Re: Unable to delete windows.old after reinstallation

Hi GrouchBarx,

You might find a linux/dos boot disc with a file manager will do the
trick.

Paragon does a freebie rescue disk, which includes a file transfer
wizard - may be worth a try.

'FREE Rescue Kit 9.0 Express - Don't wait for disaster,
get instant data recovery software kit!'
(http://www.paragon-software.com/home.../features.html)

Hope it helps

SIW2

GrouchoBarx;1032429 Wrote:
> Hi, I'm new here so be gentle, please.
>
> I had a catastrophic crash and was forced to reinstall Vista Home
> Premium 32bit on my Gateway desktop.
>
> The installation created a windows.old directory. I am unable to delete
> this.
>
> I have tried the Disk Cleanup tool and a "delete file on reboot"
> utility. Neither work.
>
> I receive the following message:
>
> =============================
>
> This is no longer located in C:\. Verify the item's location and try
> again.
>
> Windows.old
> Date created: 12/22/2008 11:23 AM
>
> =============================
>
> I get this regardless of where I try to delete (i.e. at the individual
> file level, or at any directory or sub-directory level).
>
> The directories and files appear in windows explorer. I can select
> (highlight) the file/dir names but cannot do *anything* with the files
> or directories.
>
> The original directory from a previous installation was 80 gb or so.
> All of it deleted with the exception of the files/dirs in:
>
> C:\Windows.old\Users\Dog Barks\AppData\Roaming\SecuROM\UserData
>
> There are 3 files at the lowest level. They are named:
>
> ЃϵϳЅЂϿϽϯІχϯπρϴϱЄϱЃϵϳЅ
>
> ЃϵϳЅЂϿϽϯІχϯπρϯϸϹϴϴϵϾ
>
> ЃϵϳЅЂϿϽϯІχϯπρЂϻϵЉЃϵϳЅ
>
>
> All of the other directories are empty except for the next
> sub-directory.
>
> I have "show hidden files" turned on and "hide known extensions" turned
> off in Folder Options.
>
> I've seen several similiar problems and (successful) resolutions
> suggesting the Disk Cleanup tool, but this has *not* worked for me.
>
> I hope that I have explained clearly and completely.
>
> Any help greatly appreciated


--
SIW2

This worked for me:

Click on Start/All Programs/Accessories/System Tools/Disc Cleanup

When the dialog box comes up, select the drive that has the .old files on it and click OK

The system then scans for the files to be cleaned up and another dialog box opens with the selection. Click on the button labeled Clean up system files at the bottom of that dialog box.

Another dialog box will come up, select the drive again that has the .old files on it. The system will perform another scan for the system files that need to be cleaned up.

After scanning, another dialog box opens up and there you will find a list of check boxes. Scroll through and check on the box labeled Older versions of Windows and click OK.