Deleting old Windows installs

[Decca]

I have my automotive data on my OS HD and during the last few Windows installs have just installed without formatting.
This puts the old Windows into those Windows.old, Windows.old.001,
Windows.old.002 folders....well you get the idea.
I was at some point going to just delete the old install folders.

However, there are now 6 (30GB) of them (don't laugh) and its been an interesting fight to delete them.

Whatever the current OS was (XP,Vista, etc), it never let me delete them as it knew they were VERY important and therefore it was absolutely out of the question that I be allowed to delete these old folders.
In keeping with tradition, Windows 7 does not trust me either.
I have tried everything I can think of...
Gave myself permisions, took ownership, ran explorer as Admin, Command Prompt (As Admin)...no go.
Well I am open to suggestions.

How can I convince Windows that I am worthy of deleting?

Thanks in advance
Decca

 

[mansrm81]

You need to run the disk cleanup tool by right click on your drive and going into the properties and then hitting disk cleanup. All of those will be listed in the disk cleanup then just check the box next to them and hit ok to delete and you will get your space back.

 

[Decca]

You need to run the disk cleanup tool by right click on your drive and going into the properties and then hitting disk cleanup. All of those will be listed in the disk cleanup then just check the box next to them and hit ok to delete and you will get your space back.

Wow....
This is why I like these forums.
Never thought of disc cleanup as it always wanted to delete temp files etc...
Thank you.
When I get home from work I will try this and report back.

Thanks again,
Decca

 

[Decca]

Worked.
However I had to move all the other folders inside the Widows.old folder to get everything deleted.

Thanks again,
Decca

 

[mansrm81]

Your welcome Decca