Removing the folder: windows.old from windows 7

[Jesus2]

I was earlier using a Zenith laptop. I had installed Windows XP on it as it had a very low system specifications. I then switched from Windows XP to the latest Windows 7 operating system 32-Bit version. I was really impressed by the performance and features and hence bought the new Windows 7 64-Bit version and also a new Acer Aspire laptop for it. But I had initially installed the 32 Bit version to check if the laptop works fine and then I installed the 64 Bit version. The problem is that I am unable to remove the folder Windows.old from my computer. Also tell me what is exactly in the windows.old folder contents? Please reply.

[Glenny]

To delete the instances of the previous operating system follow the following steps correctly as mentioned:

1. Open the Start menu by clicking the Windows Button on your keyboard which is in between Ctrl and Alt keys on the left side of the space bar.
2. In the search box you need to fill as disk cleanup.
3. Now click enter and then proceed to Disk Cleanup.
4. In the next window of Disk Cleanup choose Files from all users on this computer.
5. Then in the User Account Control window, click on Continue.
6. Make a selection against Previous Windows installation(s) and proceed by clicking OK button.

This will help you to delete the old windows instances- windows.old from your system as it also helped me also.

[Sam.D]

When you install a new version or even re-install a current Windows it is bound to overlap the existing one or it would include to Windows together. As in your case the older 32-bit version is overlapped by the new 64-bit version. The files of the Old version are contained in this windows.old folder. The contents of this includes:

• Windows
• Program Files
• Documents and Settings
• Users

Before deleting any such operating system folder have a backup of all the necessary files.

[Jesus2]

I have been able to delete the window.old folder successfully. Thanks to your advise and suggestions. Also thank you for providing information on the same. I had no clue that this file contained the earlier Windows Contents. May that I had not uninstalled the earlier 32-bit version of Windows 7 which is why the windows.old folder was created.