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Can't Delete Windows.old

Answered Can't Delete Windows.old

  • Thursday, February 07, 2013 7:24 PM
     
     
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    We have an old file server that hadn't been used in almost 2 years. I wanted to use it as a testing server for backups. I formatted the drive and installed Server 2008 on it but I still see a Windows.old folder, which is around 80GB. When I try to delete it, I get errors saying that files are in use, which can't be the case. The only thing in the Windows.old folder are our users My Documents. Is there another way that I can get rid of the folder to free up that space? I've also tried using Disk Cleanup but it's not listed in there.
     

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  • Thursday, February 07, 2013 7:53 PM
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    Take ownership of Windows.old folder, grant full access to your user account in NTFS security permissions, once done, try deleting the folder.

    Also, have a look at following discussion

    http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en/w7itproinstall/thread/a88eca16-2cc6-421c-94fc-f444b9efa889

    Regards, Santosh

    I do not represent the organisation I work for, all the opinions expressed here are my own.

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    • Marked As Answer by pantherguy Thursday, February 07, 2013 8:21 PM
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  • Thursday, February 07, 2013 8:21 PM
     
     
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    Thanks. I was able to delete it after taking ownership.
     
  • Thursday, February 07, 2013 8:36 PM
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    Thanks. I was able to delete it after taking ownership.
    You are welcome.

    Regards, Santosh

    I do not represent the organisation I work for, all the opinions expressed here are my own.

    This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties or guarantees and confers no rights.

    Whenever you see a helpful reply, click on Alternate Text Vote As Helpful & click on Alternate Text Mark As Answer if a post answers your question.