Can I safely get rid of these old Windows Folders from my HD?

[Fmik]

I am moving or deleting files on my HD that I don't want or need. I noticed that my C: drive has the following folders:
Windows 18.9 GB
Windows.old 52.2 GB
Windows.old.000 8.0 GB

Are the folders labeled Windows.old and the Windows.old.000 necessary to keep on my HD?
I did the clean install from Vista to Windows 7 about 6 years ago and have been getting along just fine without the old system; so I do not want to use any of the old version of Windows (Vista).

How do I go about removing the old and old.000 files the right way? what are the steps involved?
Yes, I am a beginner at this.
Thank you for any help you can provide.

 

[Layback Bear]

Here is a couple to tutorials by Brink and Lordboy 75 that should help you.

If you have things in Windows 7 Old you can use this one.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/16282-windows-old-folder-restore-into-new-installation.html

If you want to remove Windows 7 Old completely you can use this one.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/19151-windows-old-folder-delete.html

 

[Fmik]

Thank you for the links. I will give them a try.

 

[Fmik]

I followed the tutorial and was successful in eliminating previous versions of Windows that were still on my HD. I now have more than 60 GB of space on the HD which is helping performance.
Much appreciation for your help.

 

[Layback Bear]

Your very welcome.

Check now and again and make sure you keep at least 10 to 15 % of free space. Windows 7 needs a little elbow room to work properly.