Can't delete folders or files

[Robert]

Hi,

I've recently done a clean install of VISTA Ultimate on a new hard disk.
This is an upgrade copy, so I used the "old" disk and ran it from there.
Vista runs on the C drive now, but I can't free up space on the "old" D drive
because I can't delete the Windows folder or any of the files or folders in
it. I'm denied access. Tried the Administrator account trick. Tried
everything. Disk clean up tool. This is my biggest complaint with running
VISTA for the past year: I can't access my own computer because I'm told I
don't have permission! I built them, I run a home network of 3 machines and
I'm continually told I don't have permission to do what I want or need to do.
UAC is off. Any help to overcome this continual problem with VISTA would be
appreciated.

Thanks,

Robert

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[Rick Rogers]

Hi Robert,

It has nothing to do with Vista, the same problem would exist with WinXP or
Win2000. It's about permissions. Right click the folder and choose
properties. Go to the Security tab, click on advanced. On the ownership tab
click edit. Locate your account and select it. Enable the line to replace
the owner on all subfolders and containers, click apply/ok. It will take
some time to propagate. Exit the folder properties and you should then be
able to remove it.

[BillD]

enable the UAC, so you will be able to get the right permissions via UAC
elevation prompt that will appear automatically.

[DLoyd]

My understanding of your post is that vista will not allow deletion of
windows system files even though the files are on another drive and not your
current (active) C:\. I have used several tools that are free to boot to a
cd and/or usb drive. Since they boot from the usb/cd drive vista has no
control over anything that's going on. you can completely erase every file
on any disk you need. Most use a Linux based system. My personal favorite
is Pendrivelinux, but KNOPPIX is another good one. As well, I have heard
that Bart's PE, will work on Vista (not sure though). Don't know if these
are what you might need. Links below:
http://www.pendrivelinux.com/
http://www.knopper.net/knoppix/index-en.html
http://www.nu2.nu/pebuilder/