[SOLVED] What files are safe to delete from my HDD (OS on another drive)?

[DOOGLAK]

Hi,
I just installed a new SSD onto my computer and now have the following setup:

1) C: (SSD containing OS and some programs/games/applications --> 250GB)​

2) H: (HDD containing some programs/games/applications --> 2TB)​

3) S: (SSD that is completely empty --> 2TB)​

​

I'm trying to move pretty much everything over to the new 2TB SSD [S:] and clean up my file system. I was wondering what all is safe to delete from this list on my HDD [H:]? I don't plan to delete anything on my C: since it has my OS and I don't want to mess anything up there, but I figure there should be some stuff I can delete on my HDD to put it in a state where I can organize it from a point where it's near-empty.

This is what is on my HDD as of now:

$AV_ASW (hidden folder, contains $VAULT and two .DAT files inside that)​

DeliveryOptimization (contains cache folder which is empty)​

DOOGLAK (folder with my name on it, contains empty picture/music folders, document folder with some cc_#######_######.reg files)​

Program Files (Empty Folder)​

Program Files (x86) (Empty Folder)​

Software Distribution (Contains DeliveryOptimization folder which is Empty)​

WindowsApps (Contains some random folders such as HPPrinterControl, Deleted which is Empty, and a few other randomly named folders)​

WpSystem (Contains some folders with the same named items as in WindowsApps)​

WUDownloadCache (Empty Folder)​

globaldata.ini​

SOFT_REPAIR (0KB File)​

VC_RED.MSI​

vcredist.bmp​

​

I'm hoping I can delete all of these items.

Thanks!

 

[USAFRet]

First, you test.
Power OFF
Disconnect the HDD in question
Power UP and see if it boots or what breaks.

Assuming it boots properly and nothing else is broken...

Find any personal files you wish to keep.
Move them elsewhere
Then wipe that drive completely.

 

[DOOGLAK]

Ah dang that probably is the best way to test it... unfortunately taking apart my PC is a huge task at the moment (would require removing GPU and a ton of wiring just to get the HDD out) so I was wondering if there's any other way to test it without actually opening up my PC.

I did just create a restore point if that matters.

If you can't think of anything I'll probably just leave it be since I don't even have a screwdriver at the moment to open up my case.

 

[USAFRet]

You don't have to "remove" the HDD, just disconnect it. SATA data cable, at either the drive end or the motherboard end.

But testing is really the only safe way to know what might happen.
Randomly deleting things often leads to tears.

 

[DOOGLAK]

Well, I guess I'll wait until I can open up the case.

I take it in the same vein I probably cant move it all into its own folder (aside from the hidden file) without causing tears?

Such as naming a folder in the drive "temp items" and dropping everything in said folder.

 

[USAFRet]

Well, I guess I'll wait until I can open up the case.

I take it in the same vein I probably cant move it all into its own folder (aside from the hidden file) without causing tears?

Such as naming a folder in the drive "temp items" and dropping everything in said folder.

That's a partial test.
There may be other partitions that you can't see in File Explorer.

 

[DOOGLAK]

That's a partial test.
There may be other partitions that you can't see in File Explorer.

So I could try that and if anything stops working move it back out of the folder?

Thanks.

 

[USAFRet]

So I could try that and if anything stops working move it back out of the folder?

Thanks.

Yes, but physical disconnection is the One True Way.

You don't have a screwdriver around?

 

[DOOGLAK]

Yes, but physical disconnection is the One True Way.

You don't have a screwdriver around?

Nope unfortunately not haha... had a friend bring one over when I was installing the SSD just a few days ago, but he took it with him. Should have cleaned the HDD then but wasn't thinking about it.

 

[AtotehZ]

Even the most cheap tools would be helpful whenever you need to deal with computers, or so many other things. A cheap set of tools can cost you as little as $10.

I'm thinking back on all the times I've needed my tools and can feel the frustration build thinking of not having had them when I needed them.
Showing you this to show you that buying a kit isn't the end of the world. The how, if and when is up to you:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0742LYHTG

Good luck with your problem 😉