Help with old XP files that cannot be deleted without deleting the i

If you haven't changed your settings since Win2000 then you are way overdue for a clean reinstall. You may not even know the lightweight instantaneous OS which Win7 truly is.

The reason it is suggested you unplug E is so you can plug it back in if something major is missing, even though Disk Mgmt shows it should not interfere and you say you can back everything up. So, yes, you can format or (better yet) wipe E if you want: Disk - Clean and Clean All with Diskpart Command

Do yourself a favor and plan some time ahead to wipe your HD and clean reinstall Win7 for best performance from the best OS yet. Here are tips for getting a purrfect reinstall - use the ones which apply: re-install windows 7

What I meant by settings really concerned the desktop appearance. Prior to Win7, I was just content to have a stable machine, and never messed around with the wallpaper, etc. As to clean re-installs, I've had several. Perhaps out of superstition, when I got the clean installed OS running, I just went back to my regular no-thrills desktop.

Win 7 is a good OS, and I feel safe to customize it. Thanks again.

I see your point on removing the e disk, but I think I can accomplish the same measure of safety with taking a Image of the E disk with both Acronis True Image and Terabyte's Image for Windows.

Thanks again.