windows.old

[mixmaster]

ok, due to numerous computer problems, I had my computer reset a few times.

Each time it was reset, it created a file in my C:/ drive called "windows.old", and "windows.old.0000" (one for my first reset, one for the other)

NOW... they are MASSIVE folders and take up most of the space on my computer as well as contain a few viruses which were the REASON I had to reset.

I would like to delete them, and know how. What I would LIKE to know though, is...

is there anything in those folders that the computer would need that would cause something important to stop functioning if I deleted them? I googled this and looked around, but can't find the answer.


thanks much!

[Salaga]

Mike, I just had to do the same on my work computer. It's much easier, I think, to back up or write on DVD all files you actually need and then restore PC to factory settings, then do it like you did.

[mixmaster]

Mike, I just had to do the same on my work computer. It's much easier, I think, to back up or write on DVD all files you actually need and then restore PC to factory settings, then do it like you did.

ok, thanks.

I just took what I needed out of those folders and got rid of the rest.

[CRASH]

Those windows.old files are just that, files from the "old install of windows" . Unless you need to recover any of the files you can delete them all without it affecting anything on the new install. Sometimes it may say you do not have permission to delete(or it may only delete part of) or move those files, you need to go into the property of those file and take ownership of them first, before you can do anything with them.