Duplicate of Program Files(x86)

[WolfzHound]

So, I downgraded from Windows 8.1 to Windows 7 recently and kept all my files. The install told me it would go to a folder called 'Windows.old'

I found all of the files and copied them over, no problem.

But, today, I realised that in My Documents, there was ANOTHER copy of my Program Files(x86). I was tempted to delete it but I was worried that it'd seriously mess up my files.

If it's already been copied back from Windows.old, I should be able to delete these files?

 

[drtweak]

are you sure they are named exactly the same? check spacing and everything. If its for the old OS then it shouldn't be an issue but not sure. I've honestly never done an "Upgrade" only clean installs.

 

[ArtPog]

I assume you're working with a single drive.

1. First of all you, i.e., any PC user, should ALWAYS maintain a comprehensive backup of one's entire system - OS and all other data. This can be accomplished through a disk-cloning program and another "destination" drive for the clone that can be either internally installed in the PC (if one is working with a desktop PC) or externally as a USB external drive.

2. I mention the above because your query raises ANOTHER reason why it's important that you should consider a disk-cloning program. Here you're considering what could be a major change in the configuration of your boot drive. And you're wise enough to be suspicious that making that change may cause serious problems with your system. Possibly to the extent that by making the change you're contemplating you may wind up with a dysfunctional system. A system that's possibly unbootable. It might happen.

3. So how can one protect himself against that possibility? Simple. By cloning the contents of your present drive to another drive as explained in 1. & 2. above. Now you have a PRECISE copy of your current drive - for all practical purposes a bit-for-bit copy. So now you can work with the clone and make whatever changes you desire...WITH THE FULL KNOWLEDGE THAT IF THINGS GO AWRY AND DON'T WORK OUT AS YOU ENVISIONED, NO HARM HAS BEEN DONE TO YOUR SYSTEM SINCE YOU'VE WORKED ONLY WITH A CLONE OF YOUR WORKING SYSTEM. Capiche?

Are you with me?