Windows 10 - Can't delete some files?

davewhite04 · 7 Aug 2017 at 16:18

Hi all,

I'm trying to tidy up my "New" laptop already, the c drive is almost full somehow, I've just updated Windows...

Anyway, I've used "Cleanup" to get rid of system upgrade files etc. and that got me 3 gb back, but I'm trying to delete a folder called "Windows.old" which is over 21gb. Windows tells me I can't and mentions "System". I'm using the username I created to set the machine up with, so it's admin.

Is there someone out there who can solve this problem for me?

Thanks

P.S I've tried google but the answers are just misleading and out of context generally.

davewhite04 · 7 Aug 2017 at 18:08

Unfortunately Windows.old doesn't show up in Cleanup. I should have just kept my self tidying up Mac at this rate!

OneDrive took up over 30GB btw, so moved it to my other HDD.

davewhite04 · 7 Aug 2017 at 23:32

ver01@ said:
Start deleting subdirectories. There will be only a couple of files that prevent you from deleting the whole folder. Once you are left with only these files do a restart and then try again.

This doesn't work either. Now I realise I've wasted £800 on a Windows 10 laptop, worst OS ever. Keeping my AirBook methinks, can't be bothered with a computer that does not do as it is told, basically. Basic operation, delete a redundant folder, no can do. Silly.

davewhite04 · 8 Aug 2017 at 09:38

markweatherill said:
I reckon if you persist with Windows you will at least have the satisfaction of finding several more opportunities to repeat the above. You can really get a sulk on!

But to get over this obstacle, try downloading CCleaner (free). It has the option to clean 'old Windows installation'.

Well CCleaner deleted most of the Windows.old directory now the laptop won't boot up. Solution is to install my own version of Windows 10 or a refund, leaning towards a refund.

davewhite04 · 10 Aug 2017 at 13:33

Thanks all. I've returned the laptop, it was an MSI. I would have done a clean/fresh install if it was second hand but not taking any chances when I've paid almost 1k for it.

RIP Windows 10 for beginners who want to recover space from completely unnecessary directories, or badly named ones at the very least.

davewhite04 · 13 Aug 2017 at 01:32

You can't do anything if it no longer boots into Windows not even after a repair. Morons. I am a MacBook Air fanboy, it's an amazing laptop with not 1 problem in years but not too good on games. I'll use my consoles and my PC rig for games. Terrible experience for 1 folder.

davewhite04 · 13 Aug 2017 at 09:44

i bow down to the heroes of overclockers forum for their heroic virtual comments that have me fearing for my life! thanks for all the constructive criticism! you are all Geniuses! but you thought that in anyway, just official that's all.

davewhite04 · 13 Aug 2017 at 23:09

ron3003 said:
Wouldn't a £800 "new" laptop come with Windows 10 these days? Why would it even have a Windows.old folder?
Sounds like you've upgraded a Win7/8 system to Win10, something doesn't seem right?

Didn't upgrade mate, massive Windows Update as soon as I set the machine up, took hours. 128gb SSD, <20gb free. The problem, like I mentioned was mainly OneDrive, but tried the Cleaner method and it didn't work no matter what option I tried. Tried deleting folders individually as someone suggested, didn't work. Eventually the laptop just stopped working which seems to suggest the windows.old directory was actually important. Thanks for being mature