Can't delete windows.old folder

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  1. Timo
    Posts : 4
    Windows 7
       New #1

    Can't delete windows.old folder


    I've upgraded to windows 7 RC from the beta and it created a windows.old folder. I've deleted all the files inside the folder that i was able to delete, but couldn't delete the windows and program files folder in there->not able to delete the windows.old folder.
    When I try to delete the windows.old folder I get a message "You require permission from administrators to make changes to this file".
    I'm an admin and only user on my system and already given myself all possible rights and ownership of the folder.

    How can I delete this folder?
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  3. Timo
    Posts : 4
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       New #2

    Issue still not solved.

    Checked the checkbox saying "also change ownership of subfolders".

    Still require permission. Changed owner to my current account. Now it says that I need permission from that account. The account I'm using to delete the files.

    Help please?
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  4. MrAleX
    Posts : 38
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 Build 7600
       New #3

    taking ownership doesn't work? or deleting from safe mode? however I always do FORMAT now b4 install, this is the best way to get rid of this f**kin' .OLD folders lol

    and yeah search for Unlocker 1.8.7 software m/b it will help?
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  6. Timo
    Posts : 4
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       New #4

    Gonna try safe mode now.

    Well the old folder was usefull for somegiles I didn;t wnat to lose xD But after transfering it became very annoying....
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  7. WiZaRd7
    Posts : 7
    XP multi boot with Windows 7 RC
       New #5

    Download ERD or Hirens or BartPE or really any bootable CD/DVD (even use Vista or W7 disc) so the OS isn't loading therefore permissions not loading.

    Delete folders from a command prompt or A43 from Barts or My computer from ERD (do NOT log onto the installation) ...YOU GET THE PICTURE??

    Post back here if it is still giving you the irits
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  8. Brink
    Posts : 72,046
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       New #6

    Hello Timo, and welcome to Seven Forums.

    The tutorial below can help show you how to use the command prompt or Disk Cleanup to delete the Windows.old folder.

    Windows.old Folder - Delete

    Hope this helps,
    Shawn
    Last edited by Brink; 04 Dec 2011 at 11:54. Reason: updated with tutorial link
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  10. Timo
    Posts : 4
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       New #7

    Safe mode didn't work
    Unlocker didn't work
    No idea what wizard 7 means xD
    Disk cleanup worked, thanks Shawn!

    Issue solved
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  11. Brink
    Posts : 72,046
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       New #8

    You're welcome Timo. :)
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  12. petrossa
    Posts : 623
    vista x64/ win 7 x64
       New #9

    What the problem is with windows.old is that if you take ownership the rights don't propagate downwards pretty well.

    The simplest way is ( with all stubborn files/folders):
    Take ownership as Everyone
    go to the permissions tab, remove ALL permissions and only add Everyone.
    give Everyone all rights and off you go.
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  13. Valencia
    Posts : 1
    Windows 7 RC
       New #10

    Disk Cleanup worked for me, I gained back 72gb of space. Thank you, thank you!
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