How to take "Full Control" of a System File In Order to Delete It?

[Avagadro1]

I just built a new computer and fresh-installed Windows 10.

Lots of work setting up and moving programs and files to where they belong.

Of course, directly under my “C:” folder is the “Windows” folder. But I also have a folder titled “Windows.old”, which contains lots of Windows stuff (though they may not be operative).

I did not create this “Windows.old” folder. I want to delete it, but cannot because it is a “System” folder that needs special permission. I asked about this problem earlier and received a reply or two, including a link to instructions to take control of ANY designated file. It did not work.

Using the Windows “Disk Cleanup” tool was also suggested; that did not work. I need to gain “Full Control” of this directory, and the instructions I received do not work.

Three questions:
(1) Where can I find accurate instructions to take full control of this “Windows.old” file?
(2) Where did this folder come from, i.e., how was it created? (I just built the machine and dis a clean install of Windows.)
(3) Am I correct that it can be deleted?

Can anyone help?

Thank you.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

http://www.laptopmag.com/articles/delete-windows-old-folder
Is this the method you used?

 

[USAFRet]

Windows.old can only be deleted through Disk Cleanup.
It was created because there was a previous Windows install on that drive.

Which OS is this?

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

http://www.nextofwindows.com/how-to-remove-windows-old-when-disk-cleanup-not-showing-previous-windows-installations
How To Remove Windows.old When Disk Cleanup Not Showing Previous Windows Installations

 

[Avagadro1]

http://www.laptopmag.com/articles/delete-windows-old-folder
Is this the method you used?

________________________________________________________

Yes, but it leaves behind the following:

Windows.old \ Windows \ System32 \ Drivers \ intcDAud.sys
Windows.old \ Windows \ System32 \ DriverStore \ FileRepository \ intcdaud.inf_amd64 . . .

The intcDAd files cannot be deleted, and thus the "Windows.old" folder cannot be deleted.
And I looked into the "active" Windows System32\Drivers folder and do not see the intcDAud file. So I assume intcDAud is being used even though it's in the "Windows.old" directory.

But I really don't know.

Any help appreciated.

 

[W Fallon]

I remember answering this before.

I delete windows.old files for people all the time, for PC's with small drives.

Here's the directions:

https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc753659.aspx

Win 10 will delete them over time. I believe that they will be gone after 28 days.

Bill