New Vista install over old one... Queries!

Ok, so I was having an issue with my old x64 OS so I opted for a fresh install. Well, the 64 bit DVD did not ask me to format and I now have the same files I had before PLUS a new folder called... Windows.old

Having the other folders I don't mind so much but, why didn't it let me format the drive? Can I get rid of the Windows.old folder and if so... how? Does not not affect the fact that I had to reinstall because of a virus I had? Should I be worried?

Sorry... just a little frustated and dissapointed on Vista I guess.

AstaLaVista said:

Ok, so I was having an issue with my old x64 OS so I opted for a fresh install. Well, the 64 bit DVD did not ask me to format and I now have the same files I had before PLUS a new folder called... Windows.old

Having the other folders I don't mind so much but, why didn't it let me format the drive? Can I get rid of the Windows.old folder and if so... how? Does not not affect the fact that I had to reinstall because of a virus I had? Should I be worried?

Sorry... just a little frustated and dissapointed on Vista I guess.

Click to expand...

Windows.old can be deleted, but if you had a virus, it is probably still somewhere in your old files, you could run an online virus scan and see if it can find/delete the culprit - some of these would be trend micro's housecall or Panda's online scanner (both free).
When you install windows vista from a windows installation disk, it does not overtly ask you if you wish to format (at least the OEM version does not) - instead it provides a window asking where to install - on that screen is an "advanced" button from where you can manage the drive, I.E. delete/create partition, format etc.
Hope this helps.

ghost said:

When you install windows vista from a windows installation disk, it does not overtly ask you if you wish to format (at least the OEM version does not) - instead it provides a window asking where to install - on that screen is an "advanced" button from where you can manage the drive, I.E. delete/create partition, format etc.
Hope this helps.

Click to expand...

Got rid of the Windows.old folder after finding a work-around on Google but, as far as the option you mentioned "Advanced"... I did not see anything.

I had to nuked the Vista installation, start with an XP install to format the drive and start CLEAN, after all that, I am going to dual boot with Vista x64 again.

Even though I have a VelociRaptor 150GB, I believe that Triple Booting with XP w/SP3, Vista x64 w/SP1 and Windows 7 would be kinda out of the question, right? :D

You should be able to triple boot them. Easiest if you install XP first, then Vista, then 7.

You might wait till Vista iso including SP2 is available - it's on Technet now.

SIW2 said:

You should be able to triple boot them. Easiest if you install XP first, then Vista, then 7.

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That is how I was wanting to do it. I am just hoping that I can manage to partition the drive correctly.

SIW2 said:

You might wait till Vista iso including SP2 is available - it's on Technet now.

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I already have my Vista x64 w/SP1 so I can always download the SP2 from the microsoft site as an update, right?

Yes you should get SP2 as an update.

What is the partitioning question?

Might be a good idea to sort out the three partitions before installing XP.

Post a screenshot of Disk Management like this:



Also, do you have a partition manager with boot disc, Paragon , or similar - or will you need to use windows to do it?

SIW2 said:

Yes you should get SP2 as an update.

Click to expand...

Hmmm, I tried all the updates and didn't see SP2 on them... perhaps it hide from me and it installed already. I got to check when I get back home

SIW2 said:

What is the partitioning question?

Click to expand...

I am never able to fully grasp the concept of what the "How To" is telling me to do and I end up botching the whole partition thing. Now, being said that and after having some issues with Gparted Cd and/or Diskpart, I decided to Dual boot with Vista & Windows 7 so I have partitioned my 150GB Velociraptor... 100GB for Vista and 50GB for Windows 7

Might be a good idea to sort out the three partitions before installing XP.

Click to expand...

You know, as much as I have installed, nuked & formatted for 2 or 3 days, I just may be incline to try this out and begin a whole new ball game... I am definately tempted.

SIW2 said:

Also, do you have a partition manager with boot disc, Paragon , or similar - or will
you need to use windows to do it?

Click to expand...

I have a GParted CD (or something similar) that I used when I dual booted before. I can also use DISKPART, even though, this one did not cooperate last time I tried.

I am going to go search for this but, do you know where I can download Windows 7 lates build with a Download Manager? Windows download manager is slower than a handicap turtoise! and since I am paying good money for Comcast 16Mbit broadband, I like to put it to good use. Firefox download manager is slightly quicker than Microsoft but still... I need something quicker.

I already got a key from Microsoft but they don't allow the use of a download manager.

Thanks

Hi,

SP2 is not available to the public yet - when it is, you should be offered it as an update.

Ahhh, since you said it was on technet.com now, I took it that it was no longer in Beta stage... my bad.

Thanks for clarifying that though.

The one on Technet is the final release - members only. Release to the public will be later.

SIW2 said:

The one on Technet is the final release - members only. Release to the public will be later.

Click to expand...

Got the RC from Microsoft yesterday and I am happy with it for the time being.

You know, one of my biggest pet peeves with Vista is the fact that the SEARCH does not work as good as the XP side of it, at least not for me but the "Explore" was ok. With Windows 7, I am hating the Explore option with a passion... have not used the SEARCH function yet so I don't know if I am going to like it or hate it.

I guess it is time for me to become a member of the Windows 7 forums as well... God Help them! :D