Windows 7: forgot to format during clean install

i forgot to format during the clean install. i really wanted to since i have a lot of games i dont play anymore. i can see that windows.old exists in c drive. i dont want to reinstall, but i want the files to be as small as possible. would they be a lot smaller if i formatted? i have something like 150gb of stuff on my computer.

Hello and welcome to the forums.

Which files are you talking about to be as small as possible?

If you got all the files you need frmo the Windows.old folder, you can delete it.

Hi Tom and Welcome

OK are you completely finished with the transfer of files and settings? If you are you can delete it. It should save you a ton of space. Still wont be a "clean" install but better than now.

Let us know if we can help


Ken J+

Formatting the HDD before installation is not required to get a "clean" installation. The previous installation wont be interfering with the new installation like an upgrade would. It only takes additional HDD space.

I agree. I know the registry is clean after a normal custom install. If that is not enough to be a clean install, maybe some standard could be stated to see if it is actually done or not.

Beside the Windows.old file, there are a few hidden system files that are almost as large as the windows.old file. They start with $Windows and can be seen if you set the folder view to see such files.

Just delete the windows.old folder using Disk Cleanup, after you are sure you have all of your wanted files out of it.

Next time boot from the installer to get Custom>Advanced drive tools to format.

thanks