Windows.old folder - Restore into a new installation

thx it works

I need to reinstall Windows 7 and from doing it previously I noticed that all my stuff goes in to the windows.old folder upon reinstall. However, I don't know how reliable this is and what exactly Windows saves in this folder.

I don't have quite enough external space to do a full backup so I was wondering if I could create a windows.old folder and move my stuff there. I know from previous experience that if there is already a windows.old folder a new one gets created (windows2.old?). I don't have room for storing the data twice so I was thinking to move everything to windows.old before reinstalling so the new backup folder that windows creates will not have my documents etc, only programs etc.

How fall proof is this system? And what exactly gets saved? Is it advisable to move my documents in to a .old folder then reinstall or just reinstall, knowing that windows will save my data?

Obviously I would like to backup fully regardless but I don't really have much choice.

The installer will save Program Files (both 32 and 64 if on a 64-bit machine), the Users folder (C:\Users\), Performance Logs, and the Windows folder.

Unless you have a bad hard drive, this is quite reliable; I have never seen or heard reports of it failing. Furthermore, if you don't have enough room on the drive, Windows should give you a message.

I recommend saving everything you want to keep from your existing Windows.old folder to your desktop, in a folder.

Then, delete the Windows.old folder. Here is a tutorial: Windows.old Folder - Delete

If you don't want your documents saved, delete them before you reinstall.

Hi Lordbob75,

I am having an issue that has nothing to do with this tutorial, but as it is very difficult to solve, even with dedicated help from other people, I am thinking of replacing the system as you explain in this turorial. However, I am not completely sure that it will work in my case. The OS doesn't boot, I don't know why, and I am thinking of using your tutorial to tranfer files and settings, but I am afraid that the issue will be transfered along, too. So I would like to ask if you please could have a look at my issue as described in these forums, and tell me if what I think is worth to do. You will notice that I can even copy the Windows.old folder on another drive before starting, if needed.

Hi Lordbob

too bad this tut doesn't work for me at all, or am i just missing something..
every code i entered gave me "The system cannot find the file specified."
exept for the first code w/c is c:.