[Whiteninja89]

When I finally decided to ditch vista and go to win 7, I used another hd since my vista hd had data on it I didnt want to format (and I dont like "upgrade" installs)

I now want to delete the system files from the old vista install (for example the "Windows" folder) But i always get permission issues. It would tell me trustedinstaller would need permission etc. I read up for a solution that involved changing permission over to the admin account but then it tells me i need permission FROM the admin account (that Im supposedly logged on as). Are there any other ways I can just get rid of all these files aside from doing a reformat?

[fairnooks]

You can use a boot disc with file management capabilities like a Linux LiveCD, use Knoppix maybe or the utility program Parted Magic LiveCD has file management. Back in the day I used to go into DOS and either delete the windows folder or rename it so I could boot to another install and then delete it.

To put it short, use anything outside of Windows that will let you manage windows files and not have permissions or protected files issues.

[DaveA]

If you are NOT running the "RTM" version of Windows 7, then I would wait until you get a retail copy and it is installed.

[Whiteninja89]

I havnt tried ntfs support in linux yet. Is it reliable? I keep hearing that there's a chance of file corruption. Are there any non linux based utilities that can manipulate ntfs files with no chance of corruption?

[fairnooks]

Just pressing the power button on a computer invokes a chance of file corruption.

Somethings on http://www.bootdisk.com/ perhaps?

I just booted up with PartedMagic 4.3 to see if it has a nice file management utility; it does.

I can only lead to water though, maybe someone else can suggest something you're more comfortable with.