Solved Can't delete windows.old folder

[Timo]

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?

 

[Timo]

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?

 

[MrAleX]

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?

 

[Timo]

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....

 

[WiZaRd7]

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

 

[Brink]

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.

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

Hope this helps,
Shawn

 

[Timo]

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

Issue solved

 

[Brink]

You're welcome Timo.

 

[petrossa]

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.

 

[Valencia]

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

 

[Brink]

Hello Valencia, and welcome to Seven Forums.

I'm happy to hear that you got it sorted.

 

[Vampire]

Hello Brink, thank you for Disc Cleanup tip.
I decided to join this forum because of it.
Good work

 

[Snufffed]

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?

open my computer
open C:\ via properties
open clean
open advanced
click remove -
click OK
click ok
-this will clean your HDD or all old windows versions. hint windows.old
then everything else you click OK, it includes all older RESTORE point also, and leave the latest GOOD Restore points.
PS: This is the RECOMMENED WAY by MS.... No fuss No mess just do it.

 

[WillSkiies]

windows.old folder not deleting

its a minor issue realy but i want that stupid folder gone .
i did the disc clean up and the files are gone but when i try to delete the folder it says could not find this item

i open disc clean up and i tick delete previous versions of windows ( 8kb)

it still remains

mmmm

 

[zigzag3143]

its a minor issue realy but i want that stupid folder gone .
i did the disc clean up and the files are gone but when i try to delete the folder it says could not find this item

i open disc clean up and i tick delete previous versions of windows ( 8kb)

it still remains

mmmm

W

Right click the folder>properties>security> who is the owner? You may need to take ownership to delete the folder. Instruciton on how to are here http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1911-take-ownership-shortcut.html?ltr=T

Hope this helps and let us know if you need help

Ken

 

[WillSkiies]

didn t work

but thx anyway

i think the take ownership registry will come in handy , im going to just leave it

thx anyway

 

[Snufffed]

its a minor issue realy but i want that stupid folder gone .
i did the disc clean up and the files are gone but when i try to delete the folder it says could not find this item

i open disc clean up and i tick delete previous versions of windows ( 8kb)

it still remains

mmmm

W

Right click the folder>properties>security> who is the owner? You may need to take ownership to delete the folder. Instruciton on how to are here http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1911-take-ownership-shortcut.html?ltr=T

Hope this helps and let us know if you need help

Ken

Actually Win 7 will do this for you..
1. Go to Desktop
2. open my computer
3. move to C:
4. right click properties
5. click clean up
6. More options
7. plz read it states if you have any old windows files it will remove them.
click clean up

 

[win7noob]

try this....
go to command line
rd /s /q windows.old

 

[WillSkiies]

windows.old

ive tried the command link , the disc cleanup , taking ownership .





no biggy altho im a clean freak when it comes to my comp i dont want any junk on it lol

 

[WillSkiies]

Different Command Line

ive tried a different command and it works

to bad i deleted history and forgot the command

ah well


SF ftw !