Help with "Windows.Old"

Liquiduk · 3 May 2011 at 20:38

Just a quick question, I am currently re-installing Windows 7 Ultimate (64bit) on my computer, It had been installed previously and I chose the same partition to re-install it on and it popped with a message saying my old files would be saved on "Windows.Old" which I could access.

My question to you guys is, What exactly does this mean? Can I access these files with ease? Will I have to re-install all of my programs again? Will it take up much space (I know that question is relative to what I have on it but lets say I had a full HDD would it save all of it?).

Finally will it slow down this new OS im installing?

Any replies will be appreciated,

Thanks Guys!

d_brennen · 3 May 2011 at 20:45

Windows.old will take up however much space your last install took. It won't slow down the new install, you can browse to it via Computer > C: > Windows.old. Programs will need reinstalling on your new OS

Should you want to get rid of the files, you may find Windows won't let you, even in safe mode. Ubuntu run from a live CD has no such qualms

something daft already!! · 3 May 2011 at 20:47

It means you can still access your old user profile files and transfer them across before removing it with disk cleanup.

Liquiduk · 3 May 2011 at 20:50

ubuntu ran from a live CD eh? Is ubuntu software that will allow me to remove these old files?

PhillyDee · 3 May 2011 at 21:00

No, ubuntu is a linux Operating System seperate completely from windows. You will probably just be able to delete windows.old without issue. If not, then you will need another way.