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Windows.old: The confusion is over.
After reading various posts regarding the Windows.old directory I have re-installed build 7100 for the sole purpose of confirming what the Windows.old directory actually is.
When installing Vista/Windows 7 you can choose to install over the existing OS (not upgrade) without formatting the partition. Windows 7 (not sure about Vista) seems to have a sort of 'Intelligent Install' as to what it keeps and what it moves to Windows.old (and i'll get into this later).
For the purpose of this test I have intentionally kept files in my user folders that I wish to keep.
After installing i'm faced with my desktop, clean, fresh, just 1 icon (the recycle bin). Upon opening explorer and viewing 'Computer' it is clear that there is still a multitude of files still on the HD (an extra 12GB in my case). Access the main (Windows 7) drive and you will see several directories, 1 of which is Windows.old directory (See Pic 1).
Upon inspection of this directory it's plain to see that it is a mirror of your previous drive structure (See Pic 2). You can now access your media in the user directory and Move it to your new user folders (Documents, Music, Videos etc). Once you are happy that all files have been moved you can now delete the directory to free up a large amount of disk space.
NOTE: You will have a few UAC (User Account Control) prompts but this is normal, you can continue.
Now for the Inteligent Install:
You will notice that i've highlighted several key areas in Pic 1 and Pic 3. Notice the date? (Fresh install date it 28/04/2009).
My belief is that Windows recognises certain folders as being independent from any install process and keeps them on the active root directory (Media Player Classic in my case was not installed so no previous registry key was created). See Pic 1
Next is the 'Program Files' folder, you will notice that, according to Pic 3 they have not been changed. Windows seems to have recognised the files & folders contained here as native to the installation and has kept them as no changes have been made to them.
Hope you find this solves any questions you have regarding the Windows.old directory :)
Last edited by Orbital Shark; 28 Apr 2009 at 04:29. Reason: added pics