Windows.old deleting method when using an SSD?

[f2k8]

So, I've just upgraded to Windows 8.1 and want to delete my Windows.old from Windows 7, I've saved all the files I need and there's still 16GB+ left in that folder, but it won't let me delete it manually.

I've tried the command prompt, but because I'm using my SSD as my OS drive (system drive), and using my HDD as a storage drive (which contains windows.old), I don't think it's finding it. Also tried 'Disk Cleanup' but that won't find 'old windows files'.

I think there may be a command I could use, but I don't know what it is, can someone give me a hand? Thanks.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

http://filehippo.com/download_unlocker

 

[mbarnes86]

Hi

Normally I would use disk cleanup

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/delete-files-using-disk-cleanup#delete-files-using-disk-cleanup=windows-8

Which seems to be there in XP onwards

This gets over the file ownership problems to remove files windows backs up incase you need them in an emergency
If the upgrade to 8 failed a means of rolling back to 7 instead of re installing from scratch is usefull but a few weeks later is of no use


This is a different problem to files which are locked by some as yet unknown program

Such as saying you USB stick is in use and can not be safely removed

Regards

Mike Barnes

 

[Chicano]

Files from a previous OS are normally inaccessible, you have to take ownership to delete them...
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc753659.aspx

The windows.old folder can even be created if you started to install Windows 8 and cancelled, then started it again. Each cancelled installation can be classified as from an old OS... so files there may not be from a previous installation. I have cancelled the installation several times in a row due to some issues and later found two windows.old folders.
In such instances you can delete them straight from the context menu.