Recovery Drive (D: ) is full - what can I delete?

I have backed up my data and I want to set my computer back to factory default setting, including Recovery Drive.

My recovery drive is full. It has the capacity of 18.57 GB and has only 179 MB of free space.

When I start my computer, I get a black and white screen saying "Windows Boot Manager" and asked to choose between two Windows 7.

Previously, I was using an upgraded Windows 8 (using download from Microsoft website) on my C drive. Then I wanted to switch back to a factory default Windows 7. I didn't know I could do so from Recovery Drive, so I instead used CD. And I made a wrong step, and Installed Windows 7 on Recovery Drive in addition to what was already in there. Not only that, since I didn't realize that I was in the wrong partition, I downloaded some of the essential programs like browser, and antivirus programs - which explains the full Recovery Drive.

Now I want to bring back my Recovery Drive just the way it was when I purchased it. Which files can I safely delete from Recovery Drive?

PS: I tried to format the Recovery Drive using Disk Management and diskpart but neither would let me do it. Will formatting Recovery Drive in my case a bad idea? Will it remove crucial components for operation of my machine?

If you format the Recovery partition then you lose that capability. Since you say you installed Windows to it, or tried to, then you need to delete the failed Windows installation on the D: drive. If you can boot from C: then open Computer then double click on D: Expand to full screen then post a screen shot here so we can see what is there.

How to Use the Snipping Tool in Vista - Vista Forums (says it's for Vista but also works with Win 7/8).

Once you have the image saved, click on the Paperclip Icon next to the Smiley Icon. In the Manage Attachments window, click Browse and navigate to where you saved the image and select it.
Click the Upload button.
Close the Manage Attachments window.
Click on the Paperclip Icon again and select the image you uploaded. It will be placed in your post.

Hi, thanks for the response Ztrucker, and for your instruction for uploading the image. Here is the screen shot. I'd love to delete the extra Windows file from D drive.

You can delete all the folders except Recovery. The others are all from the Windows install.