation entirely without fuss is simply reformatting the partition or drive it was installed onto.

With Vista and now 7 the Windows installer when replacing the current installation of Windows on whether a previous version or simply a replacement install will pack up everything from the previous installation into the Windows.old folder. That allows you to retrieve anything you need from the folders rolled up there before sending it to the trash can.

The folder's properties are set to "read only" with the need to take ownership of it before you can change that setting and say good bye to it once and for all. The Disk Management tool in XP can save you the trouble by simply right clicking on the 7 primary and selecting the format option.

Thanks Night Hawk.

Deleting the READ ONLY setting solved the problem.

Mackb

You're welcome! Mackb

I ran into something similar lately between two installations of the 64bit RC where the read only box wasn't the only thing it took to see the Windows.old folder removed. But that was from the multibooting done here mostly.

First the last sub folders had to be removed one at a time until eventually the ownership could be taken for that particular one time problem. Once you have administrative access for any new installation of Vista or 7 you simply uncheck the box, click the apply button, and call it a day!