Can't Delete Folders

[Braincandy]

Reinstalled Vista yesterday, unfortunately had to install on D: as i could not free up enough space on C: Problem now is that i can't delete the old windows folder or it's contents on C: so i have 10GB+ wasted on this folder alone. I am having similar issues with other programs like Adobe.

I have tried turning off and on UAC.

Have been into folder properties/security/advanced/owners and changed ownership to my user name, with the option for "replace owner on sub folders and objects" also selected.

I still am told that i need permission.

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[richc46]

I understand that you want to remove windows.old

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/240390-windows-old-folder-delete.html


Be sure that you have everything backed up or installed on the computer before deleting.

Use an adminstrator account

 

[Braincandy]

I am the administrator.

 

[richc46]

Great, from that account see if you can delete the files, following the instrucions in the tutorial.

 

[Braincandy]

Sorry didn't notice the that it was a link. Paying proper attention now. However when running disk cleanup it skips step 3 and goes straight to the drive selection. Select C, then to step 9. where the only option which shows up is recycle bin.

 

[Braincandy]

Follwed the Administrator Account instructions all the way through. New admin account and password created. No change in the options available

 

[richc46]

I will get you infor on that. Prob first thing tomorrow.

 

[Braincandy]

Thanks. No hurry i am GMT +8 and it's Friday. Not going to be worrying too much about the comp for a few days. The whiskey is calling Have a good weekend.

 

[richc46]

I have given this matter thought and this is what I think, although it will not make you too happy, but it is for the best. The best way to have one is to format and reinstall. I know that you have the expertise to install an OS as you did it just yesterday. During the install follow these instructions to format and change the partitions (that is the important part), which is the step that you did not do the last time.
Installing and reinstalling Windows Vista

You may want to make a copy of your hard drive, so that you can easily use it in case of a problem. You can download this free software and make a copy of your OS that you want to keep.
http://www.paragon-software.com/home/db-express/

 

[Braincandy]

The anoying thing is that if i could simply delete that bl**dy folder i would have enough space on my existing c partition to do the install. I had no option to just upgrade or refresh my existing installation. Everything was fine until a yesterday when i got a message saying "this pre release version of windows wil epire in 48hrs" (or something along those lines) is that the people who sold me the laptop cutting corners? Should windows expire after a few years?

This rig really needs replacing. On the first installation yesterday it over heated and shorted out at about 95%. Makes things a lot more fustrating

 

[richc46]

If you bought a new computer with Windows installed, the OS is not suppose to expire. You are paying for the computer hardware and software, they are yours to use and keep for as long as the computer works.

On the other hand if you got a computer and software for a price very much lower than the market rate and the vendor was on EBay or selling from the back of a van, then let the buyer beware.

I am very sorry that you are having this problem.

 

[richc46]

I understand your frustration and will try all that I know to help. This looks like it may work:

How do I remove Windows.old in Vista? | Tech Off | Channel 9