Question Old Windows Files After Formatting

[Marnad]

Hello folks,

I had a driver problem that caused a BSOD with an infinite boot loop. I endlessly tried driver removals through command prompt (using Windows repair mode) with no success.

Anyhow, I have two drives: 1 SSD (drive C:) through a SATA cable and one NVMe (drive E:). Windows 10 was initially on the NVMe - drive E:. I reformatted drive C: and performed a fresh install of Windows 10.

Now, the NVMe (drive E:) still has all of my Steam folders and games, which launch fine, but I also have a bunch of redundant folders and Windows files remaining. Could I delete everything except for the file path that leads to and includes all of my Steam data? Or, am I asking for trouble?

If anyone has experience with this, please advise. Thanks!

 

[USAFRet]

The best method would be to move your Steam collection to some other drive.
Then, completely wipe out all partitions on the NVMe. Simple 'delete' in File Manager won't do the deed.
Then, copy the Steam folder back to the NVMe.

But first, show us a screencap of the current Disk Management window.

Also, did you do this new OS install with both drives physically connected?
Does the system boot up with ONLY the new SSD?

 

[Marnad]

Thank you for the suggestion. I could try disconnecting the NVMe and then boot up to see what happens. I believe I did have both installed during the fresh Windows 10 install. The regular SSD shows the Windows logo on it.

 

[kerberos_20]

nvme is on last boot order path on every mainboards ive ever seens so far, so boot files should be on sata drive, which leaves nvme safe for wipe

 

[USAFRet]

nvme is on last boot order path on every mainboards ive ever seens so far, so boot files should be on sata drive, which leaves nvme safe for wipe

Nothing is safe to delete until tested not needed.

 

[kerberos_20]

Nothing is safe to delete until tested not needed.

that is true, wish microsoft added checker box in format/drive properties options to disable boot on selected drive..that would make it simpler, no clue why all drives are active by default