Old Windows Files

TomBullock · 23-Dec-2007, 06:46 AM #1

When i upgraded to Vista, i was left with a folder called 'windows.old' in my hard drive.
I have tried disk cleanup and it still wont remove.
When i try to delete it by simply pressing delete, it says:

Code:

Could not find this item

This is no longer located in C:\. Verify the item's location and try again.

Can anyone help me sovle this?

Many thanks
Tom Bullock

alwrmc · 23-Dec-2007, 08:13 AM #2

I have the exact same problem. I Googled extensively and found nothing that helped with the removal of the folder. I tried resetting the read only, taking command etc etc. I tried using DOS commands also with no luck. On my machine it shows up as 873 bytes, contains 2 file, 5 folders.
I still search now and then, but have basically decided that it's only a small file chunk on my HD, it's benign, so I'm just letting it go until someday when I decide to reformat/reinstall. It should go away then. But if you manage to find something new, please share!

TomBullock · 23-Dec-2007, 08:16 AM #3

Yes, its not something that drastically effects the performance of my machine, but i would like to delete it to tidy it up a bit.

Rich-M · 23-Dec-2007, 11:47 AM #4

have you tried Safe Mode to delete it?

TomBullock · 23-Dec-2007, 11:49 AM #5

Probly the most simply thing ever to do..... and its the one thing i havent tried.
Thanks alot

Rich-M · 23-Dec-2007, 12:13 PM #6

Welcome let us know.

TomBullock · 23-Dec-2007, 12:30 PM #7

Hmmm, thats wierd, im still getting the same error message.

DaveA · 23-Dec-2007, 12:57 PM #8

Look in the Control Panel and then Add and remove programs. This MAY be left behind so one can "Uninstall" Vista.

Asherah · 23-Dec-2007, 02:01 PM #9

Hey Tom,

This problem can be fixed by downloading and installing a program called "DrDelete"

I have never encountered a file or folder I couldnt delete with this program, give it a shot, let me know if it works for you.

TomBullock · 23-Dec-2007, 07:25 PM **#10**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Asherah

Hey Tom,

This problem can be fixed by downloading and installing a program called "DrDelete"

I have never encountered a file or folder I couldnt delete with this program, give it a shot, let me know if it works for you.

Nice try.

Ill just keep asking around.
Ill find a way eventually

Asherah · 24-Dec-2007, 12:17 AM **#11**

I found a site on google that describes how to get rid of the old preserved installation

http://www.tech-recipes.com/rx/2038/...de_windows_old

I'd try it myself but I dont have an upgraded installation so I cant try it.

Good Luck.

TomBullock · 24-Dec-2007, 02:56 AM **#12**

That was the first thing i tried but it didnt work
All the files went, and there are no XP files left, its just the folder that wont go away

**crjdriver** · 24-Dec-2007, 09:51 AM **#13**

There are one or two hidden files in the folder that vista thinks are in use. That is why it will not delete.

It really is no big deal I would just leave it alone. If you really really want to delete boot with a win2k or xp disk. Choose the repair console and delete the file from the RC.

Again I would just leave it alone.

Rich-M · 24-Dec-2007, 12:31 PM **#14**

That is so odd. I have always been able to delete those in Windows.

**crjdriver** · 24-Dec-2007, 12:52 PM **#15**

Rich if you have the folder set to show hidden/protected files it will show 1or2 [I cannot remember] That is the only reason why vista will not delete them. I have seen this on a few systems that were upgraded from win2k or xp to vista.

It is really a non-issue since the size of the folder is so small.

Search
Search in:
Show Threads Show Posts
Advanced Search

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)